Helminths of Cats (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758) and Their Larval Stages in Reptiles in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The author presented current data on the composition of the larval stages of helminths observed in cats. The data are of interest given the pathogenic significance and the establishment of invasion routes. General comments – statistical analysis and comparison of the similarity in the composition of helminths in the three study areas is necessary.

Comment 1. Lines 64-70: «Table 1. Prevalence and burdens of dipylidiid cestodes and the rictulariid nematode Pterygodermatites cahirensis in feral cats obtained from different habitats (city center n=87, outskirts n=141, desert n=132) of Dubai. In the case of both Joyeuxiella species, the intensity was difficult to determine when juvenile specimens were present and for this reason, intensity numbers were given only for the genus Joyeyxiella. The table does not include Diplopylidium acanthotetra, Centrorhynchus aluconis and Macracanthorhynchus catulinus since these helminths were detected in low numbers in cats mainly from desert habitats».
Lines 50-51 «In addition to 240 felines examined for endoparasites in Dubai [8] there was the possibility to include another 120 feral cats».
Further, lines 170-171 in «Table 3. Number of examined reptiles and their infection with larval helminths.» the distribution by zones is no longer given, the data are generalized, which does not allow us to compare the local composition of helminths in cats and reptiles «city center», «outskirts», «desert», «all».

Note 2. The taxonomic status analysis of Joyeuxiella gervaisi (Setti, 1895) is discussed in the publication (Dumendiak et al., 2024; 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100929)

Recommendations.

1) When analyzing the composition of helminths, if possible, it is also necessary to take into account the presence of other types of helminths, due to the possible manifestation of helminth competition.

2) I believe that it is necessary to improve the design of the article by indicating the study area and distribution by areas "city center", "outskirts", "desert", "all".

Author Response

Comment 1. Lines 64-70: «Table 1. Prevalence and burdens of dipylidiid cestodes and the rictulariid nematode Pterygodermatites cahirensis in feral cats obtained from different habitats (city center n=87, outskirts n=141, desert n=132) of Dubai. In the case of both Joyeuxiella species, the intensity was difficult to determine when juvenile specimens were present and for this reason, intensity numbers were given only for the genus Joyeyxiella. The table does not include Diplopylidium acanthotetra, Centrorhynchus aluconis and Macracanthorhynchus catulinus since these helminths were detected in low numbers in cats mainly from desert habitats».
Lines 50-51 «In addition to 240 felines examined for endoparasites in Dubai [8] there was the possibility to include another 120 feral cats».
Further, lines 170-171 in «Table 3. Number of examined reptiles and their infection with larval helminths.» the distribution by zones is no longer given, the data are generalized, which does not allow us to compare the local composition of helminths in cats and reptiles «city center», «outskirts», «desert», «all».

- This is easy to explain: reptiles were collected from desert areas (all snakes) and from outskirts (lizards), but not from the city center. Surprisingly, cats originating from the city center where at least snakes are not present showed high dipylidiidae prevalence. For this reason, there must be another source of infection of cats with these cestodes. The same is true for P. caheriensis.

Note 2. The taxonomic status analysis of Joyeuxiella gervaisi (Setti, 1895) is discussed in the publication (Dumendiak et al., 2024; 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100929)

- yes, the samples were collected from road kills and were not always in fresh conditions. Of the four detected Joyeuxiella samples according to fig. 7 of the paper by Dumendiak et al. 2024, Joyeuxiella sp. III is morphologically closest to J. gervaisi. When going through older references, several morphological variations of Joxeuxiella were described (CF Sci Parasitol 21(1-2):1-17.

Recommendations.

1) When analyzing the composition of helminths, if possible, it is also necessary to take into account the presence of other types of helminths, due to the possible manifestation of helminth competition.

- Most of the other helminths were of lower prevalence (< 5%), only H. taeniaeformis was detected in 17% of the dissected cats with a prevalence of 5, 22 and 21 % in the city center, outskirts and desert farms, respectively. Significantly lower figures for the city center can be explained by consequent rodent control. Rodents are the intermediate hosts for H. taeniaeformis. 

2) I believe that it is necessary to improve the design of the article by indicating the study area and distribution by areas "city center", "outskirts", "desert", "all".

- The study area for the cat parasites consisted of three different habitats: 1. The old city center consists of Bur Dubai and Deira. Both districts, divided by the Dubai creek are densely populated and dominated by high-rising buildings. 2. the outskirts are suburb districts like Jumeirah, Zabeel Rashidiya, Khawaneej and the neighboring town of Al Aweer. These places are dominated by one- and two-storey villas and accompanying gardens. Here, local families keep poultry and small ruminants for their own consumption. Larger farms were located Khawaneej. 3. Wadi al Safa, Um Nahad and Nakhlee are desert areas situated outside of the Dubai metropolitan. "All" is the sum of examined cats of the three major habitats. 

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript under review deals with the study of the helminth fauna of domestic cats and reptiles inhabiting natural and synanthropic regions of the Dubai Emirate (UAE). The accent in the work is on the common parasite species found in both cats and reptiles. The article is of interest because final (domestic cats) and paratenic hosts (reptiles) may interact with each other, presenting a specific epidemiological context. The work contains new data and is well illustrated with photos of parasites. The article meets the aims and scope of the journal Diversity and can be published.

But have several suggestions and comments that will undoubtedly improve the manuscript:

Main remark. I am not a native speaker, but I can see that English is very hard to follow. The manuscript requires to be proofread by a native speaker or professional translator. Many sentences are incorrectly constructed and therefore confusing. I would suggest that the author write simpler sentences and then many confusions can be avoided.

For example:

“Contrary to Dipylidium caninum (Linnaeus, 1758) a cestodes that uses fleas and mallophages as intermediate hosts, reptiles are involved in the life cycles of the other two Dipylidiidae genera…”

In lines 50-54 I would suggest rebuilding in this style:“In addition to the 120 cats examined, endoparasitic data from 240 cats previously studied in Dubai were also used in the analysis [8]. The carcasses of these animals were provided mainly from camel farms in Dubai as a result of rabies control. Other cats had to be euthanized in veterinary clinics for animal welfare reasons, were road-killed or were part of an efficacy study (untreated control) of an anthelmintic trial.”

“…reptiles carry the larval stages of dipylidiid cestodes of the acanthocephalans and nematodes.”

“…the larval stage of C. aluconis was also detected Macqueen’s bustards in Dubai.”

Given the article title and the aim of the study, data about the helminth fauna in cats should be added to the Introduction. So far, there is only data on reptile helminths.

According to recent concepts, species diagnostics of larval stages of acanthocephalans, in particular Centrorhynchus species, requires the use of molecular genetic analysis (see Dimitrova, Gibson, 2005). In morphological identification, one can only speak of the generic level. Photos only confirm the generic level of acanthocephalans. Therefore, I advise the Author in relation to reptiles to use in the text: Centrorhynchus sp. and Macracanthorhynchus sp. Moreover, in the Abstract you have already corrected it in the right direction.

I would suggest slightly changing the titles of subsections 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2. The work is devoted to helminths, and not to their vertebrate hosts. Something like: “2.1. Cat helminth Examination; 3.1. Helminth of Cats. Similarly for reptiles.

Also better use “statistical analysis” instead “Statistical treatment”

In the section Material and methods I would recommend to prepare a map to better illustrate the studied places.

Table 1 refers to the results of the work. Therefore, it should be moved to the appropriate section Results.

I advise also add to the Material and Methods section what keys were used to identify parasites of cats and reptiles.

At the first mention in the text of the Latin names of living organisms (parasites and their hosts – reptiles), it is necessary to cite the authors of the description and the year of description of the species. This is needed for all species throughout the text.

In scientific articles, try to avoid common names of animals, use Latin names. Common names can be given once the first time together with the Latin, and then in the text use only Latin names. In this case, use the article "the". For example, in line 33,34 – “the common wall gecko Tarentola mauritanica (Linnaeus, 1758)”, “the green whip snake Hierophis viridiflavus (Lacepede, 1789)”, etc

lines 270-271 - There is no clear evidence in the work to conclude that reptiles are intermediate hosts of cat helminths; one can only assume this.

The correct spelling of the surname is Linnaeus (lines 2,25)

acanthocephalans (line 216)

Line 31 – dipylidiid

The manuscript can be published, but some corrections are needed.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language

English is very hard to follow. The manuscript requires to be proofread by a native speaker or professional translator. Many sentences are incorrectly constructed and therefore confusing. I would suggest that the author write simpler sentences and then many confusions can be avoided.

Author Response

Contrary to Dipylidium caninum (Linnaeus, 1758) a cestodes that uses fleas and mallophages as intermediate hosts, reptiles are involved in the life cycles of the other two Dipylidiidae genera…”

- correct

In lines 50-54 I would suggest rebuilding in this style:“In addition to the 120 cats examined, endoparasitic data from 240 cats previously studied in Dubai were also used in the analysis [8]. The carcasses of these animals were provided mainly from camel farms in Dubai as a result of rabies control. Other cats had to be euthanized in veterinary clinics for animal welfare reasons, were road-killed or were part of an efficacy study (untreated control) of an anthelmintic trial.”

- I changed this partially 

“…reptiles carry the larval stages of dipylidiid cestodes of the acanthocephalans and nematodes.”

- I changed this: The results of this study showed that reptiles carry larval stages of (a) dipylidiid cestodes, (b) acanthocephalans, and (c) nematodes. 

“…the larval stage of C. aluconis was also detected Macqueen’s bustards in Dubai.”

- according to the morphology of the proboscis they were identical

Given the article title and the aim of the study, data about the helminth fauna in cats should be added to the Introduction. So far, there is only data on reptile helminths.

- One sentence was added to introduction: A total of 13 helminth species were reported from feral cats in Dubai [8, 9].

According to recent concepts, species diagnostics of larval stages of acanthocephalans, in particular Centrorhynchus species, requires the use of molecular genetic analysis (see Dimitrova, Gibson, 2005). In morphological identification, one can only speak of the generic level. Photos only confirm the generic level of acanthocephalans. Therefore, I advise the Author in relation to reptiles to use in the text: Centrorhynchus sp. and Macracanthorhynchus sp. Moreover, in the Abstract you have already corrected it in the right direction.

- So far, even recent reviews and descriptions have not utilized molecular methods for the determination of Centrorhynchus spp. but I agree with the reviewer and name the cystacanths found in the reptiles Centrorhynchus sp. and Macracanthorhynchus sp.

 

I would suggest slightly changing the titles of subsections 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2. The work is devoted to helminths, and not to their vertebrate hosts. Something like: “2.1. Cat helminth Examination; 3.1. Helminth of Cats. Similarly for reptiles.

- changed accordingly

Also better use “statistical analysis” instead “Statistical treatment”

changed as suggested

- changed

In the section Material and methods I would recommend to prepare a map to better illustrate the studied places.

Table 1 refers to the results of the work. Therefore, it should be moved to the appropriate section Results.

I advise also add to the Material and Methods section what keys were used to identify parasites of cats and reptiles.

At the first mention in the text of the Latin names of living organisms (parasites and their hosts – reptiles), it is necessary to cite the authors of the description and the year of description of the species. This is needed for all species throughout the text.

In scientific articles, try to avoid common names of animals, use Latin names. Common names can be given once the first time together with the Latin, and then in the text use only Latin names. In this case, use the article "the". For example, in line 33,34 – “the common wall gecko Tarentola mauritanica (Linnaeus, 1758)”, “the green whip snake Hierophis viridiflavus (Lacepede, 1789)”, etc

lines 270-271 - There is no clear evidence in the work to conclude that reptiles are intermediate hosts of cat helminths; one can only assume this.

The correct spelling of the surname is Linnaeus (lines 2,25)

- corrected

acanthocephalans (line 216)

- corrected

Line 31 – dipylidiid

- corrected

The manuscript can be published, but some corrections are needed.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper provides interesting regional data from the United Arab Emirates on feline helminths, enriching parasitology knowledge and warranting publication. There are only occasional grammatical or typographical errors and an inconsistency in parasite classification, which the author can easily correct after a minor revision.

Some issues include:

• Line 12 - “from different places Dubai of the Dubai Emirates”: Better phrased as: "from different locations in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates."

• Line 15: Omit the dot after the word "species" and leave a space between "species" and "were."

• Line 45: "reotiles" should be corrected to "reptiles."

• Lines 46–47: Rephrase as: "This study aimed to clarify the role of indigenous reptiles in the life cycle of intestinal helminths of felines in the Dubai Emirate, UAE."

• Line 91: "Ceraspes gasperetti" should be corrected to "Cerastes gasperettii" (Arabian horned viper).

• Line 89: "one hooted mapolon (Rhagerhis moilensis)" should be corrected to "hooded malpolon (Malpolon moilensis)."

• Line 118: Omit the closing parenthesis after "... catulinus"

• Line 148 - "stroked because of a very short neck": The word "stroked" does not fit the context. A more appropriate phrase might be: "stood out due to a very short neck."

• Lines 213–214 - "The results of this study showed that reptiles carry the larval stages of dipylidiid cestodes of the acanthocephalans and nematodes.": The phrase incorrectly suggests that dipylidiid cestodes belong to acanthocephalans and nematodes, which are distinct groups of helminths. A clearer revision: "The results of this study showed that reptiles carry larval stages of (a) dipylidiid cestodes, (b) acanthocephalans, and (c) nematodes."

• Lines 254–255-"Recently, feeding experiments were carried out with mice and darkling beetles and their larvae But all trials so far have given negative results.": Needs restructuring to "Recently, feeding experiments were carried out with mice and darkling beetles and their larvae, but all trials so far have given negative results."

Author Response

Some issues include:

• Line 12 - “from different places Dubai of the Dubai Emirates”: Better phrased as: "from different locations in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates."

• - changed

• Line 15: Omit the dot after the word "species" and leave a space between "species" and "were."

• - dot omitted

• Line 45: "reotiles" should be corrected to "reptiles."

• - corrected

• Lines 46–47: Rephrase as: "This study aimed to clarify the role of indigenous reptiles in the life cycle of intestinal helminths of felines in the Dubai Emirate, UAE."

• - rephrased

• Line 91: "Ceraspes gasperetti" should be corrected to "Cerastes gasperettii" (Arabian horned viper).

• - corrected

• Line 89: "one hooted mapolon (Rhagerhis moilensis)" should be corrected to "hooded malpolon (Malpolon moilensis)."

• - corrected

• Line 118: Omit the closing parenthesis after "... catulinus"

• - parenthesis omitted

• Line 148 - "stroked because of a very short neck": The word "stroked" does not fit the context. A more appropriate phrase might be: "stood out due to a very short neck."

• - reworded

• Lines 213–214 - "The results of this study showed that reptiles carry the larval stages of dipylidiid cestodes of the acanthocephalans and nematodes.": The phrase incorrectly suggests that dipylidiid cestodes belong to acanthocephalans and nematodes, which are distinct groups of helminths. A clearer revision: "The results of this study showed that reptiles carry larval stages of (a) dipylidiid cestodes, (b) acanthocephalans, and (c) nematodes."

• - clearer version adapted

• Lines 254–255-"Recently, feeding experiments were carried out with mice and darkling beetles and their larvae But all trials so far have given negative results.": Needs restructuring to "Recently, feeding experiments were carried out with mice and darkling beetles and their larvae, but all trials so far have given negative results."

• - sentence restructured

   

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The author has made a number of changes and improvements to the article. The answers were given to the reviewer, but partially included in the text. In general, we can talk about the characteristics of the distribution of the helminth composition by biotopes, without a clear geographical reference - the area of ​​​​collection of material and analysis.
1. It should be noted, for example, in the work "The Parasites of Cats in Türkiye" (Barılı et al., 2023; doi: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.85698) both geographical points and the method of collecting material are indicated
2. It is also necessary to compare the results obtained by different methods.
3. Perhaps it is necessary to compare data on helminth infestation of cats in adjacent regions, taking into account the origin of the object - domestic cats, feral cats.
4. Particular attention should be paid to the specifics of receipt and infection in the study area.

Reference:
Barılı, O.; Tuygun, T.; Gençay Topçu, E.B.; Umur, S. The parasites of cats in Türkiye. Turk. Parazitol. Derg. 2023, 47, 190–199

Author Response

Reviewer 1

The author has made a number of changes and improvements to the article. The answers were given to the reviewer, but partially included in the text. In general, we can talk about the characteristics of the distribution of the helminth composition by biotopes, without a clear geographical reference - the area of ​​​​collection of material and analysis.
1. It should be noted, for example, in the work "The Parasites of Cats in Türkiye" (Barılı et al., 2023; doi: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.85698) both geographical points and the method of collecting material are indicated

• The mentioned paper is an uncritical list of parasite findings in cats since some of the mentioned parasites established in coproscopical examination are spurious parasites for cats (Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum). This happenes when cats were fed with liver fluke infected ruminant livers and undigested trematode eggs are excreted with the faeces. The same is true with findings of Hymenolepis and Trichurus eggs in cat faeces, the cats have most probably eaten infected rodents. Also, Platynosomum fastosum is most probably a misdiagnosis. This paper did not mention a division into categories like domestic ‘house cats’, feral cats or cats from catteries. In our research we divided the origin of (feral) cats into three different habitats.

2. It is also necessary to compare the results obtained by different methods.

     -      our results were achieved by necropsy which is the gold standard to detect intestinal helminths in the case of felines. Except coproscopy in addition, we did not use any other     method.

3. 
   Perhaps it is necessary to compare data on helminth infestation of cats in adjacent regions, taking into account the origin of the object - domestic cats, feral cats.

• This is exactly what we did. We compared the fauna of intestinal helminths in countries of the MENA region and neighboring Iran. Results by cited authors were obtained by necropsy of feral cats. We did not include Turkey since per definition, it is outside the region.

4. Particular attention should be paid to the specifics of receipt and infection in the study area.

    -      This question is not clear to us

Round 3

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The reviewer thanks the author for considering the comments. In addition to presenting the material, it is necessary to provide a comparative analysis of the results obtained, which will significantly improve the manuscript.

3. Perhaps it is necessary to compare data on helminth infestation of cats in adjacent regions, taking into account the origin of the object - domestic cats, feral cats. Answer: «This is exactly what we did. We compared the fauna of intestinal helminths in countries of the MENA region and neighboring Iran. Results by cited authors were obtained by necropsy of feral cats. We did not include Turkey since per definition, it is outside the region.»
I believe that including information on Turkey will emphasize the relevance of the study.

4. Particular attention should be paid to the specifics of receipt and infection in the study area. Answer: «This question is not clear to us.» The reviewer recommends providing more information on the receipt of parasites, including taking into account information on parasites of cats in Turkey.

Author Response

We have slightly altered the manuscript in order to in cooperate the reference from Turkey as suggested by the reviewer: [35] Barih Ö, Tuygun T, Gençay Topçu EB, Umur Ş. The parasites of cats in Türkiye. Turkiye Parazitol. Derg. 2023, 47, 190-199. DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.85698. Wie cited this reference as follows:  A literature review summarized 104 cat parasite studies for Turkey [35].   and later: In Turkey, J. pasqualei and D. nölleri were recorded mainly in the southern and eastern parts of the country [35]

Round 4

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The reviewer thanks the author for the corrections. I recommend it for publication.