Prevalence and Pathology of Arthropod Infestation in Domestic and Stray Cats in Bangladesh

The study conducted from July 2006 to June 2007 in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh, aimed to determine the prevalence and pathology of arthropod infestations in 36 domestic and stray cats that had not received veterinary care. It found that 88.89% of the cats were infested with arthropods, with Ctenocephalides felis felis being the most common at 86%, followed by Demodex cati at 11% and Linguatula serrata at 14%. Kittens had a slightly higher infestation rate of Ct. felis felis (90%) compared to adults (84.61%), and females were more susceptible than males. The prevalence of L. serrata was higher in summer. Demodectic mange was characterized by alopecia and skin issues, with mites found in hair follicles. Pneumonia was observed in five cats, but its correlation with L. serrata was unclear.