PARASITOS GASTRINTESTINAIS EM FEZES DE GATOS DOMICILIADOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE PELOTAS, RS, BRASIL

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the frequency of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic cats in the city of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. Sixty fecal samples were analyzed, of which 43 (71.7%) were from adult animals and 17 (28.3%) from young. The faeces were processed by the techniques of Willis & Mollay (1921), Faust (1938) and Hoffmann, Pons and Janer (1934). Of these samples, 22 (36.7%) were positive for at least one parasite genus, 17 had simple infestation (77.27%) and 5, association of parasites (22.73%). Eggs of the genus Ancylostoma and Toxocara were the most observed, being present in 8 samples each (13.3%). In young animals, there was a higher frequency of Toxocara sp., While in adults, Ancylostoma spp. Also, cestode eggs, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia Taeniaeformis and Spirometra sp. besides cysts of Giardia sp. and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts. The occurrence of a significant number of parasites and the proximity between the animals and the man shows the need for a more effective control so that the parasitic load of the animals and consequently of the environment can be reduced.