Domestic cats as overlooked reservoirs for zoonotic parasites: New records and molecular confirmation of Echinochasmus spp., Opisthorchis felineus, Metagonimus romanicus and Physaloptera praeputialis

Key Points

• Zoonotic parasites were identified in domestic cats, posing potential health risks to humans and animals.
• New records of echinochasmus species, opisthorchis felineus, metagonimus romanicus, and physaloptera were documented.
• Molecular confirmation methods validated the presence of these parasites in the cat population being studied.
• Findings suggest that domestic cats may play an unrecognized role in the transmission of these zoonotic parasites.