A Survey of Gastrointestinal Helminthes Parasites in Domestic cats of Morogoro, Tanzania: Zoonotic Implications

Abstract

Background and Aims: Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites of domestic cats are routinely diagnosed and significantly pose potential health threats for humans and animals. Studies on the GIT parasites of domestic cats have received little interest in Tanzania—the current study aimed at investigating the prevalence of GIT parasites in domestic cats. Study design: This is a cross-sectional study design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in selected urban regions of Morogoro, Tanzania, between March and December 2022. Methodology: A total of 120 healthy cats' fecal swabs were collected, processed by egg concentration procedures, and examined. Results: Out of 120 fecal swabs tested, 59 (49.2%: 95% CI=40.1–58.2) were found infected with 5 different parasites. The parasites detected were, Ancylostoma tubaeforme 27.5% (95% CI=19.4%–35.6%), Uncinaria stenocephala 20% (95% CI=12.7%–27.3%), Taenia taeniaeformis 17.5% (95% CI=10.6%–24.4%) and 7.5% (95% CI=2.7%–12.3%) each for Physaloptera spp. and Toxocara cati. Conclusion: The presence of GIT parasites especially of zoonotic potential such as hookworms, Uncinaria stenocephala, and roundworms, Toxocara cati in domestic cats are of great significance to public health. Therefore, the control and treatment of parasites in cats are necessary in order to minimize the source and transmission of parasites in animals and the exposure of humans to zoonotic agents.