Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are protozoan parasites found in humans and many animal species worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in cats and to evaluate the zoonotic potential of these agents. The animal material of the study consisted of a total of 40 cats brought to the Veterinary Faculty. Fresh fecal samples taken from the cats were placed in individual sample containers. All samples were examined under the microscope by Kinyoun Acid Fast staining for Cryptosporidium spp. and by the native-Lugol method for Giardia duodenalis. Nested PCR and sequence analyses were then performed. As a result of microscopic and nested PCR analyses for Cryptosporidium spp., no positivity was found in any sample. The prevalence of Giardia duodenalis was 2.5% in both microscopic examination and nested PCR analyses. When the DNA sequences of the β-Giardin gene obtained in the study were compared with the database in NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, it was determined that one sample overlapped with Assemblage B samples. As a result of this study, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in cats was determined and the presence of Assemblage B was revealed. It is recommended that repetitive studies should be carried out as much as possible to determine the possible role of these parasites in the transmission of these parasites to humans.