Prevalence and Intensity of Otodectes cynotis in Client-owned Cats in Ahvaz, Iran

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Otodectes cynotis in referred client-owned cats to Veterinary hospital of Ahvaz University, from January 2009 to February 2010. A total of 122 cats were examined in this study. The studied cats were divided into three groups based on age (<1 year, 1-3 years and >3 years). Breed, sex and session were scheduled for ectoparasite examination and sample collection. All cats were examined using an otoscope and otic cotton-tipped applicator, in order to identify the presence of Otodectes in the ear canal. In all positive cats, a washing of the ear using lukewarm water was performed in order to detect intensity of infection. Twenty eight out of 122 referred cats (22.95%) were positive for O. cynotis. Prevalence was higher in male cats (25%; 15 out of 60) than females (20.96%; 13 out of 62), aged above 3 years (40%; 6 out of 15) and in the season of winter (32.14%; 18 out of 56). The difference was not significant relative to host gender and age (p>0.05), but there was a significant difference between winter and summer season (p<0.05). Intensity of infection ranged between 5 and 33 (mean intensity 16.54) mites per infected cat. Otodectes cynotis was only the ectoparasite in ear canal of cats in this area. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study conducted in client-owned cats of Ahvaz district, South-west of Iran that examined the prevalence of O. cynotis infestations.