Prevalence of Giardia species in stool samples by ELISA in household cats from Romania and risk factors

J Feline Med Surg. 2011 Jun;13(6):479-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2011.01.003. Epub 2011 Feb 22.

Abstract

Stool samples (n=183) collected in Romania from cats of different ages, gender, breed, living conditions and origin were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a commercial kit (Giardia Microwell ELISA, SafePath Laboratories, Carlsbad, USA). Fifty-one cats (27.9%) presented Giardia duodenalis antigens. The prevalence was significantly higher in cats with diarrhoea (32%, 16/50; P=0.04) and in cats from the north-west region (36.7%, 29/79; P=0.05). Young age (up to 6 months) was identified as the risk factor for infection (OR=0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.92; P=0.03). There weren't any significant differences associated with gender, breed, medium, lifestyle, associated parasite infections, anthelmintic treatments, type of food or season.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic / parasitology*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / isolation & purification
  • Cat Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cat Diseases / parasitology*
  • Cats
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Feces / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Giardia / classification*
  • Giardia / immunology
  • Giardiasis / epidemiology
  • Giardiasis / parasitology
  • Giardiasis / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Romania / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan