New Delhi: Cats carry a parasite they can also transmit to humans. A new study found that nearly one in 15 cats are infected with Giardia, a gastrointestinal parasite, and one in five cats can infect humans.
The study, published in PLOS One, ‘Giardia duodenalis in domestic cats from the US and Canada: Prevalence and zoonotic potential’, found that the parasite can cause diarrhoea in both humans and animals.
Eleven researchers tested more than 1,50,000 samples from cats in 49 US states and Canadian provinces.
“The study can help understand how commonly it occurs and can help support earlier detection, appropriate treatment, and conversations about practical steps pet owners can take to help protect both their pets and their households,” Dr Anne Kimmerlein, co-author of the study and Global Veterinary Epidemiologist at Mars Veterinary Health, said.
Prevalence of Giardia
The parasite commonly known as beaver fever was popular in 1970 when such outbreaks occurred in areas where beavers lived and used the nearby water resources.
The parasite can cause diarrhoea up to five times a day, compounded by bloating, and symptoms can be visible within one or two weeks of contact.
Infected cats also show the same symptoms. In some cases, it can also become severe, with symptoms lasting for years. If the infection persists, it can lead to prolonged intestinal inflammation, chronic diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and nutritional deficiencies. The spreading agent is most commonly an infected stool. Humans can become infected when they come into contact with contaminated water or pet faeces. Children are more at risk.
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Kittens are at risk
But this recent study adds more. It revealed that young cats, especially under one year, are more at risk. More than nine lakh cats tested positive for the parasite.
Among young cats, males are more likely to get infected.
The study states that cats mostly contract the disease during neutering at shelter homes due to exposure from other rescued animals.
Seasons also play a vital role in the infections, the study states, adding that the risk is considerably lower during summers.
“Given the ability of the parasite to infect a wide variety of hosts, including people and animals, this protozoan can present a public health concern”, the study states.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)