Factores asociados con la presencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca, México

Introducción. Los endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros son de distribución mundial. La estrecha relación entre los perros y el hombre implica un riesgo de transmisión de parasitosis zoonóticas, por lo cual es necesario conocer las especies que parasitan a los perros de esta zona y determinar los factores asociados.Objetivos. Estimar la prevalencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos, identificarlos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca, México, y determinar la prevalencia de Dipyilidium caninum en pulgas del género Ctenocephalides spp.Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron muestras de 402 perros que fueron llevados a consulta en cuatro hospitales de referencia de Toluca. En el diagnóstico de endoparásitos, se utilizaron las técnicas coproparasitoscópicas de frotis directo, flotación y sedimentación; además, se recolectaron ectoparásitos para su identificación taxonómica. Por último, la detección de D. caninum en pulgas se hizo mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR).Resultados. El 37,2 % de los perros resultó positivo para endoparásitos. Los géneros o especies identificados fueron Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora spp., D. caninum, Taenia spp. y Trichuris vulpis. Se determinó una prevalencia de ectoparásitos de 13,13 %. Se identificaron pulgas de las especies Ctenocephalides felis y C. canis, en tanto que solo un animal presentó parasitosis por Rhipicephalus sanguineus y otro por Trichodectes canis. La prevalencia de D. caninum en pulgas fue del 9,5 %.Conclusión. La prevalencia de endoparásitos fue de 37,2 % y, la de ectoparásitos, de 13,1 %. Por primera vez en México se hizo un análisis de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en una misma población de perros, así como el diagnóstico molecular de D. caninum.

Parasite fauna diversity in Red Fox (Vulpes Vulpes) from natural and anthropized ecosystems of the Republic of Moldova

The study of the diversity of the parasite fauna in the investigated foxes showed a high level of infestation (100%). The taxonomy of parasitofauna in foxes includes 12 parasitic invasions (Isospora canis – 14,3%, Alaria alata – 51,0%, Mesocestoides lineatus – 21,7%, Taeniidae spp – 27,0%, Syphacia obvelata – 17,0%, Strongyloides stercoralis – 13,3%, Toxocara canis – 59,0%, Toxascaris leonina – 65,5%, Ancylostoma caninum – 8,7%, Trichuris vulpis – 26,1%, Trichuris muris – 4,4%, Capilaria hepatica – 35,0%), which belong to 5 classes, 10 families, 11 genera and about 12 species. The share of species from the Sporozoa class is 8.3%, from the Trematoda class - 8.3%, from the Cestoda class - 16.7%, from the Secernentea class - 41.7% and from the Adenophorea class - 25.0%. Analyzing the parasitic species on epidemiological criterion, it was found that 10 species (83.3%) with large spread have zoonotic impact (A. alata, M. lineatus, Taenia spp., S. obvelata, S. ratti, T. canis, T. leonina, A. caninum, C. hepatica, T. vulpis) with a major risk to public health, and the identified invasions (100%) can parasitize domestic animals, as well as game fauna.

Helminth Eggs Detected in Soil Samples of a Possible Toilet Structure Found at the Capital Area of Ancient Baekje Kingdom of Korea

Although research conducted in East Asia has uncovered parasite eggs from ancient toilets or cesspits, data accumulated to date needs to be supplemented by more archaeoparasitological studies. We examined a total of 21 soil samples from a toilet-like structure at the Hwajisan site, a Baekje-period royal villa, in present-day Korea. At least 4 species of helminth eggs, i.e., Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Clonorchis sinensis, and Trichuris sp. (or Trichuris vulpis) were detected in 3 sediment samples of the structure that was likely a toilet used by Baekje nobles. The eggs of T. trichiura were found in all 3 samples (no. 1, 4, and 5); and A. lumbricoides eggs were detected in 2 samples (no. 4 and 5). C. sinensis and T. vulpis-like eggs were found in no. 5 sample. From the findings of this study, we can suppose that the soil-transmitted helminths were prevalent in ancient Korean people, including the nobles of Baekje Kingdom during the 5th to 7th century.

PARASITOSES EM CÃES DOMICILIADOS EM UM MUNICÍPIO DO SUL DO BRASIL

Parasitos causam danos à saúde de animais de companhia e podem afetar a saúde humana. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a frequência e a diversidade de parasitoses em cães domiciliados no município de Chapecó, Santa Catarina. As coletas ocorreram nos meses de outubro a dezembro de 2018, em três bairros da cidade. Um animal por residência foi incluído na amostra, totalizando 150. Para a avaliação de ectoparasitas foram utilizados os meios semiológicos de investigação. Foram coletadas fezes frescas dos animais para a busca por endoparasitas. As amostras foram conduzidas e avaliadas no Laboratório de Zoologia e Parasitologia da Unochapecó. Para o processamento das amostras foram utilizadas duas técnicas sendo a de flutuação (Millis-Molay) e sedimentação (Dennis Stones). O estudo contou ainda com um inquérito junto aos tutores dos animais sobre as condições de bem estar e cuidados com a saúde dos mesmos. Ao todo, em 23 cães (15,3%) foram encontrados ectoparasitas da espécie Ctenocephalides canis. Foram observados os endoparasitas Trichuris vulpis (6% pela técnica de flutuação e 3,3% por sedimentação) e Ancylostoma spp. (4,7%) pela técnica de flutuação. A frequência de animais acometidos por parasitos destaca a importância de cuidados mais amplo e sistemático com a saúde dos animais.

Occurrence of Endoparasites in Adult Swedish Dogs: A Coprological Investigation

The occurrence of endoparasites in Swedish adult dogs (n = 303) was investigated between January and October 2014. Included dogs had to be clinically healthy, older than 1 year and untreated with anthelmintics or endectocides for at least 3 months prior to sampling. They were grouped according to age, category of dog and time since last antiparasitic treatment. Samples were analyzed by flotation to detect parasitic eggs and cysts/oocysts. Among these, 129 (43%) dogs were also analyzed with the Baermann-technique to detect cardiopulmonary larval stages. Parasite dispersal stages were found in 24 (7.9%, CI 95% 4.9–10.1) of the dogs at flotation, while no dog shed cardiopulmonary larval stages. Giardia sp. cysts were observed in 2.6% (n = 8) of dogs examined, cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 0.6% (n = 2), oocysts of Cystosisopora ohioensis were found in one dog (0.3%). Eggs of Toxocara canis (2.3%, n = 7), Uncinaria stenocephala (1.3%, n = 4) and Trichuris vulpis (0.3%, one dog) were found. None of the dogs were diagnosed with more than one species. Although the occurrence of endoparasites was above the average in dogs ≤ 2 years of age (11.5%), nematodes were more common in older dogs ≥4 years (77.0%). Although the occurrence was lower in working/exhibition dogs (5.9%) than in companion dogs (8.4%) and hunting-dogs (8.6%), these differences were not significant. However, dogs exposed to prey according to the owner had a statistically significant higher prevalence than other dogs (20.5 vs. 5.7%). The Odds Ratio (OR) was 4.0 (CI 95%, 1.58–10.11) for dogs having access to prey, 2.4 (CI 95%, 0.37–8.06) for dogs staying at day-care, and 2 (CI 95%, 0.96–5.96) for bitches. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between infection with nematodes and exposures to prey (p = 0.006). As a reference, data on the endoparasites in canine fecal samples submitted to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA, Uppsala) during 2014 are presented. Overall, this study shows a low occurrence of endoparasites among dogs in Sweden. Any risk-assessment on zoonotic parasites as well as deworming recommendations will take advantage from these updated figures.

Co-infection of Trichuris vulpis and Toxocara canis in different aged dogs: Influence on the haematological indices

Trichuris vulpis and Toxocara canis are worldwide parasitic nematodes affecting dogs and mammals of the Canine family. Due to the special structure of the shells, the eggs of these geohelminths can maintain their viability in soil, sand, water and the environment for a long time. The study involved young (6–12 months old) and adult (1.5–8.0 years old) dogs affected by co-infection of T. vulpis + T. canis; the control group consisted of dewormed healthy animals of the same age. Parasitological examination of dogs' faeces was performed using a "Counting Chamber for Ovoscopic Researches"; morphological parameters, indicators of nutrient metabolism, mineral metabolism and activity of enzymatic systems were determined in blood and serum. According to the results of parasitological research on the dogs, it was found that young animals are more prone to toxocarosis, and adults – trichurosis. The co-infection of nematodes T. vulpis + T. canis in dogs develops several changes in haematological parameters: a significant decrease in erythrocytes, haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and haematocrit, leukocytosis with basophils and eosinophilia in young infected animals; and eosinophilia and basophilia (15.9 times) in adults, compared with healthy dogs of the same age. Among the changes in serum biochemical parameters, young infected dogs showed a decrease in the concentration of total protein and albumin content, an increase in the content of "acute phase" proteins (α-1, α-2 and β-globulins), an increase in cholesterol and total bilirubin; in adult infected dogs, a decrease in albumin content, an increase in the content of α-1, α-2, and β-globulins, an increase in the concentration of cholesterol and total bilirubin, a decrease in the concentration of urea in comparison with healthy animals were determined. Also, among the indicators of mineral metabolism, a decrease in the concentration of calcium and magnesium in the serum was found in young infected dogs. Among the changes in the enzyme metabolism in the serum of infected dogs, there was an increase in the activity of all studied enzymes in animals of both research groups: ALT, AST, α-amylase, GGT and ALP. Thus, co-infection with nematodes T. vulpis + T. canis has a complex pathogenic effect on the body of dogs of all ages, which manifested itself in multiple changes in haematological parameters. In the future, the authors’ team plan to develop comprehensive measures to combat nematode infections in different living conditions of dogs, taking into account the results of the current research.

Zoonotic Endoparasites in Dogs from the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

More than 30 dog parasite species have been identified in Bosnia and Herzegovina so far, and half of these are zoonotic. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of parasitic infections in dogs from Bosnian-podrinje canton with a focus on zoonotic parasites. The study included 212 dogs (107 owned and 105 stray). One or more of the twenty parasite species were found in 82.55% of tested samples. Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Class Trematoda) was found in 0.94% of dogs. Dipylidium caninum and Mesocestoides lineatus (Class Cestoda) were found in 7.55% and 0.94% of dogs, respectively. Taenia spp. and Echinococcus spp. (Family Taeniidae) were found in 0.47% and 0.94% of samples, respectively. In the family of Nematoda, the following parasite species were identified with corresponding percent among tested dogs: Toxocara canis (25.94%), Toxascaris leonine (8.96%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.47%), Ancylostoma caninum (3.77%), Uncinaria stenocephala (52.36%), Trichuris vulpis (22.17%), Eucoleus aerophilus (1.42%), Dirofilaria immitis (1.89%) and Dirofilaria repens (1.42%). In the kingdom of Protozoa, the following parasite species were identified with corresponding percent among tested dogs: Cystoisospora canis (8.49%), C. ohioensis (2.36%), Cryptosporidium spp. (4.72%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.47%), Babesia spp. (5.19%), and Giardia duodenalis (15.57%). Leishmania infantum was not identified in tested samples. The results showed a high level of parasitic infestation in the dog population in the Bosnian-Podrinje canton, with a high occurrence of zoonotic parasites. Significant differences were found between owned and stray dogs for all classes of detected parasites with exception of the class Trematoda, disregarding specific parasite species.

FACTORES ASOCIADOS A LA CONTAMINACIÓN DE PARQUES PÚBLICOS (HUÁNUCO, PERÚ) CON HUEVOS DE TOXOCARA CANIS Y OTROS ENDOPARASITOS DE IMPORTANCIA ZOONOTICA

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la contaminación de parques públicos del distrito de Huánuco, Perú por huevos de Toxocara canis. En cada uno de los 11 parques fueron tomadas 32 muestras por lo que se evaluaron un total de 352 muestras de tierra en mayo y junio del 2014. La selección de los parques fue al azar. De cada parque se recolectó 2 a 3 kg de tierra, según el método de la doble “W”. Se usó el método de flotación con solución saturada de azúcar. Se consideró positivo cuando se encontró al menos un huevo de T. canis por parque evaluado. De los 11 parques muestreados se encontró huevos de T. canis en el 90,9%. Siete fueron las formas parasitarias acompañantes a T. canis en el suelo. La secuencia de prevalencia parasitaria presentó el siguiente orden descendente: T. canis > huevos tipo Strongylus de Ancylostoma caninum > larvas de A. caninum = Blastocystis hominis > Trichuris vulpis = Entamoeba sp. > Capillaria sp. = Balantidium coli. La riqueza parasitaria fue de 2,45±1,21 (1 a 4) parásitos·parque público-1. Se observó una correlación positiva significativa entre el área del parque público y la riqueza de parásitos·parque público-1. No se encontró asociación entre el estado de conservación del parque público y la positividad con T. canis. Un dendrograma de similitud de asociación de los parásitos presentes en los 11 parques públicos mostró una mayor asociación entre huevos tipo Strongylus y larvas de A. caninum. También una mayor similitud entre T. vulpis, B. coli, Entamoeba sp. y Capillaria sp. T. canis presentó la menor similitud con el resto de formas parasitarias. Se observó un aumento en la prevalencia de T. canis en comparación a la década anterior, así como la presencia de otros estadios infectivos de parásitos de importancia en salud pública. Las personas y especialmente los niños pudieran contaminarse durante su estadía en los parques públicos y deben tomarse medidas sanitarias para el control de esta zoonosis.

FACTORES ASOCIADOS A LA CONTAMINACIÓN DE PARQUES PÚBLICOS (HUÁNUCO, PERÚ) CON HUEVOS DE TOXOCARA CANIS Y OTROS ENDOPARASITOS DE IMPORTANCIA ZOONOTICA

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la contaminación de parques públicos del distrito de Huánuco, Perú por huevos de Toxocara canis. En cada uno de los 11 parques fueron tomadas 32 muestras por lo que se evaluaron un total de 352 muestras de tierra en mayo y junio del 2014. La selección de los parques fue al azar. De cada parque se recolectó 2 a 3 kg de tierra, según el método de la doble “W”. Se usó el método de flotación con solución saturada de azúcar. Se consideró positivo cuando se encontró al menos un huevo de T. canis por parque evaluado. De los 11 parques muestreados se encontró huevos de T. canis en el 90,9%. Siete fueron las formas parasitarias acompañantes a T. canis en el suelo. La secuencia de prevalencia parasitaria presentó el siguiente orden descendente: T. canis > huevos tipo Strongylus de Ancylostoma caninum > larvas de A. caninum = Blastocystis hominis > Trichuris vulpis = Entamoeba sp. > Capillaria sp. = Balantidium coli. La riqueza parasitaria fue de 2,45±1,21 (1 a 4) parásitos·parque público-1. Se observó una correlación positiva significativa entre el área del parque público y la riqueza de parásitos·parque público-1. No se encontró asociación entre el estado de conservación del parque público y la positividad con T. canis. Un dendrograma de similitud de asociación de los parásitos presentes en los 11 parques públicos mostró una mayor asociación entre huevos tipo Strongylus y larvas de A. caninum. También una mayor similitud entre T. vulpis, B. coli, Entamoeba sp. y Capillaria sp. T. canis presentó la menor similitud con el resto de formas parasitarias. Se observó un aumento en la prevalencia de T. canis en comparación a la década anterior, así como la presencia de otros estadios infectivos de parásitos de importancia en salud pública. Las personas y especialmente los niños pudieran contaminarse durante su estadía en los parques públicos y deben tomarse medidas sanitarias para el control de esta zoonosis.