Abstract
Aim:The aim of the study was to identify the presence of eggs of Toxocaraspp. in dog hair and to identify any risk factors associated with this.Materials and Methods:A total of 96 dogs were sampled collecting hair from the head, perianal and hindquarters. Epidemiologic data from each animal were recorded to identify risk factors. The samples of hair were washed with solutions of distilled water, phosphate-buffered saline and Tween 20 detergent. Microscopic analysis was subsequently performed for the identification of eggs.Results:Out of the total dogs, 41.7% were positive for the presence of parasite egg in their hair. Toxocara eggs were found in hair from the head (14.5%), tail (20.8%), and limbs (10.4%). Dogs, younger than 12 months old, showed higher values (4.7%) of egg presence in the perianal area (p<0.05). The principal risk factors for the presence of eggs in hair were not deworming (odds ratio [OR]=3.60, p<0.004) and not brushing (OR=2.26, p<0.12).Conclusion:These results show that in the state of Mexico there is a high percentage of dogs contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs in their hair. This should be seriously considered due to the potential problems of toxocariasis and the risk to public health.
Highlights
Toxocara canis is a nematode parasite commonly found in the intestines of dogs [1]
The perianal region showed a higher percentage of positive tests (20.8%) compared with the head (14.6%) and limbs (10.4%), the anatomical region was not found to be a predisposing factor in the overall population (Table-1)
The results obtained in this study indicate that beside reports of Toxocara spp. eggs being recovered from feces and in public places, their presence in the hair of canines is a potential risk factor for the transmission of this parasite to other animals and humans
Summary
Toxocara canis is a nematode parasite commonly found in the intestines of dogs [1]. It can be excreted as eggs in feces, and under appropriate conditions, they become infective in the environment during a period of 2-5 weeks [2]. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/ publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated
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