Detection, Prevalence, and Risk Factors Associated With Vector-Borne Blood Protozoans of Cats in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

Domestic cats (Felis catus) can be infected with vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) transmitted by biting insects (mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and fleas). Vector-borne pathogens have been documented to sporadically infect cats in various countries worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the presence and epidemiology of vector-borne pathogens in cats in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Blood samples were obtained from 80 cats using a 23 g needle from the cephalic vein of each cat. Of these cats, 55 were from private clinics and 25 were from the College of Veterinary Medicine clinics. Age, sex, and breed were recorded accordingly. The blood samples were subjected to parasitological analysis (thin smear and wet mount) and viewed under a microscope. In our study, 54 (67.5%) cats tested positive for blood parasites. Three blood protozoans were detected in cats, with prevalence rates of 42.5%, 20.0%, and 5.0% for Babesia felis, Hepatozoon felis, and Trypanosoma brucei, respectively. Among the private clinic samples, 36 (65.5%) were positive for blood parasites, whereas 18 (72.0%) were positive in the university clinic. Overall, of the 80 cats examined, 34 (42.5%) were positive for B. felis, 4 (5.0%)were positive for T. brucei, and 16 (20.0%) were positive for H. felis. In conclusion, B. felis was the most prevalent blood protozoan infection in cats in this study. Routine surveillance of domestic cats is needed to monitor and control the transmission of vector-borne pathogens