Occurrence of Giardia duodenalis in Cats from Queretaro and the Risk to Public Health

Giardia duodenalis is a flagellated protozoan that has been reported worldwide. Its resistance to adverse climates and its wide host range makes this parasite a serious problem specifically in developing countries where personal hygiene practices are inadequate. The magnitude of the risk of transmission from cats to humans is not well known; to date, in Mexico, there has not been a single study of the presence of G. duodenalis in cats. Therefore, the objective of this work is to determine the frequency and importance of the cat as a potential zoonotic reservoir of Giardia. Sampling of feces was performed in private clinics and an animal control unit. A direct microscopy diagnosis was carried out, and once positive results were obtained, PCR and RFLP were performed in order to obtain assemblages. The results obtained in the present study, in terms of the genetic characterization, showed only assemblage A, which indicates that the cat is an important source of transmission to humans, with consequences for public health.