Role of cats in human toxocarosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Pablo David Jimenez Castro ◽  
Sarah GH Sapp
Keyword(s):  
Definitive Host ◽  
Human Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Paratenic Hosts

Toxocara cati, the feline ascarid, is ubiquitous in domestic cats globally and is increasingly recognised as an important zoonotic species. In the definitive host, infections with the adult ascarid usually do not present any clinical signs; if clinical signs do appear, it is usually in kittens infected with T. cati, especially by the transmammary route. Diseases may include cachexia, a pot-bellied appearance, respiratory disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting, among other signs, and these may present as early as 3 weeks of age. However, infections with Toxocara spp. larvae in paratenic hosts (including humans and many other animals), can result in serious complications from the migration of larvae. Historically, there has been an assumption that Toxocara canis was the most likely cause of Toxocara spp.-related disease; while it is probably true that T. canis is responsible for the majority of infections, it is important that those caused by T. cati are accurately identified so that the contribution of this parasite to human disease can be established and then handled appropriately. Overall, the detection of infections in cats and the control of parasite stages in the environment are essential to minimise the infection risk to other animals or humans.

Role of cats in human toxocarosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 400-408
Author(s):  
Pablo David Jimenez Castro ◽  
Sarah GH Sapp
Keyword(s):  
Definitive Host ◽  
Human Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Paratenic Hosts

Toxocara cati, the feline ascarid, is ubiquitous in domestic cats globally and is increasingly recognised as an important zoonotic species. In the definitive host, infections with the adult ascarid usually do not present any clinical signs; if clinical signs do appear, it is usually in kittens infected with T. cati, especially by the trans-mammary route. Diseases may include cachexia, a pot-bellied appearance, respiratory disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting, among other signs, and these may present as early as 3 weeks of age. However, infections with Toxocara spp. larvae in paratenic hosts (including humans and many other animals), can result in serious complications from the migration of larvae. Historically, there has been an assumption that Toxocara canis was the most likely cause of Toxocara spp.-related disease; while it is probably true that T. canis is responsible for the majority of infections, it is important that those caused by T. cati are accurately identified so that the contribution of this parasite to human disease can be established and then handled appropriately. Overall, the detection of infections in cats and the control of parasite stages in the environment are essential to minimise the infection risk to other animals or humans.

scholarly journals Toxocara canis- and Toxocara cati-Induced Neurotoxocarosis is Associated with Comprehensive Brain Transcriptomic Alterations

2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Patrick Waindok ◽  
Elisabeth Janecek-Erfurth ◽  
Dimitri L. Lindenwald ◽  
Esther Wilk ◽  
Klaus Schughart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Biosynthesis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Paratenic Host ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Host Responses ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Transcription Analysis ◽  
Whole Genome Microarray ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Paratenic Hosts

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are globally occurring zoonotic roundworms of dogs and cats. Migration and persistence of Toxocara larvae in the central nervous system of paratenic hosts including humans may cause clinical signs of neurotoxocarosis (NT). As pathomechanisms of NT and host responses against Toxocara larvae are mostly unknown, whole-genome microarray transcription analysis was performed in cerebra and cerebella of experimentally infected C57Bl/6J mice as paratenic host model at days 14, 28, 70, 98, and 120 post-infection. Neuroinvasion of T. cati evoked 220 cerebral and 215 cerebellar differentially transcribed genes (DTGs), but no particular PANTHER (Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) pathway was affected. In T. canis-infected mice, 1039 cerebral and 2073 cerebellar DTGs were identified. Statistically significant dysregulations occurred in various pathways, including cholesterol biosynthesis, apoptosis signaling, and the Slit/Robo mediated axon guidance as well as different pathways associated with the immune and defense response. Observed dysregulations of the cholesterol biosynthesis, as well as the Alzheimer disease-amyloid secretase pathway in conjunction with previous histopathological neurodegenerative findings, may promote the discussion of T. canis as a causative agent for dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, results contribute to a deeper understanding of the largely unknown pathogenesis and host-parasite interactions during NT, and may provide the basis for prospective investigations evaluating pathogenic mechanisms or designing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Role of small mammals in the epidemiology of toxocariasis

Parasitology ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Dubinský ◽  
K. Havasiová-Reiterová ◽  
B. Peťko ◽  
I. Hovorka ◽  
O. Tomašovičová
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Paratenic Hosts ◽  
Rural Locality ◽  
Micromys Minutus

SUMMARYStudies were conducted on the role of small mammals in maintaining toxocariasis foci in urban, rural and montane biotopes. The lowest relative density of small mammals was recorded in the urban locality and the highest in the rural and montane localities. Anti-Toxocaraantibodies were most frequently detected in synanthropic and hemisynanthropic speciesMus musculus, Apodemus agrariusandMicromys minutus– 32·0, 30·4 and 25·0%, respectively. The highest seropositivity was found in small mammals from the urban and rural localities – 22·2 and 21·6%, respectively.Toxocara caniswas most prevalent in urban stray dogs (75·0%) and least prevalent in foxes from the montane locality (7·0%). The prevalence ofToxocara catiin cats at the urban, rural and montane localities was 66·2, 65·2 and 76·9%, respectively. In clinically healthy human populations, the highest seroprevalence was detected in the rural locality (14·0%). Children of the same area were 3 times more seropositive (12·9%) than those from the urban and montane localities (4·3 and 4·0%). Our studies suggest an important role for small mammals as paratenic hosts – reservoirs ofToxocaralarvae – in maintaining toxocariasis foci. In this respect toxocariasis may be classified as an anthropopurgic focal zoonosis.

Distribution of Toxocara infection in the environment and in definitive and paratenic hosts in Estonia

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heli Talvik ◽  
Epp Moks ◽  
Erika Mägi ◽  
T. Järvis ◽  
Illa Miller
Keyword(s):  
Rattus Norvegicus ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Larval Infection ◽  
Small Intestines ◽  
Paratenic Hosts ◽  
The Town ◽  
Home Territory

The aim of the study was to elucidate the distribution and possible transmission routes of Toxocara spp. infection in Estonia. Out of 454 faecal and sand samples collected from park lawns and sandpits in the town of Tartu, 19 were Toxocara positive (4.2%). Out of the 45 sandpit samples 17.8% were Toxocara positive. Cat faeces was found in 21 sandpit samples. Parasitological necropsies were performed on 41 euthanised stray dogs and 27 cats in the Tallinn Dog Home. Additionally, 13 wild free-roaming brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) were captured from the Tallinn Dog Home territory, necropsied and studied for the presence of Toxocara larvae. Toxocara canis adults were found in 14.6% of the dogs and Toxocara cati (syn. mystax) adults in the small intestines of 48.2% of the cats examined. Larval infection was detected in the kidney and liver in 5 dogs (12.2%). Our study demonstrated only low-level larval Toxocara infections in adult dogs. Toxocara larvae were not found in cats and brown rats. According to the results of this study, cats more often carry Toxocara infection than dogs. Under our conditions, stray and free-roaming cats are the main contaminators of the environment with Toxocara eggs. Children playing in sandpits are the main risk group for larval toxocarosis.

The occurrence of Toxocara species in naturally infected broiler chickens revealed by molecular approaches

2016 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Zibaei ◽  
S.M. Sadjjadi ◽  
S. Maraghi
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Diagnostic Technique ◽  
Dna Amplification ◽  
Paratenic Host ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Paratenic Hosts

AbstractConsuming raw and undercooked meat is known to enhance the risk of human toxocariasis because Toxocara species have a wide range of paratenic hosts, including chickens. The aim of this study was to identify species of Toxocara in naturally infected broiler chickens using molecular approaches. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used for the differentiation of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati larvae recovered from tissues and organs, and identified by microscopic observations. Thirty-three 35- to 47-day-old broiler chickens were used for examination of Toxocara larvae. The duodenum, liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, skeletal muscles and brain of each chicken were examined using the pepsin method, and DNA from each tissue was extracted as the template for PCR assay. The findings revealed that 5 of 33 (15.2%) broiler chickens were infected with Toxocara larvae. Larvae were recovered from the liver (n = 19), duodenum (n = 8), skeletal muscles (n = 8) and brain (n = 2) of broiler chickens naturally infected with Toxocara spp. The results showed that the frequencies of the species in the chickens were T. canis larvae (n = 5, 83.3%) and T. cati larvae (n = 1, 16.7%). Our data from the present study demonstrated the importance of broiler chickens as a paratenic host for the parasite's life cycle in the environment. The implementation of DNA amplification as a routine diagnostic technique is a specific and alternative method for identification of Toxocara larvae, and allowed the observation of specific species under field conditions within the locations where broiler chickens are typically raised and exposed to Toxocara spp. eggs or larvae.

scholarly journals Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina in wild and domestic carnivores

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Okulewicz ◽  
A. Perec-Matysiak ◽  
K. Buńkowska ◽  
J. Hildebrand
Keyword(s):  
Paratenic Host ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Wild Canids ◽  
Alternative Approaches ◽  
Domestic Carnivores ◽  
Toxascaris Leonina

AbstractAscarididae nematodes of genera Toxocara and Toxascaris are of significant epizootic relevance among predatory mammals from families Canidae and Felidae. Localization of these nematodes in the definitive hosts, their morphology, as well as the measurements of eggs and adult worms are similar. Recently, molecular techniques have provided alternative approaches for the identification of ascarid species. A common feature of the life cycles of these generally monoxenous nematodes is the significant participation of small rodents. In case of Toxocara spp., the rodent plays the role of paratenic host but optional intermediate host for T. leonina. Several studies indicate co-occurence of both T. canis and T. leonina in domestic and wild canids as well as T. cati and T. leonina in felids. Although the infections of humans with T. canis and T. cati are common worldwide, larvae of T. leonina has the potential to cause human disease as emerging zoonosis.

Molecular characterization of Toxocara spp. eggs isolated from public parks and playgrounds in Shiraz, Iran

2018 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Choobineh ◽  
F. Mikaeili ◽  
S.M. Sadjjadi ◽  
S. Ebrahimi ◽  
S. Iranmanesh
Keyword(s):  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Its Rdna ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Zinc Sulphate Solution ◽  
Paratenic Hosts

AbstractHuman toxocariasis, a worldwide parasitic disease, is caused by the larval stage of intestinal nematodes of dogs and cats, namely Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Human infection occurs by the accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs present in the soil, vegetables or on other contaminated surfaces, as well as via consumption of uncooked paratenic hosts, such as bird meat and giblets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contamination of soil in public parks and playgrounds in Shiraz using microscopy and molecular methods. A total of 150 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in various areas of Shiraz, southern Iran. The samples were treated with saturated zinc sulphate solution, and Toxocara spp. eggs were detected by microscopic observation followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To differentiate T. canis and T. cati eggs from each other, PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-rDNA region by SalI endonuclease enzyme was used. PCR-sequencing was performed to confirm the results of the PCR-RFLP method. Based on the flotation results of the 150 soil samples, six (4%) were found to be positive for Toxocara spp. eggs, whereas nested-PCR showed 24 samples to be positive (16%). Based on the PCR-RFLP method and the sequence of the ITS-rDNA region, a total of 23 out of 24 isolates were confirmed as T. cati and one out of 24 as T. canis. The results showed a higher number of soil samples to be positive for Toxocara by the molecular method than microscopy, and higher T. cati infection in soil samples, which could have an important role in human infection with toxocariasis in this region.

scholarly journals TOXOCARIASIS: SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS BY INDIRECT ANTIBODY COMPETITION ELISA

1999 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cáris Maroni NUNES ◽  
Regina Nardini TUNDISI ◽  
Marcos Bryan HEINEMANN ◽  
Saemi OGASSAWARA ◽  
Leonardo José RICHTZENHAIN
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Indirect Elisa ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Post Inoculation ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Competition Elisa ◽  
Rabbit Igg ◽  
Antibody Competition

Toxocariasis is caused by infection of man by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati larvae, the common roundworm of dogs and cats. Because larvae are difficult to detect in tissues, diagnosis is mostly based on serology. Non specific reactions are observed mainly due to cross-reactivity with Ascaris sp antigens. This investigation aimed at developing and evaluating an indirect antibody competition ELISA (IACE) employing a specific rabbit IgG anti-Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens as the competition antibody, in order to improve indirect ELISA specificity performed for toxocariasis diagnosis. For that, the rabbit IgG was previously absorbed by Ascaris suum adult antigens. Sensitivity and specificity of IACE were first evaluated in 28 serum samples of mice experimentally infected with T. canis embryonated eggs. Adopting cut-off value established in this population before infection, sensitivity and specificity were 100% after 20 days post-inoculation. For human population IACE was evaluated using sera from 440 patients with clinical signs of toxocariasis and the cut-off value was established with 60 serum samples from apparently healthy individuals. Using as reference test the indirect ELISA performed by Adolfo Lutz Institute, sensitivity was 60.2%, specificity was 98% and concordance was 77.3%. Repeatability of IACE was evaluated by the inter-reactions variation coefficient (2.4%).

scholarly journals Dynamics of parasitic infection in domestic cats in Perm city

2021 ◽  
pp. 128-133
Author(s):  
T. N. Sivkova ◽  
◽  
N. A. Chetanov ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Spirometra Erinacei ◽  
Diphyllobothrium Latum ◽  
The Relationship

A comparative analysis of the long-term dynamics of domestic cats’ infestation on the territory of Perm with intestinal helminths and protozoa, as well as establishing the relationship between the extent of prevalence of individual pathogens were performed. The prevalence of intestinal parasites is 17.97%. The significant dominant species are Toxocara cati Schrank, 1788 (7.42%), Hydatigera taeniaeformis Batsch, 1786 (1.38%), Isospora felis Last M.J., Powell E.C., 1978 (3.85%) и Isospora rivolta Grassi, 1879 (1.10%). Also potentially dangerous parasites for humans were find: Lamblia spp. (syn. Giar-dia) Künstler, 1882, Cryptosporidium spp. Tyzzer, 1907, Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle & Manceaux, 1908, Spirometra erinacei-eurоpaei Rudolphi, 1819, Dipylidium caninum Linnaeus, 1758; Railliet, 1892, Dibothriocephalus latus (syn. Diphyllobothrium latum) Linnaeus, 1758, Opisthorchis felineus (Rivolta, 1884) Blanchard, 1895. The year’s dynamics of dominant infections are not clearly expressed, however, the correlation between the most common helminths and protozoa is really positive (р < 0.05), that confirms a presence of natural sites of specified parasites and a primary role of rodents in domestic cats infestation.

scholarly journals QUALITATIVE EVALUATION OF ENDOPARASITES OF FELINES SEMI DOMICILED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MARINGÁ, PARANÁ, BRAZIL

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruna Beatriz Pereira ◽  
Thalita Regina Petrillo ◽  
Antonio Mataresio Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Veterinary Clinic ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Periodic Monitoring ◽  
Parasitic Load ◽  
Toxascaris Leonina

The occurrence of endoparasitoses in domestic animals has been reported routinely in the medical clinic of small animals, where wandering and domiciled cats are considered important reservoirs, evidencing the role of felines in the contamination of the environment by the infective forms of these parasites. Many animals are asymptomatic, but those with high parasitic load evidence clinical signs such as inappetence, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea. The present study aimed to identify the different parasites found in faecal samples of semi - domed felines; for this, 45 fecal samples of cats were collected, regardless of age, sex or race, from different households in the municipality of Maringá, PR, Brazil. The collected samples were submitted to coproparasitological tests by means of the Willis & Mollay flotation method, carried out in the Veterinary Parasitology laboratory of the Veterinary Clinic of Uningá, Centro Universitário Ingá (UNINGÁ) between April and May 2017 The results obtained confirmed infestation by Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle & Manceaux, 1908), Cryptosporidium sp. (Tyzzer, 1907), Cystoisospora sp. (Frenkel,1977), Giardia sp. (Kunstler,1882), Strongyloides sp. (Bavay, 1876), Toxocara cati (Schrank, 1788), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (Zeder, 1800), Toxascaris leonina (Sprent,1959) and Dipylidium sp. (Leuckart, 1886). Therefore, the study emphasizes the periodic monitoring of coproparasitological examsin the clinical routine of small animal clinics in order to minimize enteric alterations and pharmacological resistance.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document