Abstract
Both Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworms are common soil-transmitted helminths in remote Australian communities. In addition to infecting humans, S. stercoralis and some species of hookworms infect canids and therefore present both environmental and zoonotic sources of transmission to humans. Currently, there is limited information available on the prevalence of hookworms and S. stercoralis infections in dogs living in communities across the Northern Territory in Australia. In this study, 274 dog faecal samples and 11 faecal samples of unknown origin were collected from the environment and directly from animals across 27 remote communities in Northern and Central Australia. Samples were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for the presence of S. stercoralis and four hookworm species: Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Ancylostoma braziliense and Uncinaria stenocephala. The prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was found to be 21.9% (60/274). A. caninum was the only hookworm detected in the dog samples, with a prevalence of 31.4% (86/274). This study provides an insight into the prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworms in dogs and informs future intervention and prevention strategies aimed at controlling these parasites in both dogs and humans. A “One Health” approach is crucial for the prevention of these diseases in Australia.
Highlights
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are estimated to infect up to 2 billion people worldwide, with a high prevalence recorded in Southeast Asia [1,2,3]
We tested 285 fresh faecal samples, presumed to be from dogs, which had been collected from communities across the Northern Territory, Central Australia, northern areas of Western Australia and the north-west of South Australia
We confirmed that 274 out of 285 DNA samples extracted from the faeces were of dog origin (Canis lupus familiaris or Canis lupus dingo) through the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based amplification of the partial mitochondrial DNA
Summary
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are estimated to infect up to 2 billion people worldwide, with a high prevalence recorded in Southeast Asia [1,2,3]. Australia as a whole has a relatively low prevalence of STHs due to widespread access to adequate hygiene, sanitation and clean water [4]. Strongyloides stercoralis, distributed throughout the tropics, is estimated to infect up to 370 million people worldwide, predominantly in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities [5,6]. Strongyloides stercoralis can infect humans chronically and, in the case of immunocompromised patients, can develop into severe hyperinfective or disseminated strongyloidiasis, which has a mortality rate of up to 90% [9]. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that dogs can act as potential reservoirs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
