Domesticated Cats as a Source of Environmental Contamination with Toxocara cati and Other Soil-Transmitted Helmminth Eggs in Urban Area, Manila-Philiphines

Abstract

Toxocariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases are the most prevalent parasitic zoonoses affecting humans and animals that cause environmental contamination.  Toxocara and other soil-transmitted helminth eggs in animal feces are the primary sources of soil-transmitted helminthiases transmission in the environment particularly in urban areas. These parasite eggs constitute a source of infection for both definitive and paratenic hosts. Avian and rodents, that can be paratenic hosts of these parasites, are a significant source of food for cats in urban settings. Stray cats and dogs also consume leftover food or receive frequent feedings from locals that increases the chance of acquiring soil-transmitted helminth infections. Despite the risks that these soil-transmitted helminths have, studies and information regarding their zoonotic potential is very limited to date. This study aimed to determine the relationship between cat feces and the environmental contamination of residential soils with Toxocara cati and other soil-transmitted helminth eggs. A total of 50 samples were collected in selected urban residences in Malate, Manila. Stool samples were processed using Formol-Ether Concentration Technique while optimized sugar flotation technique was used for the soil samples then both were subjected to microscopy. The overall infection rate was 76% and the contamination rate was 52%. Toxocara cati was the most prevalent zoonotic parasite identified in 48% of stool and 44% of soil samples followed by Ascaris spp. with 32% in stools and 16% in soil samples. Trichuris spp. with 24% and hookworm with 16% were also detected in stool samples but were absent in soil samples. The presence of Toxocara cati and Ascaris spp. eggs in feces and their environmental contamination might be accounted to their durable and highly resistant eggs as well as the as the Philippines as a tropical country which may induce optimal conditions for Toxocara spp. and other soil-transmitted helminth eggs’ development and survival.