Cryptosporidium and Giardia Infection in Pet Animals: A review Study in Iraq

Abstract

C ryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia are the most common zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites causing diarrheal diseases Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis are significant health concerns in both humans and animals; for this reason, these parasites acquired public and veterinary importance. Dogs and cats are susceptible to infection and play an important role in transmitting these protozoans to human. Recently in Iraq, there is an interest in keeping pet animals and an increase of stray cats and dogs which accompany livestock. Some people started to attract stray cats through feeding and became like house animals. This literature review focused on the results of Iraqi researchers to overview the importance prevalence of these parasites on both human and animals. This literature review recommended to educate pet owners especially children and follow veterinarians' instructions, to control and prevent transmission of these zoonotic diseases and future researches should focus and investigate from these finding and highlight the role of domestic animals in transmission of these diseases.

Microscopic and molecular diagnoses of Giardia duodenalis in pet animals in Babylon Province, Iraq

“…This study demonstrates that the highest infection rates in pets were observed in the age group under 6 months. These findings agree with the previous studies conducted in Iraqi cities by Naser and Wadood [19], Alhayali et al [22], Jasim and Faraj [23], and Latif et al [28]. Giardia duodenalis infections in dogs and cats have been investigated worldwide, with the infection prevalent in younger animals [26,[29][30][31].…”

“…In Iraq, G. duodenalis is highly endemic due to unsanitary conditions and favorable climates, and its prevalence varies across studies depending on geographical areas, local animal habitats, animal populations, and seasonal variations throughout the year. Notably, the infection rate of G. duodenalis is higher in stray cats and dogs than in pets [ 22 ].…”

“…In contrast, Jasim and Faraj [ 23 ] found that the infection rate was higher among female dogs than male dogs in Baghdad. Male dogs have been reported to be at a higher risk due to their increased activity over larger areas, making them more relevant pathogen carriers than females [ 22 , 24 ]. Conversely, the infection rate in cats was observed to be higher in females than in males in this study, which is consistent with the results of the previous studies in Iraq [ 21 ], Mexico [ 25 ], and Turkey [ 26 ].…”

“…These findings agree with the previous studies conducted in Iraqi cities by Naser and Wadood [ 19 ], Alhayali et al . [ 22 ], Jasim and Faraj [ 23 ], and Latif et al . [ 28 ].…”

Prevalence of Feline Giardiasis in Khartoum State, Sudan

“…Giardia is a flagellated parasite, both of them parasitize in the intestine of the most mammals, birds and reptiles [1]. Giardiasis is considered as most prominent intestinal parasitic infection among companion pets (dogs and cats) in the developing countries.…”