Abstract
Few studies have been conducted in Italy to quantify the potential risk associated with dynamics and distribution of pathogens in urban settings. The aim of this study was to acquire data on the environmental faecal contamination in urban ecosystems, by assessing the presence of pathogens in public areas in the city of Bari (Apulia region, Italy). To determine the degree of environmental contamination, samples of dog faeces and bird guano were collected from different areas in the city of Bari (park green areas, playgrounds, public housing areas, parkways, and a school). A total of 152 canine faecal samples, in 54 pools, and two samples of pigeon guano from 66 monitored sites were examined. No samples were found in 12 areas spread over nine sites. Chlamydophila psittaci was detected in seven canine and two pigeon guano samples. Salmonella species were not found. On the other hand, four of 54 canine faecal samples were positive for reovirus. Thirteen canine faecal samples were positive for parasite eggs: 8/54 samples contained Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina eggs and 5/54 samples contained Ancylostoma caninum eggs. Our study showed that public areas are often contaminated by potentially zoonotic pathogens.
Highlights
The number of domestic animals in urban areas has progressively increased and dog faeces are not systematically removed from the streets, representing an important environmental pollution factor
Out of all the samples collected in the studied areas, only two pigeon guano (S1.C2 e S5.B) and seven canine faecal samples (S1.B, S1.C1, S2.C, S3.B, S20.C, S21.A e S22.A) were positive for Chlamydophila psittaci (12.96%)
By PCR analysis of bacterial DNA in faecal samples, that animals within the city of Bari may be carriers of Chlamydophila
Summary
The number of domestic animals in urban areas has progressively increased and dog faeces are not systematically removed from the streets, representing an important environmental pollution factor. An. Eurispes survey revealed that 44,000,000 domestic animals, including 6,900,000 dogs, were living in. Not removed due to the bad habits of the owners, may represent a source of potential pathogens in addition to an inconvenience to people [1,4,5,6,7,8]. Viable pathogens in dried and pulverized canine faeces can be spread by wind, vehicular traffic and can be a source of infection through unwrapped food. They can be carried inside houses via contaminated shoes [1,4]. The elderly and immunocompromised people are at greatest risk
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More From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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