Giardia duodenalis found in 6.3% of more than 157 thousand cats tested, most often in kittens
Researchers analysed fecal samples from more than 157 thousand cats: strains able to infect humans made up 18.5% of positive cases, about 1.2% of all cats tested.
Researchers have found that domestic cats can carry Giardia duodenalis, a parasite that can cause giardiasis in humans, according to cursorinfo.co.il. The team tested more than 157 thousand cat fecal samples and got a positive result in about one animal in sixteen. Strains dangerous to humans were found in 18.5% of those cases, which is roughly 1.2% of all cats examined cursorinfo.co.il
cursorinfo.co.ilcursorinfo.co.ilOpen source ↗. The parasite was detected most often in kittens.
According to Science Alert, giardiasis usually runs without obvious symptoms. In some infected people it causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and general weakness.
Age, sex and season
Giardia duodenalis was found in 9962 of more than 157 thousand cats tested, or 6.3%. Among kittens the share of positive tests reached 10.7%, while among cats older than ten years it was only 1.3%. The scientists suggest this is linked to stronger acquired immunity in adult animals, as well as to housing conditions and the behavior of cats of different ages.
The parasite was somewhat more common in males. In adult animals, infection was recorded more often in unneutered males and unspayed females than in neutered and spayed pets, while among kittens the opposite pattern was seen. Season also played a role: in winter the parasite was detected in 8.1% of samples, in summer in 4.6% cursorinfo.co.il
cursorinfo.co.ilcursorinfo.co.ilOpen source ↗. The authors explain this by Giardia cysts surviving longer in a cool, damp environment.
Regional differences
The highest overall infection rate was recorded in the US Midwest, at 7.8%. In the northeast of the country, however, positive samples contained the largest share of strains able to pass to humans, 21.6%.
The authors note that the prevalence of the parasite points to the need for regular fecal examination of domestic cats, especially those already in the higher-risk group for infection. Earlier, Kursor reported that domestic cats can carry a parasite that causes beaver fever in humans. This disease is related to giardiasis, and more than a million cases are recorded annually in the US alone.
