The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Giardia duodenalis Infection in Cats in Mexico

Aims: Giardia duodenalis is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan. It has a variable prevalence. This study determines the prevalence of Giardia spp. in cat faecal samples from states of the Mexican Republic.

Place and Duration of Study: Was carried out in 23 of the 32 states of the Mexican Republic, from June to December 2019.

Methodology: Stool samples from 1591 client-owned cats were analysed for the detection of G. duodenalis (cysts or trophozoites). Faecal samples were analysed by direct smear techniques with and without staining (Lugol) and centrifugal floatation (faust), and were examined under a light microscope.

Results: Of the cats sampled, 56.94% were positive for G. duodenalis. Its prevalence was associated and is a risk factor in cats that live with other animals (Chi2= 21.84, p= 0.0001; OR= 1.61, p= 0.0001), with hunting habits (Chi2= 5.53 p= 0.01, OR= 1.27 p= 0.01), with access to the outside (Chi2= 53.06, p= 0.0001; OR= 2.13, p=0.0001) and with the aqueous faeces (Chi2= 12.30, p=0.03; Chi2= 1.71, p= 0.03). Factors for not presenting Giardia spp. in faeces were, not brushing the cat (OR=0.74, p= 0.006), provenance (OR= 0.42, p=0.02), and median height (OR= 0.78, p= 0.01). Age, gender, hair type, coexistence with other cats and other stool findings were not associated as risk factors for infection.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high overall prevalence of G. duodenalis in cats in Mexico, in addition to an association of its prevalence with risk factors such as cats living with other animals, hunting habits and access to outdoors.