Prevalence and risk factors associated with zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths transmitted by cats in Jabodetabek, Indonesia.

Background: Intestinal helminth infections in cats are often neglected major zoonoses spread from pets to humans worldwide.

Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence and identified risk factors associated with zoonotic gastrointestinal helminth infections in different cat populations in the most populous megapolitan areas of Indonesia: Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek).

Methods: Fecal samples from the shelter (stray) and household (owned) cats were analyzed using sugar flotation techniques. Intestinal helminth eggs were detected microscopically based on structural and morphometric characteristics. Risk factors for the occurrence of helminth infection were identified through statistical analysis of cat ownership, breed, migrant status, management practices, caging, feed type, and deworming medications used. Human cases of worm larvae infestation identified during the interviews were reported.

Results: Analysis of 354 fecal samples revealed that 37.9% (134/354) of examined cats were infected with Toxocara sp., 22.6% (80/354) with Ancylostoma sp., 25.4% (90/354) with Uncinaria sp., 3.1% (11/354) with Strongyloides sp., 2% (7/354) with Diphyllobothrium sp., and 0.6% (2/354) with Dipylidium sp. Infection with roundworms and hookworms was associated with a variety of factors, including introduction of new animals, management practices, cage cleanliness, feed type, use of deworming medication, routine deworming, and contact with other animals. A human case of cutaneous larva migrans was due to hookworm (Ancylostoma sp./Uncinaria sp.) infection.

Conclusion: The prevalence of important zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodes (hookworms and roundworms) is high in cats in Jabodetabek, Indonesia. To reduce the risk of transmission to other animals or humans, adequate measures to control, manage, and prevent zoonotic helminth infections are required. This study presents important baseline information that provides a basis for future epidemiologic studies and the development of strategies to manage zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths in cats in the region.