title: Prevalence and factors associated with fecal shedding of Giardia spp. in domestic cats.
abstract: The prevalence of cats shedding Giardia cysts (13.6%) in the present study was found to be higher than previously reported (1% to 11%) and may reflect a higher sensitivity for the diagnostic test used. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, coccidial oocysts, and a clinical history of chronic (>2 weeks) gastrointestinal signs were significantly associated with the presence of Giardia spp. cysts in the feces. There were no associations between the presence of Giardia spp. cysts and type of housing, acute gastrointestinal signs, vomiting, gender, source of cat (i.e., animal shelter versus private breeder), or gastrointestinal parasites other than Cryptosporidium spp. and intestinal coccidial agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762-6100, USA.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Vasilopulos
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mackin
authors.forename: Lora G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Rickard
authors.forename: G Todd
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Pharr
authors.forename: Carla L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Huston
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology*; D002415:Cats; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / Q000662:veterinary; D005872:Giardia / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005873:Giardiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan