Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the intestinal parasite prevalence in puppies from six different kennels; four kennels were in Guadalajara and Zapopan cities (Jalisco State) and two kennels were in Mexico City. From October 2006 to November 2007, we collected 441 fecal samples from 147 puppies, both male and female, ranging from 1 to 36 months of age. Three samples from every puppy were analyzed by using the Faust technique. The prevalence found were as follows: Giardia intestinalis (genotype A and B) 6.8%; Cystoisospora 21.08%; Uncinaria 7.48%; Toxocara canis 12.29% and multiparasitism (Giardia, Toxocara and Uncinaria) 4.76%. The highest prevalence for both Giardia and Cystoisospora were found in 2-3- month-old puppies; the highest prevalence for Toxocara canis was found in 3-4-month-old puppies. In the kennels of Mexico City we found mainly Giardia intestinalis, Cystoisospora to be most prevalent in Zapopan and Toxocara canis in Guadalajara. The high prevalence of intestinal parasites found in this study demonstrates an increased risk for infection in humans, as these animals are usually a common pet in many homes. This zoonotic phenomenon represents an important health problem for any community.
Highlights
The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from kennels depends on several variables, including the kennels’ geographic area, number of animals sharing space, and, most importantly, the sanitary conditions in which the dogs live
Epidemiological studies of intestinal parasites give us an idea of the zoonotic risk for dogs living in kennels as well as dogs living with a family as a domesticated pet
Several studies from kennels in Australia showed a parasitic prevalence of 23.9%, with 9.3% of the cases testing positive for Giardia intestinalis [1]
Summary
The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from kennels depends on several variables, including the kennels’ geographic area, number of animals sharing space, and, most importantly, the sanitary conditions in which the dogs live. In Spain, a study showed a prevalence of parasites in 25% of those tested, with 6.0% of the cases testing positive for Toxocara canis and 10.0% testing positive for Cystoisospora [2]. In Greece, studies found a 26% parasitic prevalence, with 12.8% of the cases testing positive for Toxocara canis, 4.3% testing positive for Giardia duodenalis and Cystoisospora, and 2.8% testing positive for Uncinaria [3]. These statistics are important, as multiple parasites are being found in puppies as young as six months; kennel owners should treat all of their animals for parasites to prevent the continued spread of gastrointestinal diseases [4]. Deworming and treating all kennel animals for parasites would reduce the cases of infection in humans
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