Determination of Cryptosporidium spp. in Van cats by nested PCR

Kilinc O. O., Yılmaz A. B., Göz Y., Özkan C., Denizhan V.

MEDYCYNA WETERYNARYJNA-VETERINARY MEDICINE-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, vol.74, pp.456-459, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 74
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.21521/mw.6008
  • Journal Name: MEDYCYNA WETERYNARYJNA-VETERINARY MEDICINE-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.456-459
  • Keywords: Van cats, Cryptosporidium, Ziehl-Neelsen, nested PCR, DOMESTIC CATS, PARVUM OOCYSTS, PREVALENCE, INFECTION, PARASITES, IDENTIFICATION, CHILDREN, HEALTH, DNA
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. agents in cats from the Turkish Van Cat Shelter at YuzuncuYil University by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and nested PCR. Individual stool samples were obtained from 30 adult females, 30 adult males and 40 kittens - a total of 100 Van cats were analyzed in the study. A simplified formol-ether concentration method was applied to all samples. The samples were then examined microscopically by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. As a result of the staining, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were identified in stool samples of 3 kittens in the microscopic examination. After that, PCR and nested-PCR were conducted with suitable primers. Nested PCR identified 5 kittens (5%) as positive. As a result, it was concluded that nested PCR was a superior diagnostic method for Cryptosporidium diagnosis compared with staining methods and that infected cats could be a health hazard for other cats and individuals, since Cryptosporidium spp. agents infect via the faecal-oral route. Therefore, we believe it is necessary to raise the awareness of people in contact with cats.