Background Giardia duodenalis is a widespread protozoan parasite affecting humans and many species of animals, including dogs and cats. Due to its zoonotic potential, it is important to know the frequency of this parasite in companion animals. The aim of this study was to determine current epidemiological status of G. duodenalis in household dogs and cats. Methods In this study, 293 fecal samples from pet dogs and cats were collected from January 2017 to July 2019 and tested for G. duodenalis by PCR (using β-giardin gene). The animals were divided into groups depending on their age, breed and fecal consistency. Results The examination allowed for detection of G. duodenalis in 6.0% of canine and 3.9% of feline fecal samples. The highest frequency was revealed in young (under one-year old) dogs. Sequencing confirmed the presence of assemblages C and D in dogs and A and F in cats. Conclusion The study showed current frequency of G. duodenalis in dogs and cats and also revealed the occurrence of host-specific assemblages as well as zoonotic assemblage A.

Introduction. Cryptosporidium spp. are common protozoan parasites of animals and humans. Due to their zoonotic potential it is important to know their species and prevalence in dogs and cats. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs and cats in Poland. Materials and method. A total of 365 faecal samples (264 dogs and 101 cats) collected from animals living in Poland were analyzed using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and genus-specific PCR assay to amplify the Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene. Results. Cryptosporidium were found in 11 out of the 365 examined stool samples (3%). PCR analysis identified Cryptosporidium in 9 out of 264 canine stool samples (3.4%) and 2 out of 101 feline specimens (2%). DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of C. canis and C. parvum in dogs and C. felis in cats. Conclusion. This is the first molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in dogs and cats in Poland.

Blastocystis a common enteric protozoan of humans and various species of animals. Culture and microscopic examination of fecal samples is the conventional method for identifying four major forms of Blastocystis (vacuolar, granular, non-vacuolar or cystic). In this article, we compared eight liquid media for cultivation of Blastocystis spp. Study material included fecal samples from clinically healthy pigs. Significant differences in the growth of Blastocystis on individual media were observed.