Dogs and cats are kept as pet animals in and around Lahore area. Along with other problems, parasitic problems are common in these animals. Isospora felis and Isospora rivolta are the most commonly seen parasites in cats in many parts of the world. No data existed about its prevalence, possible risk factors and therapeutic control of Isospora infection in cats in Lahore, Pakistan. Hence the present study was aimed to assess the associated risk factors, prevalence and best therapeutic remedy for Isospora infection. A total 100 faecal samples were collected from Tollinton market, pet clinics of Lahore and pet center of University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Lahore. Epidemiological parameters taken into consideration included sex (Male n=61, Female n=39), breed (Persian n=54, Siamese n=18, Himalayan n=16 and local or cross bred n=12), age (kittens n=21, adults n=79), environment (captive n=60, household n=40). Samples were examined by using direct smear technique. Species of Isospora were differentiated on the basis of their size by micrometry and by oocyst shape. Oocysts were counted by Mc-Master counting technique. Oocysts were counted on day of sample collection and day 10 post treatment. Positive samples were subjected to two chemotherapeutic agents; Amprolium and Furazolidone. Chi square test was applied to assess the prevalence and its relation with other risk factors was applied on pre-treatment and post treatment oocysts reduction count. Higher (P < 0.05) prevalence of Isospora was found in cats from captive system (65%) as compared to cats from household (10%) system. Persian breed was found to be more prone (42.59%) to the infections with Isospora species. Age group was not associated as a risk factor. Positive cats were divided into 2 groups for therapeutic trials. Group I (n=16) was treated with Amprolium 150 mg/kg/day for 5 days while group II (n=16) with Furazolidone 20 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Amprolium reduced the oocysts by 100% while Furazolidone causes 87.5% reduction of oocysts.
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So it can be concluded from the present study that Isospora is highly prevalent in Lahore area and Amprolium is better chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of coccidiosis in cats than Furazolidone.