Toxocara cati
Toxocara cati
Toxocara cati (pronunciation: /tɒksəˈkærə ˈkæti/), also known as the feline roundworm, is a common parasite that infects the intestines of cats.
Etymology
The term "Toxocara" is derived from the Greek words "toxon" meaning bow and "kara" meaning head, referring to the curved shape of the worm's head. "Cati" is Latin for cat, indicating the primary host of this parasite.
Description
Toxocara cati is a species of nematode that is part of the larger family of Ascarididae. Adult worms are typically 3-10 cm in length and have a white to cream color. The worms have a cylindrical body, with a curved head, hence the name Toxocara.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Toxocara cati begins when a cat ingests the infective eggs. These eggs hatch in the cat's intestines, releasing larvae that migrate through the cat's tissues. After several weeks, the larvae return to the intestines, where they mature into adult worms.
Symptoms and Treatment
Infected cats may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance. Treatment typically involves the administration of anthelmintic drugs to kill the worms.
Zoonotic Potential
Toxocara cati has zoonotic potential, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Humans can become infected by accidentally ingesting infective eggs, often through contaminated soil or undercooked meat. In humans, the infection can cause a condition known as toxocariasis.
Related Terms
- Toxocara canis: The canine equivalent of Toxocara cati.
- Toxocariasis: The disease caused by infection with Toxocara species.
- Nematode: A type of roundworm, of which Toxocara cati is a species.
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toxocara cati
- Wikipedia's article - Toxocara cati
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