spp. in dogs and cats in Poland.

Introduction: spp. are common protozoan parasites of animals and humans. Due to their zoonotic potential it is important to know their species and prevalence in dogs and cats.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence and molecular characteristics of spp. in dogs and cats in Poland.

Material And Methods: A total of 365 faecal samples (264 dogs and 101 cats) collected from animals living in Poland were analyzed using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and genus-specific PCR assay to amplify the 18S rRNA gene.

Results: were found in 11 out of the 365 examined stool samples (3%). PCR analysis identified Cryptosporidium in 9 out of 264 canine stool samples (3.4%) and 2 out of 101 feline specimens (2%). DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of and in dogs and in cats.

Conclusions: This is the first molecular characterization of spp. infection in dogs and cats in Poland.