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Prevalence and Pathology of Arthopod Infestation in Domestic and Stray Cats in Bangladesh.

S. A. Rahman
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh – 2202, Bangladesh.

M. J. Islam
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh – 2202, Bangladesh.

N. Begum
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh – 2202, Bangladesh.

M.A. Ali
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh – 2202, Bangladesh.

A. S .M. Bari
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh – 2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and pathology of potential arthropods of the domestic and stray cats (Felis catus) that had not received veterinary care and had no known exposure to insecticide application and other form of medication. In doing so, 36 domestic and stray cats were taken from Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. The research work was carried out during the period of July 2006 to June 2007 in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. In the 36 examined cats, overall 32 (88.89 %) cats had arthropod infestation. The rate of infestation was Ctenocephalides felis felis, 86% (31 out of 36), Demodex cati, 11% (4 out of 36) and Linguatula serrata, 14 % (5 out of 36). Slightly higher rate of Ct. felis felis infestation was found in kittens (90%) followed by adults (84.61%). There was similar age prevalence of D. cati and L. serrata infection in kittens and adults. Females (90%) were 2.07 times more susceptible to Ct. felis felis infestation than males (81.25%). The rate of arthropod infection did not vary greatly over seasons. But in L. serrata infection, there was higher prevalence in summer (27.27%) than rainy (11.11%) and winter (6.25%) seasons. Grossly, demodectic mange was characterized by alopecia, epidermal scaling, scab formation and denudation of the skin mostly found in the ear and the neck. The legs and the abdomen were also affected. At histopathology, sections of mite were found in the hair follicles of the skin along with folliculitis (two cases). Pneumonia was found both grossly and microscopically in lungs of five cats but it was very difficult to correlate with the presence of small number of L. serrata organisms.

Keywords: Arthropod, Prevalence, Pathology, Domestic, Stray cat

Location: Mymensingh district, Bangladesh.

Start Date: 00-07-2006

End Date: 00-06-2007

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Diseases

Objectives:

To find out the occurrence of arthropods in relation to their age, sex, and season and to show the gross and microscopic changes produced by the parasites

Methodology:

The experiment was based on direct examination of the skin, skin scrapings, fecal, autopsy and histopathological examination. Ectoparasites were collected by hand picking and by using tools. In case of fleas, a flea comb and in case of lice a brush and a lice comb were used. Skin scrapings were taken from the suspected areas by using glycernized scalpel until oozing for recovery of mites. The scrapings were boiled gently by adding 10% potassium hydroxide and examined under microscope using 10x magnification. Fecal samples (10-15g) were taken from freshly voided fecal pad early in the morning. Fecal examinations were performed by following direct smear and concentration techniques. The respiratory tracts of dead or euthanized cats were examined thoroughly for detection of gross lesions and collection of parasites. The collected arthropod parasites were preserved in glycerin alcohol in separate vials for each host. Permanent slides of arthropods were prepared according to the procedure described. Arthropods were identified by using keys and description. The skin of the cats was examined thoroughly for gross lesions. Suspected parts of the skin and respiratory tracts were collected. The collected parts were sent for histopathological study as per standard method. The prevalence of ectoparasites was computed by using formula described. Odds ratio was calculated by using formula.

Source of Information: Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2009). 7(1) : 287 – 292

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In fecal examinations, egg of L. serrata was not found. The eggs do not appear in the feces of the dog but instead are found in the nasal secretions. The possibility that the eggs of small number of Linguatula organisms were not shed in the feces of the cats. This aspect requires additional verification. The present study suggests that arthropod infestation especially Ct. felis felis is highly prevalent in domestic and stray cats in Bangladesh. Besides, it has been found that age, sex and season had little effect on arthropod parasitism. In this research work, arthropod prevalence and pathologic changes in domestic and stray cats are studied. So, further study is essential to investigate regional arthropod prevalence, pathogen carriage and public health significance of cat arthropods in Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal