Toxocara cati Infection in Cats (Felis catus): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Simple Summary: Toxocariasis, caused by species of Toxocara, affects canines, felines, humans, and other vertebrates. The primary mode of infection is by ingesting embryonated eggs. It poses environmental, human, and animal health risks, especially in park soils. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats (Felis catus), a neglected species compared to T. canis, via a systematic literature review across six databases. Significant prevalence was observed using coproparasitological methods, with Nepal displaying the highest rates. The findings highlight the imperative of preventive measures against toxocariasis due to its widespread occurrence. Recognising the interconnectedness of animal, environmental, and human health underscores the importance of deworming cats, promoting hygiene, and educating the public to mitigate the risks of this zoonotic condition. Protecting feline health benefits cats and reduces the likelihood of human transmission, creating a positive outcome for both. Introduction: Toxocariasis is an infection caused in canines, felines, humans, and other vertebrates by species of the genus Toxocara, such as T. canis and T. cati. The embryonated eggs of these parasites are the primary means of acquiring the infection for both definitive hosts, dogs and cats, respectively, and for intermediates, such as humans and other vertebrates. When deposited on park soils, environmental contamination becomes a risk to environmental, human, and animal health. Objective: To determine the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats (Felis catus). Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in six databases (Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO and Google Scholar) to evaluate the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats, defined by coproparasitological, histological, and molecular techniques. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A two-tailed 5% alpha level was used for hypothesis testing. Results: Two hundred and eighty-nine studies were included. The global pooled prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats using coproparasitological methods was 17.0% (95.0% CI: 16.2–17.8%). In the subgroup analysis according to country, Nepal had the highest prevalence of T. cati infection (94.4%; 95% CI 89.7–99.2%). The pooled prevalence of T. cati infection by PCR in four studies was 4.9% (95.0% CI: 1.9–7.9%). Conclusions: This systematic review underscores the need for preventive action against toxocariasis due to its widespread prevalence. The interplay between animal and human health should be emphasised, necessitating measures like deworming cats, hygiene practices, and public education to mitigate risks. Safeguarding feline health can also reduce human transmission, benefiting both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]