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Toxocara cati
Synonym(s): T. cati, cat roundworm
Introduction
Classification
Taxonomy
- Phylum: Nematoda.
- Class: Secernentea.
- Order: Ascaridida.
- Family: Toxocaridae.
- Genus: Toxocara.
- Species:cati / syn mystax.
Distribution
- High prevalence in kittens
- Stray and feral cats generally higher prevalence than pet cats due to improved nutrition, less freedom to hunt and increased frequency of anthelmintic treatment by owners.
- Prevalence rates of 30-90% recorded in feral cats.
Significance
In humans- T. cati is considered to have zoonotic potential and it is currently unknown what proportion of human toxocarosis is due to T. canis and T. cati. Given the high prevalence in stray and feral cats and the degree of fecal environmental contamination that cats contribute, T. cati should be considered a significant contributor to human toxocarosis.
In cats
- Adult cats usually are only lightly infected and there are no apparent ill-effects.
- Kittens with moderate to heavy infections: ill thrift, reduced growth rates, poor coat, pot belly, diarrhea, etc Ascaridosis.
- Rarely, very heavy infections → severe intestinal enlargement, obstruction or deaths.
- A link between migrating T. cati larvae from embryonated egg ingestion and feline bronchitic syndromes has been suggested, due to the lung damage caused by migrating larvae as demonstrated on CT scans of deliberately infected cats.
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Clinical Effects
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Diagnosis
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Dillon A R, Tillson D M, Hathcock J et al (2013) Lung histopathology, radiography, high-resolution computed tomography, and bronchio-alveolar lavage cytology are altered by Toxocara cati infection in cats and is independent of development of adult intestinal parasites. Vet Parasitol 193 (4), 423-426 PubMed.
- Overgaauw P A & van Knapen F (2013) Veterinary and public health aspects of Toxocara spp. Vet Parasitol 193 (4), 398-403 PubMed.
- Wright I & Wolfe A (2007) Prevalence of zoonotic nematode species in dogs in Lancashire. Vet Rec 161 (23), 790 PubMed.
- Fisher M (2003) Toxocara cati: an underestimated zoonotic agent. Trends in Parasitol 19 (4), 167-170 PubMed.
- Overgaauw P A, Boersema J H (1998) Anthelmintic efficacy of oxibendazole against some important nematodes in dogs and cats. Vet Q 20 (2), 69-72 PubMed.
- Overgaauw P A (1997) Aspects of Toxocara epidemiologiy - toxocarosis in dogs and cats. Crit Rev Microbiol 23 (3), 233-251 PubMed.
- Dubinský P, Havasiová-Reiterová K, Petko B et al (1995) Role of small mammals in the epidemiology of toxocariasis. Parasitology 110 (Pt 2), 187-193 PubMed.