عفونت کرم گرد گربه‌ای (توکسوکارا کتی)

Overview

Toxocara cati is a large intestinal roundworm of cats. Infections are very common, particularly in kittens, and contribute to environmental egg contamination.

Causes

Cats acquire infection by ingesting eggs from the environment, eating infected prey such as rodents, or, for kittens, through the queen's milk. Larvae migrate through tissues before adults mature in the gut.

Signs

Many adult cats show no signs. Kittens with heavy burdens may have a pot-bellied appearance, poor growth, vomiting (sometimes with visible worms), diarrhoea, and a dull coat.

Diagnosis

Faecal flotation detects characteristic eggs; adult worms are sometimes seen in vomit or faeces.

Treatment & Management

Routine deworming with effective anthelmintics clears infection; kittens need repeated treatment starting at a few weeks of age, and nursing queens are treated alongside.

Prevention

Regular deworming, prompt faeces removal, rodent control, and limiting hunting reduce burden. Hand washing and covering sandpits protect people from accidental egg ingestion.