Cat Management Practices and Microscopic Detection of Toxoplasma gondii-Like Oocysts in Selected Communities of Ekiti State, Nigeria
Awotokun Femi *
Department of Biological Sciences, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Sowemimo Oluyomi Abayomi
Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Akinwale Olaoluwa Pheabian
Public Health Division, Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Lages State, Nigeria.
Falemu Funke Aina
Department of Biology Education, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Domestic cats are definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii, but faecal microscopy cannot identify this species with certainty. This study assessed cat-management practices and the occurrence of T. gondii-like oocysts in selected communities of Ekiti State, south-western Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of cat-owning households and faecal examination of 277 domestic cats were conducted in six purposively selected communities. Reported management variables included sex, approximate age, feeding practices, living arrangements, and veterinary care. Faecal specimens were screened using sucrose flotation and light microscopy. The data were analysed using SPSS statistical software, version 20.0.
Results: Among the 277 cats examined, 250 (90.3%) were free-roaming, 224 (80.9%) reportedly lacked veterinary care, and T. gondii-like oocysts were detected in 102 (36.8%) cats. Statistically significant associations were reported between T. gondii-like microscopy findings and cat age and between these findings and sources of food.
Conclusion: The predominance of free-roaming cats and limited veterinary care may have implications for environmental contamination and zoonotic risk, although the findings do not demonstrate transmission. Improved cat-management practices, including regular veterinary visits and appropriate feeding practices, may help address these concerns. Additional molecular research is warranted to distinguish T. gondii from morphologically similar oocysts and clarify the epidemiological interpretation of the microscopy results.
Keywords: Domestic cats, Ekiti State, fecal flotation, one health, pet management, Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts