Toxocara cati infections in domestic cats from two communities in south-western Nigeria

Abstract

An epidemiological survey was undertaken to study the prevalence and intensity of infection with Toxocara cati in some selected domestic cats from two communities in south-western Nigeria. Faecal samples of 200 cats were collected through a direct rectal swab using a long forceps from households with cat from Ode Irele and Oyo communities between April and September 2008 and examined for eggs of T. cati using a modified Kato-katz technique. An overall prevalence of 48.5% was recorded for T. cati infection. The overall mean intensity of T. cati infection as determined by eggs per gram of faeces (epg) was 387.20 ± 101.20. The highest prevalence of infection was recorded in cats above 48 months (> 48 months old). There was no significant difference in prevalence and intensity of infections between male and female cats (p>0.05). The prevalence of T. cati was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Ode Irele Community (65%) than in Oyo Community (32%). Due to high prevalence of T. cati recorded in these communities, it is necessary that public health authorities and pet owners in these communities pay more attention to T. cati infection, and that the general public is educated on the hazards and zoonotic importance of this parasite.

Keywords: Toxocara cati, visceral larva migrans, prevalence, cat, south-western Nigeria.