Zoonotic and Other Gastrointestinal Parasites in Cats in Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia

Relationship between humans and cats has negative impact associates with zoonotic diseases. It is the reason why studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in cats are important. Some of zoonotic GI parasites in cats are Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma sp., and Toxoplasma gondii. The current study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of GI parasites in owned and stray cats in Lumajang East Java Indonesia. One hundred and twenty fecal samples were collected from owned and stray cats on November 2018 to January 2019. The samples were examined by direct smears, sedimentation and flotation techniques. Identification of parasites was determined based on the morphology of worm eggs and protozoan cysts. The results showed that gastrointestinal parasites were found in 68.33% (82/120) examined samples, respectively, 48.33% (29/60) and 88.33% (53/60) from owned cats and stray cats. We found 7 genera of parasites, 4 genera of worm eggs and 2 genera protozoan oocyst. The egg worm were Toxocara cati (40%), Toxocara leonina (10.33%), Ancylostoma sp. (18.33%), Diphylobothrium sp. (3.33%) and Dipylidium caninum (1.67%). The protozoan oocyst were Isospora felis (27.5%), Isospora rivolta (13.33%) and Eimeria spp. (8.33%). Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma sp. (hookworm), Diphylobothrium sp. and Dipylidium caninum were zoonotic parasites. Rate infection in younger and older cat were no significant difference. One cat can be infected one or more parasite. To conclude, the prevalence of zoonotic GI parasites both in owned and stray cats were high. It is necessary to plan a program to control this zoonotic parasites.