Toxocarosis (Parasitic Intestinal Infection with Toxocara Species, Roundworm) in cats

  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
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Toxocarosis, also known as toxocariasis, is a parasitic intestinal infection in cats caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. These worms can cause significant health problems in both the infected animals and, in some cases, in humans.

The most important facts at a glance

Toxocara cati is a widespread roundworm that infests both domestic and wild cats. Infection occurs through ingestion of infectious eggs from a contaminated environment or through prey animals. Transmission from mother cat to kittens is also possible. After ingestion of the eggs, larvae develop in the cat’s small intestine, which eventually become adult worms and excrete eggs that continue the cycle. Symptoms of toxocarosis include Growth disorders, Diarrhea, increased meowing, Weight loss, and, in rare cases, poor coat quality and Vomiting. Diagnosis is made by fecal examination or blood tests. Treatment is with deworming agents such as pyrantel or fenbendazole. Regular deworming is important to prevent infections, especially in young cats. Cleanliness of the environment and control of rodents contribute to prevention. Research focuses on improved diagnostic methods, new drugs, and prevention strategies. An interdisciplinary approach is being pursued to raise awareness of the disease and develop future vaccines. The prognosis with timely treatment is generally good, but untreated infections can cause serious health problems.

Causes

Toxocara cati is the most common roundworm that infests cats. These parasites are widespread and occur in both domestic and wild cats. The eggs of the worms are excreted in the feces of infected animals and can survive in the environment for a long time, which facilitates their spread.

Infection in cats usually occurs through the ingestion of infectious eggs from the environment. These eggs can be ingested through direct contact with contaminated soil or indirectly through eating prey animals that carry the Toxocara larvae. Another source of infection is the transmission from the mother cat to the kittens during pregnancy or through breast milk.

After the eggs enter the cat’s body, the larvae hatch in the small intestine and migrate through the tissues before developing into adult worms in the intestine. These adult worms then lay eggs, which are excreted in the feces and continue the cycle of infection.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of toxocarosis in cats can vary and depend on the severity of the infection. Mild infections are often asymptomatic. However, in more severe infections, various clinical signs may occur.

The most common symptoms include Diarrhea, Vomiting, Weight loss, and a distended abdomen. Cats may also show signs of fatigue and decreased activity. In some cases, a Cough may occur if the larvae migrate through the lungs.

Young animals are particularly susceptible to severe infections, which can lead to Growth disorders and, in extreme cases, to Death. Therefore, it is important to recognize and treat toxocarosis early in young cats.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of toxocarosis is usually made by microscopic examination of the cat’s feces. This identifies the characteristic eggs of the Toxocara worms. Regular fecal examination is particularly useful in young cats and cats with access to the outdoors to detect an infection early.

In some cases, a blood test can be performed to identify antibodies against Toxocara. However, these tests are less specific and are more often used to support the diagnosis.

Therapy

The treatment of toxocarosis in cats is usually done by administering anthelmintics, i.e., deworming agents. These medications are designed to kill the adult worms in the cat’s intestine. Commonly used active ingredients are pyrantel, fenbendazole, and selamectin.

It is important to carry out the treatment according to the veterinarian’s instructions to ensure that all parasites are eliminated. In some cases, repeated treatment may be necessary to eliminate newly hatched larvae as well.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for cats with toxocarosis is usually good, especially if the infection is detected and treated early. In most cases, the animals recover completely after treatment with anthelmintics. In young cats, which may be more severely affected, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications.

However, untreated infections can lead to chronic health problems and, in rare cases, be life-threatening. Therefore, regular examination and treatment of cats, especially young animals, is important to minimize the risk of severe disease.

Prevention

To prevent infection with Toxocara species in cats, it is important to carry out regular deworming programs. Young kittens should be dewormed from the age of two weeks, as they can often become infected via breast milk. Adult cats should be dewormed at least every three months. There are special preparations that can be recommended by the veterinarian to ensure effective deworming.

In addition, it is advisable to keep the cat’s environment clean. This means regularly cleaning litter boxes and removing feces in the garden or living area immediately. This reduces the risk of re-infection and prevents the spread of eggs in the environment.

Another important measure is the control of rodents, which can serve as intermediate hosts for Toxocara. Keep your cat indoors if possible, or supervise it outdoors to minimize contact with wild animals. These measures help to significantly reduce the likelihood of infection with Toxocara.

Regular veterinary examinations help to monitor your cat’s health and take timely action if a worm infestation is detected. Good hygiene and responsible attitude are crucial to protect your cat’s health.

Outlook on current research

Current research on toxocarosis in cats focuses on improving diagnostic methods to identify infections early and accurately. Researchers are developing new serological tests that are able to detect antibodies against Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati with greater accuracy. This advancement is crucial because rapid diagnosis helps prevent the spread of parasites and protects the health of cats and their human companions.

Another focus is on researching the life cycles of Toxocara species. Scientists are investigating how environmental factors and the behavior of cats affect the transmission of parasites. This includes studies on the influence of factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil conditions on the eggs of the parasites. These findings could lead to more effective prevention strategies to minimize the spread.

In the field of treatment, research is being conducted on new anthelmintics that are specifically effective against Toxocara infections. These drugs should not only be more efficient but also have fewer side effects. In addition, research is being conducted on how existing drugs can be optimized to avoid resistance.

An interdisciplinary approach is increasingly considered necessary to mitigate the zoonotic risks posed by Toxocara species. This includes the collaboration of veterinarians, human physicians, and environmental scientists. In particular, work is being done on the development of educational campaigns to raise awareness of the prevention of toxocarosis both among pet owners and in the general population.

In the long term, research aims to develop vaccines against toxocarosis. Initial studies in animals have shown promising results by stimulating the immune response against Toxocara species. It is expected that this research will be further intensified in the coming years to develop a marketable vaccine.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  1. What is toxocarosis in cats? Toxocarosis is a parasitic infection caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara, especially Toxocara cati. These parasites infect the intestines of cats and can cause zoonoses in humans.

  2. How do cats get infected with Toxocara? Cats usually become infected by swallowing worm eggs that are found in the soil or on contaminated surfaces. Eating infected prey can also lead to infection.

  3. Can humans get infected with Toxocara from cats? Yes, humans can become infected with Toxocara through contact with contaminated soil or cat feces. This infection in humans is called toxocariasis.

  4. What symptoms do infected cats show? Many infected cats show no symptoms, but in severe infections, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Weight loss, and a bloated abdomen may occur.

  5. How is toxocarosis diagnosed in cats? Diagnosis is usually made by examining the feces for worm eggs. Serological tests can also be used to detect antibodies.

  6. How can toxocarosis be treated in cats? Toxocarosis is treated with anthelmintics that kill the worms. It is important to repeat the treatment regularly to eliminate all stages of development of the parasites.

  7. What preventive measures are there against toxocarosis? Regular deworming of cats, good hygiene practices, and avoiding contact with contaminated soil are effective measures to prevent toxocarosis.

  8. What are the risks for children regarding toxocarosis? Children are particularly at risk because they are more likely to play with soil or sand that may be contaminated with worm eggs. The infection can lead to serious health problems in humans.

  9. Is toxocarosis a common disease in cats? Toxocarosis is widespread in cats, especially in young animals and those with access to the outdoors. Regular preventive measures are therefore important.

  10. Is there a vaccine against toxocarosis for cats? There is currently no vaccine against toxocarosis in cats, but research in this area is active and promising.

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An interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in cats, supplemented by information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, can be found here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-bei-katzen/