Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 2 Documents
Search

Intestinal Helminth Infections Among Domesticated Cats in Malate, Manila, Philippines Chan, Jan Michael; Flores, Mary Jane; Maghirang , Eligio Santiago; Chan, Helenar
Journal of Parasite Science Vol. 7 No. 2 (2023): Journal of Parasite Science
Publisher : Universitas Airlangga

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20473/jops.v7i2.47681

Abstract

Intestinal helminthiasis is a public health issue in developing nations particularly those which have insufficient access to clean water, sanitary infrastructures, and lacks public health education. Due to the zoonotic potential of some intestinal helminths, cats, and other mammalian species with direct contact to humans may act as reservoir hosts and provide a medium for the transmission of zoonotic infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths among domesticated cats in Malate, Manila, Philippines. A total of 25 cat stools were collected, processed using Formol-Ether Concentration Technique (FECT) and were microscopically examined. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths was 76% (19/25). The intestinal helminths identified include roundworms of phylum Nematoda: Toxocara cati (44%) and Ascaris spp. (20%), whipworm: Trichuris spp. (24%), and hookworm (12%). All of the identified intestinal parasites have zoonotic potential and domestic cats are significant reservoirs of zoonotic intestinal parasites that can facilitate the transmission of infection to humans. Therefore, an innovative one-health approach strategy which includes constant monitoring and control of stray and feral cats, access to potable water, public health education, and more sanitary infrastructures, can help resolve intestinal helminthiasis crisis in the Philippines.
Zoonotic Ectoparasite Burden in House Rats (Rattus spp.) in Selected Urban and Rural Areas of NCR and CALABARZON Chan, Helenar; Flores, Mary Jane; Maghirang, Eligio Santiago; Arellano, Bridget; Chan, Jan Michael
Journal of Parasite Science Vol. 8 No. 1 (2024): Journal of Parasite Science
Publisher : Universitas Airlangga

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20473/jops.v8i1.47686

Abstract

Rats and other mammalian species co-inhabiting or living in proximity with humans can serve as potential reservoir hosts and may contribute to the transmission of parasitic infections. Aside from endoparasites, ectoparasites such as lice, mites, ticks, and fleas, can also serve as vectors of various pathogens inducing diseases and contaminating the environment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of Polyplax spinulosa (spiny rat louse) infestation among house rats in selected urban and rural areas in the Philippines. A total of 60 Rattus spp. were captured and examined. The overall prevalence rate of Polyplax spinulosa was 71.7% (43/60). Of the infestations, 23.3% (14/60) were recorded in Metro Manila while 48.3% (29/60) were recorded in CALABARZON. These results have revealed that rodents like rats play an important role in both direct and indirect transmission of zoonotic diseases since these pests themselves could be host to a variety of diseases. As a result, there is an immediate need to provide education and raise awareness about the role of rodents as reservoir hosts and vectors of these zoonotic diseases to develop long-term strategies for controlling and preventing rodent populations and the transmission of zoonotic ectoparasite infestation.