Intestinal helminthic infections of cats in Calabar, Nigeria

A study of intestinal helminthic infections of 52 cats (Felis catus) was undertaken in Calabar, Nigeria. Direct smear and zinc sulphate floatation technique were utilized. The following helminths were observed: Toxocara cati (28.85%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (19.23%), Trichuris felis (5.77%), Dipylidium caninum (23.08%) and Taenia taeniaeformis (9.61%). The worm burdens were generally low, ranging from 2 to 20 per cat. No definite pattern of infection was observed with regard to sex. Trematodes were not seen. The zoonotic and public health aspects of some of these helminths are discussed.