High prevalence of intestinal zoonotic parasites in dogs from Belgrade, Serbia — Short communication

2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Nikolić ◽  
Sanda Dimitrijević ◽  
Sofija Katić-Radivojević ◽  
Ivana Klun ◽  
Branko Bobić ◽  
...  

To identify areas of risk for canine-related zoonoses in Serbia, the aim of this study was to provide baseline knowledge about intestinal parasites in 151 dogs (65 household pets, 75 stray and 11 military working dogs) from Belgrade. The following parasites, with their respective prevalences, were detected: Giardia duodenalis (14.6%), Ancylostomatidae (24.5%), Toxocara canis (30.5%), Trichuris vulpis (47.0%) and Taenia -type helminths (6.6%). Of all examined dogs, 75.5% (114/151) were found to harbour at least one parasite species. Of these, mixed infections with up to four species per dog occurred in 44.7% (51/114). Infections with all detected species were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in military working (100%) and stray dogs (93.3%) versus household pets (50.8%). Among all parasites, agents with zoonotic potential including Giardia , Ancylostomatidae and Toxocara were detected in 58.3% (88/151) of all examined dogs with a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the subgroups (100%, 62.7% and 46.2% for military working dogs, stray dogs and household pets, respectively). The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites registered in the dog population from a highly urban area in south-eastern Europe indicates a potential risk to human health. Thus, veterinarians should play an important role in helping to prevent or minimise zoonotic transmission.

Author(s):  
Rateb A. Othman ◽  
Sameh Abuseir

Background: Dogs play an important role in transmission of parasites and zoonotic diseases, especially in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of internal parasites in stray and pet dogs in Palestine. Methods: Fecal samples were collected during the period between Jan to May 2019. A total of 150 fecal samples were collected and tested for parasites using sedimentation and flotation techniques. The targeted dogs were both pet dogs and stray dogs and were grouped according to gender and age. Results: Although there was no significant difference in infestation between males and females, the prevalence rate of infestation in males was 63.1% compared to females 72.4%. Dogs of ages under one year had similar rate of infestation compared to older dogs with a rate of 67.3% and 67.4% respectively. Infestations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in stray dogs 81.4% compared to pet dogs 48.4%. The highest infestation rate was with Toxocara canis 46.0% followed by Dipylidium caninum 23.0%, Echinococcus spp. 14.0% ,Isosopora canis  9.0%, Ancylostoma caninum 8.0%, Giarda spp. 5.0%, Strongyloides spp. 4.0%, Trichuris vulpis 3.0%, and Cryptosporidium spp. 3.0%. Conclusion: Local dogs in Palestine, especially stray dogs, are infested with different types of intestinal parasites that may cause many common and non-common diseases to humans. To prevent the spread of these parasites, future public health should be proposed and applied by authorities to achieve a healthy status of the residents in the country. Health awareness spread among people about the seriousness of the diseases transmitted by dogs must also be activated.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Aurelio Zanzani ◽  
Anna Rita Di Cerbo ◽  
Alessia Libera Gazzonis ◽  
Marco Genchi ◽  
Laura Rinaldi ◽  
...  

Intestinal parasites of dogs represent a serious threat to human health due to their zoonotic potential. Thus, metropolitan areas presenting high concentrations of pets and urban fecal contamination on public areas are at sanitary risk. Major aim of this survey was to determine prevalence of zoonotic parasites in dog fecal samples collected from public soil of Milan (north-western Italy). Differences in parasites prevalence distribution were explored by a geographical information system- (GIS-) based approach, and risk factors (human density, sizes of green parks, and dog areas) were considered. The metropolitan area was divided into 157 rectangular subareas and sampling was performed following a 1-kilometer straight transect. A total of 463 fecal samples were analyzed using centrifugation-flotation technique and ELISA to detectGiardiaandCryptosporidiumcoproantigens. A widespread fecal contamination of soil was highlighted, being fecal samples found in 86.8% of the subareas considered. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 16.63%. Zoonotic parasites were found, such asTrichuris vulpis(3.67%),Toxocara canis(1.72%),Strongyloides stercoralis(0.86%), Ancylostomatidae (0.43%), andDipylidium caninum(0.43%).Giardia duodenaliswas the most prevalent zoonotic protozoa (11.06%), followed byCryptosporidium(1.10%). Faeces from subareas characterized by broad green areas showed to be particularly prone to infection.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Abdilazis Llokmani ◽  
Dhimitër Rapti

Stray dogs are a reservoir of intestinal parasites and a source of infection for pet dog owners. Some parasites, including hookworms and roundworms, are zoonotic parasites. This means they can easily be transmitted from pets to humans. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in stray dogs located in Tetova, FYR Macedonia region between February to April 2017. A total of 60 samples were examined by centrifugation-flotation methods. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites were 0,40%, 0,13%, 0,08%, and 0,01% for Ancylostoma spp., Trichuris vulpis , Toxocara canis and Coccidia respectively. Stray dogs are associated with a high risk of infection. Also, the periodic laboratory tests can confirm this. The information received from this present study may be useful in the designing of control programs. It was also used in educating the dogs’ owners about public health issues of dog keeping, hence reducing the risks associated with zoonotic infections.


2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio De Liberato ◽  
Federica Berrilli ◽  
Livio Odorizi ◽  
Roberto Scarcella ◽  
Marco Barni ◽  
...  

Abstract Parasites are among the most common pathogens recorded in dogs. High prevalence rates are usually reported in stray and shelter dogs, as these animals are less likely to be tested and treated. In this study a survey was carried out on intestinal and lung parasites of stray dogs at the moment of the admission in a shelter in Central Italy. In the period June 2014-June 2015, 262 individual faecal samples were examined. Twelve parasitic taxa were detected. Helminths were more prevalent than protozoa (61.8% and 25.6%, respectively). Ancylostomatidae showed the higher prevalence (40.5%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (21.4%), Toxocara canis (20.6%) and Trichuris vulpis (17.6%). Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most prevalent lungworm (12.6%), Crenosoma vulpis being recorded just in one dog. G. duodenalis had a high prevalence, probably because of the diagnostic techniques adopted, actually the most sensitive available for its detection. Nevertheless, the zoonotic potential of this parasite in dogs appears reduced, as all the isolates were identified as C (24.0%) and D (76.0%) dog specific assemblages. Taeniidae constituted a high potential zoonotic risk, as from the eggs it is impossible to exclude they were Echinococcus granulosus, the most relevant zoonotic parasite in Europe. The present study underline the importance of stray dogs control, aimed at preventing or minimizing parasitic spread and zoonotic transmission.


2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (9) ◽  
pp. 1857-1864 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. DURAND ◽  
H. HASKOURI ◽  
S. LOWENSKI ◽  
N. VACHIERY ◽  
C. BECK ◽  
...  

SUMMARYA serosurvey of 349 military working horses and 231 military working dogs was conducted in ten sites in Morocco in 2012. This survey revealed a high level of exposure of these animals to flaviviruses: seroprevalence rates of 60% in horses and of 62% in dogs were observed using a competitive West Nile virus (WNV) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Seroneutralization test results showed that the majority of cELISA-positive results were due to exposure to WNV. Further assays conducted in vaccinated horses with a DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) test indicated that anti-WNV antibodies had been stimulated through WNV natural infection. Moreover, in both species, seroneutralization tests suggested an exposure to Usutu virus (USUV). Data analysis did not show any significant difference of cELISA seropositivity risk between horses and dogs. Dogs may thus represent an interesting alternative to equines for the serological surveillance of WNV or USUV circulation, especially in areas where equine vaccination precludes passive surveillance (based on the detection of West Nile fever cases) in horses.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Aurelio Zanzani ◽  
Alessia Libera Gazzonis ◽  
Paola Scarpa ◽  
Federica Berrilli ◽  
Maria Teresa Manfredi

Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats are cosmopolitan pathogens with zoonotic potential for humans. Our investigation considered their diffusion in dogs and cats from northern Italy areas, specifically the metropolitan area of Milan and two micropolitan areas of neighboring provinces. It included the study of the level of awareness in pet owners of the zoonotic potential from these parasites. A total of 409 fresh fecal samples were collected from household dogs and cats for copromicroscopic analysis and detection ofGiardia duodenaliscoproantigens. The assemblages ofGiardiawere also identified. A questionnaire about intestinal parasites biology and zoonotic potential was submitted to 185 pet owners. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites resulted higher in cats (47.37%−60.42%) and dogs (57.41%−43.02%) from micropolitan areas than that from the metropolis of Milan (dogs:P=28.16%; cats:P=32.58%). The zoonotic parasites infecting pets under investigation wereT. canisandT. cati,T. vulpis, Ancylostomatidae, andG. duodenalisassemblage A. Only 49.19% of pet owners showed to be aware of the risks for human health from canine and feline intestinal parasites. Parasitological results in pets and awareness determination in their owners clearly highlight how the role of veterinarians is important in indicating correct and widespread behaviors to reduce risks of infection for pets and humans in urban areas.


Author(s):  
Giulia Simonato ◽  
Patrizia Danesi ◽  
Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono ◽  
Giorgia Dotto ◽  
Cinzia Tessarin ◽  
...  

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are based on the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between animals and beneficiaries that is certain to provide positive effects, while currently, it reads as if AAIs aim at exposing stakeholders to potential risk of infection. The surveillance of zoonotic pathogens is necessary for guaranteeing common health. This study investigated the presence of potentially zoonotic parasites, including dermatophytes, in animals involved in AAIs. Between 2015 and 2017, 190 animals (equids, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents, and goats) were investigated. Anamnestic and management data were recorded. Individual faecal samples were analysed using a copromicroscopic procedure. Fur and skin were examined for ectoparasites during clinical examinations, and samples for mycological investigation were collected by brushing. Parasites were described in 60 (31.6%) investigated animals. Thirteen out of the 60 (21.7%) animals harboured potentially zoonotic parasites, mainly recovered in dogs (Ancylostomatidae, Eucoleus aerophilus, Toxocara canis, and Giardia duodenalis) and a cat (G. duodenalis). Nannizzia gypsea and Paraphyton mirabile, potential agents of cutaneous mycosis, were isolated in a dog and a horse, respectively. No ectoparasites were found. AAIs might represent a source of infections either directly or via environmental contamination. Thus, active surveillance is necessary and animal screenings should be planned and scheduled according to the risk of exposure.


2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Afkar M. Hadi

     The aim of this study is to identify the gastrointestinal parasites and Protozoa in stray dogs.  The current study include seven genera of intestinal helminthes and protozoa as follows: one cestode (Taenia sp. 29.1%), four nematode (Hookworm 86.6%, Toxocara canis 67.5%, Trichuris vulpis 51.6% and Stongyloides sp. 5%) and two protozoa (Gairdia sp. 24.1% and Cryptosporidium sp. 20.8%) from 120 fecal samples of dogs were collected from different regions of Baghdad during the period from February to July 2014.The results revealed that the intestinal parasites appeared in all months of study; however, the high rates of infection was during winter months.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-119
Author(s):  
M. Ristić ◽  
N. Miladinović-Tasić ◽  
S. Dimitrijević ◽  
K. Nenadović ◽  
D. Bogunović ◽  
...  

SummaryRegarding geographical distribution and clinical relevance, the most common canine geohelminths are Toxocara canis, ancylostomatids, and Trichuris vulpis. Canine intestinal parasites from the soil and sand present an important potential serious human health hazard, especially for the children preschool and school – age. This paper aimed to establish the degree of contamination of soil and sand with zoonotic parasites from the canine feces and the degree of risk they could pose for human health in public places and playgrounds in the city of Niš. Our parasitological study involved 200 soil samples and 50 sand samples from the public parks in the city of Niš in southeastern Serbia (43°19′15″N, 21°53′45″ E). From several locations, about 100 g of soil and sand was collected based on the bioclimatic indices. Parasitological diagnosis was performed using conventional qualitative and quantitative coprological methods, abiding by the recommendations about the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. In 38 – 46 % of soil samples and 40 % of sand samples seven species of endoparasites were diagnosed. In the samples of soil, a medium and high degree of contamination with the ascarid T. canis (14 – 22 %) was detected, as well as a low and medium degree of contamination with ancylostomatids (4 – 12 %), and in the samples of sand, a variable degree of contamination with the helminths T. canis (26 %) and A. alata (16 %) was found. A statistically significant difference was found in the contamination with A. alata eggs between the samples of sand and samples of soil. The studied public surfaces represent the reservoir of zoonotic parasites, which is a public health problem requiring a synergistic action of several factors to be successfully resolved, i.e. the implementation of prevention, surveillance, and control measures.


1994 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. O'Lorcain

AbstractA survey was undertaken to study the epidemiology of Toxocara spp. in 350 dogs and 181 cats. A prevalence of 82.6% was recorded for Toxocara canis and 42% for T. cati. The distribution of parasite burdens in both dogs and cats was overdispersed. The highest parasite prevalence rates and burdens were found in hosts of 12 to 24 weeks of age. No Toxocara parasites were found in cats between 0 to 4 weeks old. There was no significant difference in parasite prevalence between male and female dogs or between male and female cats. The relationships between host age and sex with parasite prevalence, burden and length are discussed. Female T. canis worms with mature ova and those with immature ova differed significantly with regard to their length. The relationship between the length of mature T. canis female worms and the proportion of body length occupied by the uterus was highly significant.


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