Vector-borne pathogens in cats and associated fleas in southern Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The worldwide increment of cat populations has increased the risk of ectoparasite infestation and feline vector-borne pathogen (VBP) transmission. In low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, favorable climatic conditions and the absence of preventive measures against ectoparasites contribute to broadening VBP circulation. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of protozoal (i.e., Hepatozoon, Babesia, and Cytauxzoon species) and bacterial (i.e., Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Bartonella species) infections in owned cats and in their ectoparasites in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

The study was conducted in four districts of the Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia. Cats were sampled, and information about the animals was recorded. Blood samples were collected on

SUBMITTER: Grillini M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12177963 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature