Date of Publication

7-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Animal Sciences

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Bridget C. Arellano

Defense Panel Chair

Mary Jane C. Flores

Defense Panel Member

Jan Michael P. Chan
Jessica Joyce R. De Guia

Abstract (English)

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are parasitic infections caused by intestinal worms that pose a potential public health concern due to their zoonotic nature. Stray cats, particularly those in urban areas, may act as reservoirs for these parasites, increasing the risk of transmission to humans and other animals. This study aims to determine the prevalence of STH among cats rescued by the De La Salle University Professors for the Upliftment of Society’s Animals (DLSU-PUSA). Fecal samples from 34 rescued cats were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique and the Sugar Flotation Technique. Positive samples were predominantly found on cellophane strips soaked in Glycerol solution; the other strips (60 for each staining technique) were soaked in either Malachite Green or a mixture of the two. Each fecal sample was processed using two diagnostic techniques: the Kato-Katz technique and the Sugar Flotation technique. Results showed that 8 out of 34 samples (22.2%) tested positive for STH, with Toxocara spp. identified as the most commonly detected parasite. Furthermore, the Kato-Katz technique demonstrated higher sensitivity (8 out of 34 ) in detecting Toxocara spp. which were identified in several samples. This can be attributed to its ability to better visualize heavier, thick-shelled ova under microscopy. In contrast, the Sugar Flotation technique yielded no positive results, likely due to its lower sensitivity in detecting such eggs, which may not have floated effectively or remained intact during processing. These findings highlight the presence of STH infections among rescued cats and underscore the potential risk of zoonotic transmission to surrounding communities.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Ang Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) ay mga parasitikong bulate sa bituka na nagdudulot ng panganib sa kalusugan ng publiko dahil sa kanilang zoonotic na katangian—ibig sabihin, maaari silang maipasa mula sa hayop patungo sa tao. Ang mga pusang gala, lalo na yaong naninirahan sa mga urban na lugar, ay maaaring magsilbing tagapagdala (reservoir hosts) ng mga parasitong ito, na nagdaragdag ng posibilidad ng pagkakahawa sa mga tao at iba pang hayop.

Layunin ng pag-aaral na ito na matukoy ang antas ng pagkalaganap (prevalence) ng STH sa mga pusang iniligtas ng De La Salle University Professors for the Upliftment of Society’s Animals (DLSU-PUSA). Gumamit ng dalawang diagnostic technique—ang Kato-Katz technique at Sugar Flotation technique—sa pagsusuri ng 34 na fecal samples mula sa mga pusang naligtas. Batay sa resulta, 8 sa 34 na fecal samples (22.2%) ang lumabas na positibo sa STH, kung saan ang Toxocara spp. ang pinakakaraniwang uri ng parasitong natukoy.

Ipinakita ng Kato-Katz technique na ito ay mas sensitibo sa pagtukoy ng Toxocara spp. (8 sa 34 positibo), marahil dahil sa kakayahan nitong malinaw na maipakita ang mga mabibigat at makakapal na itlog. Samantala, walang positibong resulta ang naitala gamit ang Sugar Flotation technique, na maaaring sanhi ng mas mababang sensitivity nito o ng pagkasira ng mga itlog habang isinasagawa ang proseso.

Ipinapakita ng mga natuklasan na may presensiya ng STH infection sa mga pusang iniligtas ng DLSU-PUSA. Binibigyang-diin nito ang potensyal na panganib ng zoonotic transmission sa mga komunidad na nakapaligid sa kanila, kaya’t mahalagang isagawa ang mga hakbang sa pagpigil, kalinisan, at regular na pagsusuri ng mga alagang hayop upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng mga ganitong uri ng impeksyon.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Helminths; Toxocara; Cats—Diseases

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Embargo Period

8-9-2025

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