Efficacy of a topical formulation containing fipronil, moxidectin and praziquantel (Banni3®) for the control of gastrointestinal helminths of zoonotic importance in naturally infected cats.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal helminthiases in domestic cats are a significant concern for both animal and human health due to the zoonotic potential of parasites such as Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp. and Dipylidium caninum. The increasingly close coexistence between humans and cats in urban environments increases the need for effective and practical strategies for parasite control. We evaluated the efficacy of an antiparasitic formulation based on fipronil, moxidectin and praziquantel (Banni^3®) for topical application. A total of 38 cats infected by the helminths of interest were evaluated and the helminths were found to belong to more than one genus. Coproparasitological evaluations were performed on days D-7 and D-2 (pre-treatment) and D+7 and D+14 (post-treatment) using the modified McMaster technique to count eggs per gram of feces (EPG). In the case of D. caninum, proglottids and ovigerous capsules were also analyzed. Of the animals tested, 38 were positive for Ancylostoma spp., 20 for Toxocara spp. and 22 for D. caninum. Six animals had infections by helminths of a single genus, 22 by two and 10 by all three genera. After treatment, the results indicated efficacy of 97.4% (D+7) and 99% (D+14) for Ancylostoma spp., 96.12% (D+7) and 97.84% (D+14) for Toxocara spp., and 100% (D+7 and D+14) for D. caninum. The topical formulation Banni³ (fipronil, moxidectin, and praziquantel) demonstrated high efficacy in controlling Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., and D. caninum in naturally infected cats. The results confirm its potential as a practical and effective alternative for the control of zoonotic helminths.