| Popis: |
Background: Toxocara species are parasitic nematodes of dogs and cats with a worldwide distribution. The adult worm lives in the intestine of dogs and cats, and infection occurs through eating paratenic host or embryonated eggs. These nematodes are considered as one of the common pathogens of humans and livestock, and in humans cause Visceral larva migrans (VLM) syndrome, which is accompanied by different clinical symptoms, sometimes lead to respiratory problems and even death. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular frequency of Toxocara species in stray cats using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. Methods: During 3 months (July to September 2018) a total of 95 stool samples were randomly collected from stray cats in Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, West of Iran. To separate the parasite’s eggs, the flotation method with chlorine solution was applied to saturation. Microscopic examination was performed after the separation and extraction of supernatants. To rupture the four layers of Toxocara egg, and extraction of DNA, sonication and freeze and thaw processes were used. After DNA extraction from the stool specimens, the LAMP reaction was performed using the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene primers of Toxocara species and the appropriate LAMP master mix. Results: The overall prevalence of Toxocara spp. in stray cats of Khoramabad city was 20% (19/95) by parasitological and molecular assessments. The microscopic examination of stool samples revealed that 19 samples were positive for Toxocara spp. The same 19 positive samples were also positive in the LAMP experiments. Interestingly, based on the results of the LAMP assay, out of 95 studied samples, 18 (18.41%) specimens were belonged to Toxocara canis, while only 1 (0.5%) sample was diagnosed as Toxocara cati. Conclusion: Identification of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats as the important sources of human infections especially for children is particularly important. The relatively high prevalence of Toxocara species, especially and interestingly the canis species in the studied cats shows the role of these animals in spreading the disease and the risk of transmission of infection to humans. Precautionary measures such as preventing cats from traveling in public places, especially children's playgrounds, as well as avoiding direct contact with stray cats are recommended. |
