Prevalence and pathology of fish trematode Opisthorchis felineus in domestic cats in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Background: Opisthorchis felineus infection is important both for health of cats and health of people. Objective of the research was to determine the prevalence of Opisthorchis felineus and the pathological lesions caused by Opisthorchis felineus infection in domestic and stray cats in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 36 cats were examined. The study was carried out in the Department of Parasitology and the Department of Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Results: Out of 36 examined cats, only 30 (83%) were infected with Opisthorchis felineus. A lower prevalence was observed in young cats <1 year old (66.66%) followed by adult cats >1 year (91.66%). Older cats were 5.5 times more susceptible to Opisthorchis felineus infection than that of young cats. Females (85.0%) were 1.30 times more susceptible to Opisthorchis felineus infection than that of males (81.25%). The prevalence of Opisthorchis felineus was very high all the year round. The rate of infection was 92.00%, 83.33% and 72.72% during summer, rainy and winter seasons respectively. At necropsy, the affected liver was apparently normal in size and shape. But in one case, paler and cream-colourcd area were found on the surface of liver. This liver was infected with 376 Opisthorchis felineus. Microscopically, fatty changes and mild hepatitis were detected. Conclusion: The present study indicates that Opisthorchis felineus infection in domestic and stray cats is a problem irrespective of age, sex and season of the year.