Abstract
Previous studies on helminths of dogs have revealed a relatively high prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. in dogs in Southern Africa. Ancylostoma caninum, and to a lesser extent, A. braziliense have been reported as the predominant species in dogs based on either morphology of eggs or of adult parasites. The reliability of both methods is questionable and hence the aim of this study was to identify the species infecting dogs in the Durban metropole, South Africa, by comparing morphology of the eggs and results from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test applied to the third stage larvae of the parasites. Morphology of the egg (measurements of width and length of egg) revealed that the mean length and width of all specimens collected were compatible with A. caninum. However, phylogenetic analysis of the ITS-5.8S-ITS2 region of the DNA of third stage larvae of the same specimens revealed the presence of A. caninum and A. braziliense; the most common haplotype of each species had been previously reported, whilst the others were novel. Ancylostoma eggs were identified in 19 of the 63 dogs sampled (30%). Of these, 18 (95%) were infected with A. caninum, whereas 5 (26%) were infected with A. braziliense. Four (21%) of specimens had mixed infections of both A. caninum and A. brasiliense.
Highlights
IntroductionThe species that affect dogs in tropical regions are Ancylostoma caninum, A. braziliense, A. ceylanicum and Uncinaria stenocephala (Smyth, 1976), U. stenocephala is mainly found in temperate regions (Smith et al, 2003)
Hookworms are nematodes belonging to the family Ancylostomidae
The mean egg length of ten eggs from each dog sample varied between 51.3 ± 10.8 and 65.6 ± 2.9 μM, whereas the mean egg width varied between 36.6 ± 4.2 and 42.8 ± 5.2 μM and these dimensions fell within the range described for A. caninum by Gibbons et al (1996) (Figure 1)
Summary
The species that affect dogs in tropical regions are Ancylostoma caninum, A. braziliense, A. ceylanicum and Uncinaria stenocephala (Smyth, 1976), U. stenocephala is mainly found in temperate regions (Smith et al, 2003). A. caninum causes iron-deficiency anaemia in dogs because of its haematophagus behaviour, the severity of which depends on the age and nourishment of the dog (Loukas and Prociv, 2001). Pups and undernourished dogs are more susceptible to severe anaemia and other hookworm-associated conditions, including eczema, bloody diarrhoea and even death (Smyth, 1976). A. braziliense is less pathogenic to dogs it may cause hypo-proteinemia (Smyth, 1976)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
