Abstract
In sheltered dogs, the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis is frequently high and may include potential zoonotic genotypes. The prevalence, genotypes and potential risk factors of G. duodenalis were assessed in 168 dogs from four kennels (Pistoia, Prato, Florence, Valdarno) in Tuscany, central Italy and compared with data from previous Italian studies. The prevalence of other intestinal parasites was also investigated. Individual dog faecal samples collected from each kennel were examined by parasitological techniques and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium faecal antigens. On Giardia-positive samples, molecular analysis was performed for genotype identification. Overall, 69 dogs scored positive for G. duodenalis (41%), but significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found among the four kennels and sampling seasons. The potentially zoonotic assemblages A and B and the canine-specific assemblage C (Pistoia: A-AII, B, C; Prato: A-AII, B; Florence: A-AII; Valdarno: A and C) were identified. Toxocara canis (8.9%), Trichuris vulpis (3.6%), hookworms (1.19%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (0.6%) were also identified. The high prevalence of G. duodenalis and the identification of potentially zoonotic genotypes in all examined kennels underline the need to improve routine parasite monitoring and control measures and to provide insights into the zoonotic potential of G. duodenalis.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilGiardia duodenalis
69 out of 168 examined dogs scored positive for G. duodenalis, with a prevalence of 41.07%
The highest prevalence of G. duodenalis was found among puppies younger than 6 months of age (8/11 dogs, prevalence 72.73%), followed by the 6–12 month
Summary
Giardia lamblia) is a worldwide-distributed intestinal flagellated protozoan that can infect domestic and wild animals, including dogs and humans [1,2]. The life cycle of G. duodenalis is direct and involves only two stages, the trophozoite and the cyst. Hosts may become infected via ingestion of infectious G. duodenalis cysts in contaminated food or water sources, or directly (cysts and trophozoites) via the faecal–oral route [1]. The localisation site of G. duodenalis is the small intestine, mainly the duodenum and jejunum, and the infection may be asymptomatic or may cause intestinal disease of different severity [3,4]. Molecular studies have shown that G. duodenalis includes eight distinct genotypes, called assemblages, identified with the alphabetic letters from A to H [1].
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