scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors associated with cat parasites in Italy: a multicenter study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Genchi ◽  
Alice Vismarra ◽  
Stefania Zanet ◽  
Simone Morelli ◽  
Roberta Galuppi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Private Households ◽  
Health Concept

Abstract Background Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence. Methods Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk. Results The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment. Conclusions Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human–animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept. Graphical abstract

Multicentre Study of Endo-Ectoparasite Infection in Italian Cats

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Genchi ◽  
ALICE VISMARRA ◽  
STEFANIA ZANET ◽  
SIMONE MORELLI ◽  
ROBERTA GALUPPI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Private Households ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The One

Abstract BackgroundParasites infecting cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods. Many are also transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on knowledge of parasite distribution and risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and risk factors associated with their occurrence.MethodsOver a 12-month study period, thirteen study centers across Italy analyzed feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats coming from feral colonies, shelters and private households. Samples from cats (n=987) were analyzed by all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for identification of predictors of risk. ResultsThe overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) and bronco-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). T. cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by hookworms (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, A. abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites. The most common were fleas 29.4% (290/987), followed by ear mites O. cynotis 9.8% (97/987).Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of anti-parasitic treatment.ConclusionBoth ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ecto-parasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept.

scholarly journals Evidence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs from households in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. I. Patterson ◽  
G. Elia ◽  
A. Grassi ◽  
A. Giordano ◽  
C. Desario ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Antibody Titers

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 emerged from animals and is now easily transmitted between people. Sporadic detection of natural cases in animals alongside successful experimental infections of pets, such as cats, ferrets and dogs, raises questions about the susceptibility of animals under natural conditions of pet ownership. Here, we report a large-scale study to assess SARS-CoV-2 infection in 919 companion animals living in northern Italy, sampled at a time of frequent human infection. No animals tested PCR positive. However, 3.3% of dogs and 5.8% of cats had measurable SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers, with dogs from COVID-19 positive households being significantly more likely to test positive than those from COVID-19 negative households. Understanding risk factors associated with this and their potential to infect other species requires urgent investigation.

scholarly journals Risk Factors Associated with Subclinical Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus—Cambodia, 2006

2009 ◽  
Vol 199 (12) ◽  
pp. 1744-1752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirenda Vong ◽  
Sowath Ly ◽  
Maria D. Van Kerkhove ◽  
Jenna Achenbach ◽  
Davun Holl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
H5n1 Virus ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Factors Associated

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in free-range chickens in the semiarid region of Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvio Gomes de Sá ◽  
Müller Ribeiro-Andrade ◽  
Luana Thamires Rapôso Silva ◽  
Orestes Luiz de Souza Neto ◽  
Débora Costa Viegas Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Family Farms ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the frequency of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum from 629 chickens on 39 family farms in seven municipalities in the semiarid region, Pernambuco, Brazil, and to identify risk factors associated with T. gondii infection. The risk factors were studied in 421 samples from 29 farms. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were investigated by indirect fluorescent antibody test with a 1:16 cutoff. The frequency of positive chickens was 27.9% (176/629) and 94.8% of the farms studied had chickens infected by T. gondii. Multivariate analysis showed variables significantly associated with anti-T. gondii antibodies in serum: slaughter of animals on the farm, reproductive disorders in sheep, consumption of fetal adnexa and placentas by chickens, presence of sheep in the property and birth of sheep the property. The results suggest that there is a complex relationship between general management practices for different animal species raised on the same farm and the prevalence of T. gondii infection in chickens. In addition, the results draw attention to the risk of human infection by T. gondii via consumption of infected chicken meat, because the farming conditions and the low human development indices observed in the region studied result in inappropriate meat preparation practices.

scholarly journals Potential Risk Factors Associated with Infection with Bovine Leukaemia Virus in Dairy and Beef Cattle in Taiwan

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1553
Author(s):  
Yi-Chen Chen ◽  
Wen-Yu Chin ◽  
Chao-Chin Chang ◽  
Shih-Te Chuang ◽  
Wei-Li Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Infection Status ◽  
Bovine Leukaemia Virus ◽  
Leukaemia Virus ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
High Prevalence

Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), which is classified as a Deltaretrovirus, is the aetiologic agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder with a worldwide distribution. EBL is widespread in dairy herds and causes a direct economic impact due to reduced milk production and the early culling of BLV-infected cattle. The BLV infection status in Taiwan remains largely unknown; a high prevalence of BLV in dairy cows was recently revealed. The present study further investigated BLV infections in beef cattle. Surprisingly, the prevalence of BLV proviral DNA was as low as 11.8% (23/195), which is significantly lower than that noted in dairy cows, which was 42.5% (102/240) (p < 0.001). Factors associated with BLV infections were subsequently investigated. Due to the differences in herd management, an analysis of risk factors for a BLV infection was independently conducted in these two sectors. Several factors associated with a BLV infection were identified. Age was significantly associated with BLV infection status in dairy cows (p < 0.001) but not in beef cattle. A high prevalence of BLV was observed in cattle >15.5 months old (57.8%) compared with those ≤15.5 months old (11.4%). Moreover, after stratification analysis, based on the critical age of 15.5 months, as determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a significantly higher BLV prevalence was demonstrated in lactating dairy cows, cattle undergoing bull breeding, heifers at older ages, and those undergoing routine rectal palpation. Due to the high prevalence of BLV in Taiwan, the development of an effective control program, based on the identified risk factors, is important for interrupting the routes of BLV transmission within herds.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and risk factors associated to Neospora caninum in dairy cattle herds in the municipality of Pasto, Colombia

2013 ◽  
pp. 3311-3316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darío Cedeño Q ◽  
Bibiana Benavides B
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Epidemiological Survey ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Cattle Herds

ABSTRACTObjective. To determine seroprevalence and risk factors associated to Neospora caninum in non-vaccinated dairy cattle against infectious agents of reproductive syndrome in the municipality of Pasto, Colombia. Materials and methods. Farms over 2527 meters over sea level were selected, a total of 238 serum samples of Holstein cows were collected and analyzed using the indirect ELISA test to determine N. caninum seropositivity. An epidemiological survey was realized in each herd which included variables related to health and management measures of cattle. A multivariate analysis of binary logistic regression was used with a confidence interval of 95% (p<0.05) using SPSS19® program. Results. The estimated prevalence of N. caninum was 76.9%. The risk factors associated to neosporosis infection in the analyzed farms are as follows: residues of abortions generally left outdoors and not buried (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.5 - 9.6); dogs fed with leftovers (OR 15.44 IC 95% 1.94-123.22) and bulls allowed to mate with cows (OR 19.68, 95% CI 2.34 - 165.52). Conclusions. The high prevalence of N. caninum and the low abortion rate in dairy herds of the municipality of Pasto corroborated no existence of the disease in all animals serologically positive, but it did suggest that at some point in their lives they were exposed to N. caninum. From the identified risk factors in this study, recommendations can be provided for an effective control of reproductive diseases like Neosporosis present in this region.

scholarly journals Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Malaria Transmission in Tubu Village, Northern Botswana

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elijah Chirebvu ◽  
Moses John Chimbari ◽  
Barbara Ntombi Ngwenya
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
History Of ◽  
House Structure ◽  
Malaria Episodes

This study investigated potential risk factors associated with malaria transmission in Tubu village, Okavango subdistrict, a malaria endemic area in northern Botswana. Data was derived from a census questionnaire survey, participatory rural appraisal workshop, field observations, and mosquito surveys. History of malaria episodes was associated with several factors: household income (P<0.05), late outdoor activities (OR = 7.016; CI = 1.786–27.559), time spent outdoors (P=0.051), travel outside study area (OR = 2.70; CI = 1.004–7.260), nonpossession of insecticide treated nets (OR = 0.892; CI = 0.797–0.998), hut/house structure (OR = 11.781; CI = 3.868–35.885), and homestead location from water bodies (P<0.05). No associations were established between history of malaria episodes and the following factors: being a farmer (P>0.05) and number of nets possessed (P>0.05). Eave size was not associated with mosquito bites (P>0.05), frequency of mosquito bites (P>0.05), and time of mosquito bites (P>0.05). Possession of nets was very high (94.7%). Close proximity of a health facility and low vegetation cover were added advantages. Some of the identified risk factors are important for developing effective control and elimination strategies involving the community, with limited resources.

scholarly journals Risk Factors Associated withHelicobacter pyloriInfection among Children in a Defined Geographic Area

2002 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria P. Dore ◽  
Hoda M. Malaty ◽  
David Y. Graham ◽  
Giuseppe Fanciulli ◽  
Giuseppe Delitala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Factors Associated

scholarly journals Trends in malaria prevalence and risk factors associated with the disease in Nkongho-mbeng; a typical rural setting in the equatorial rainforest of the South West Region of Cameroon

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251380
Author(s):  
Raymond Babila Nyasa ◽  
Esendege Luke Fotabe ◽  
Roland N. Ndip
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Housing Type ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

Globally, malaria in recent years has witnessed a decline in the number of cases and death, though the most recent world malaria report shows a slight decrease in the number of cases in 2018 compared to 2017 and, increase in 2017 compared to 2016. Africa remains the region with the greatest burden of the disease. Cameroon is among the countries with a very high burden of malaria, with the coastal and forest regions carrying the highest burden of the disease. Nkongho-mbeng is a typical rural setting in the equatorial rain forest region of Cameroon, with no existing knowledge of the epidemiology of malaria in this locality. This study aimed at determining the current status of malaria epidemiology in Nkongho-mbeng. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, during which blood samples were collected from 500 participants and examined by microscopy. Risk factors such as, age, sex, duration of stay in the locality, housing type, environmental sanitation and intervention strategies including use of, LLINs and drugs were investigated. Trends in malaria morbidity were also determined. Of the 500 samples studied, 60 were positive, giving an overall prevalence of 12.0% with the prevalence of asymptomatic infection (10.8%), more than quadruple the prevalence of symptomatic infections (1.2%) and, fever burden not due to malaria was 1.4%. The GMPD was 6,869.17 parasites/μL of blood (95% C.I: 4,977.26/μL– 9,480.19/μL). A LLINs coverage of 84.4% and 77.88% usage was observed. Unexpectedly, the prevalence of malaria was higher among those sleeping under LLINs (12.56%) than those not sleeping under LLINs (8.97%), though the difference was not significant (p = 0.371). Being a male (p = 0.044), being unemployed (p = 0.025) and, living in Mbetta (p = 0.013) or Lekwe (p = 0.022) and the presence bushes around homes (p = 0.002) were significant risk factors associated with malaria infection. Trends in proportion demonstrated that, the prevalence of malaria amongst patients receiving treatment in the health center from 2015 to 2019 decreased significantly (p < 0.001) and linearly from 9.74% to 3.08% respectively. Data generated from this study can be exploited for development of a more effective control measures to curb the spread of malaria within Nkongho-mbeng.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with cat parasites in a feline medical center

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 205511692110331
Author(s):  
Tamara Libertad Iturbe Cossío ◽  
Azucena Danae Montes Luna ◽  
Magdalena Ruiz Mejia ◽  
Ariadna Flores Ortega ◽  
Rafel Heredia Cárdenas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Cryptosporidium Species ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Dipylidium Caninum ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Objectives The present study was carried out to evaluate the risk factors for and presence of intestinal parasites in cats at the feline hospital ‘CEME Gatos’, Mexico City. Methods In total, 528 fecal samples from domestic cats were collected and analyzed in order to diagnose enteroparasites. Results The parasite with the highest prevalence was Giardia species (21.97%), followed by Cryptosporidium species (7%), Toxocara cati (6.45%), Cystoisospora species (5.11%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.76%). One hundred and twenty-one cats (55.50%) were infected with a single parasite, 80 (36.69%) were infected with two and 17 (14.04%) were infected with three parasites. The results of the prevalence study showed that a liquid consistency of feces was associated with the presence of Giardia species, whereas age <7 months and mucus in the stool were factors associated with the prevalence of Cystoisospora species. Regarding T cati, the associated risk factors were age <7 months, being male, contact with other animal species and access to the outdoors. The last factor was strongly associated with the presence of T cati (eight times more likely) in outdoor cats’ feces. Brushing frequency was also an associated factor: T cati was present in cats that were never brushed. The results of the analysis of cats infected with D caninum showed that interaction with other species was a risk factor for infection. Conclusions and relevance Age <7 months, mucus in feces, living with other animal species, outdoor access and frequency of brushing are risk factors for the presence of parasites.

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