Parasites In Dogs Research Articles

Identifying Zoonotic Parasites in Domiciled and Non-Domiciled Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) Within an Urban Zone of the Eastern State of Mexico.

There are over 42 million dogs in Mexico, with a significant population living on the streets, especially in the State of Mexico. These dogs can act as carriers of zoonotic pathogens, placing children and individuals with chronic diseases or immunodeficiencies at risk. To evaluate the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in feral and domestic dogs in the urban area of the eastern State of Mexico and assess their potential impact on public health. The study was conducted from July 2022 to March 2023 in the urban area located in the eastern region of the State of Mexico. A total of 134 samples of dog faces were collected through convenience sampling, from both domiciled and non-domiciled dogs. Fifty-one dogs were identified with Ancylostomatidae family (38.1%, 95% CI: 27.0%-52.1%), 10 with Toxocara spp. (7.5%, 95% CI: 3.6%-13.3%), 7 with Dipylidium caninum (5.5%, 95% CI: 2.1%-10.5%), 8 with Cystoisospora spp. (6.0%, 95% CI: 2.6%-11.4%), 6 with Giardia spp. (4.5%, 95% CI: 1.7-9.5%) and 2 positive cases for Hymenolepis spp. (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.2%-5.3%) were identified. This study highlights a public health concern related to non-domiciled dogs, which can serve as carriers of zoonotic parasites. Interactions among non-domiciled dogs, domiciled dogs and humans heighten the risk of transmission. Implementing prevention, control and awareness strategies is crucial to reduce the spread of these parasites.

New Dog Parasite (Toxocara canis) Discoveries at Melanesian and Polynesian Sites in Tropical Remote Oceania

New Dog Parasite (Toxocara canis) Discoveries at Melanesian and Polynesian Sites in Tropical Remote Oceania

Prevalence of Haemoprotozoan Parasites of Dogs in Umuahia metropolis, Abia state: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study investigated the prevalence of haemoprotozoan parasites of dogs in Umuahia, Southern Nigeria. The study population included sick dogs presented to the Abia State Veterinary Clinic, Umuahia from 2015 to 2022. A total of 560 case files of dogs were reviewed and data were presented using descriptive statistics and analysed using Chi square to determine association of various factors with prevalence of haemoprotozoan parasite. The overall prevalence of haemoprotozoan parasite in surveyed dogs was 118 (21.10%). The young dogs had a higher prevalence of 79 (22.40%) compared to the adult 39 (18.80%). The female dogs had a higher prevalence of 77 (25.50%) than male 41 (15.90%). The local breed had a higher prevalence of 28.80% than the exotic breeds 18.50%. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between haemoparasitism and sex, as well as breed of dogs surveyed. Babesia spp was the most common haemoprotozoan parasite, representing 63 (53.49%) while Anaplasma was the least abundant 3 (2.54%). Haemoprotozoan parasite spp was found to be more prevalent in young dogs than adult dogs. It was concluded that haemoparasites are prevalent among sick dogs presented at the Abia State veterinary clinic, Umuahia, and there is need to raise awareness on the prevention and control of haemoprotozoan parasite infections in dogs.

Dog ectoparasites as sentinels for pathogenic Rickettsia and Bartonella in rural Guatemala

Fleas and ticks serve as vectors of multiple pathogens in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonella that cause diseases in humans and other animals. Although human rickettsiosis and bartonellosis have been reported in all countries in Central America, limited research has been conducted to investigate the natural cycles of flea- and tick-borne rickettsiosis and bartonellosis, especially in Guatemala. We evaluated dog parasites as sentinels for zoonotic disease risk in rural Guatemala by sampling ticks and fleas from dogs, which were then identified and individually screened for Rickettsia and Bartonella. A total of 77 households were surveyed and 80.5 % of them had dogs. Overall, 133 dogs were examined for fleas and ticks, of which 68.4 % had fleas and 35.3 % had ticks. A total of 433 fleas and 181 ticks were collected from the infested dogs, with an additional 33 ticks collected from house walls. Three flea species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (70.0 %), Echidnophaga gallinacea (11.8 %), and Pulex sp. (17.8 %). Among the collected ticks, 97 % were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato with the rest being Amblyomma cajennense, A. auricularium, and A. ovale. Rickettsia felis were detected in six C. felis, in one Pulex sp., and in two R. sanguineus sensu lato, while Candidatus R. senegalensis was detected in one C. felis. Bartonella was detected only in fleas, including three Pulex sp. infected with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, B. henselae, and Bartonella sp., respectively, and 11 C. felis infected with B. henselae. This study reports Candidatus R. senegalensis and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in Guatemala for the first time, and indicates the potential risk of human and dog exposure to Rickettsia and Bartonella species. These results show that dogs provide critical information relevant to managing human potential exposure to flea- and tick-borne pathogens in rural Guatemala. This approach can potentially be expanded to other regions in Central America where domestic dogs are abundant and suffer from ectoparasite infestation.

Therapeutic efficacy of a three-component anthelmintic drug against cestodosis and nematodosis of small domestic animals

The purpose of the study therapeutic efficacy of combined anthelmintic drug on dogs and cats of different age groups naturally infected with cestodes and nematodes.Materials and methods. The study drug in the suspension form contains oxantel pamoate, pyrantel pamoate, praziquantel, and additives as active ingredients. The therapeutic efficacy of the drug was evaluated on 228 animals naturally infected with nematodes or cestodes in the Podolsk Experimental Production Base of the VNIIP – FSC VIEV. The animals were divided into experimental and control groups of 6 animals each. The experimental dogs and cats were administered the study drug while the control animals were not given the drug. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests of fecal samples were performed on days 10, 20 and 30 after the start of the experiment. The method of helminthoscopy was used to detect segments and helminthoovoscopy as per Fülleborn to detect helminth eggs/cocoons in animal fecal samples with their subsequent differentiation. The results were statistically processed by the Student method using Microsoft Excel 2016.Results and discussion. It was found that anthelmintic drug based on oxantel pamoate, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel had high therapeutic efficacy against parasitism in dogs and cats of nematodes Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma spp. and cestodes Echinococcus spp. (except for cats), Mesocestoides spp., Taenia spp., Dipylidium caninum, and Diphyllobothrium latum. When the drug was used in the animals of different age groups, no side effects or complications were recorded.

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens: Investigating the Prevalence of Zoonotic Parasites in Dogs and Humans in a Hyperenzootic Area.

The mosquito-borne zoonotic nematode parasites Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens primarily affect dogs. In recent years, their distribution has expanded due to various factors influencing vector-borne pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the comparative prevalence of infection in dogs and humans within a hyperenzootic region of Europe, and to estimate the proportional relationship between infection prevalence in dogs and humans, within the concept of "One Health". To this end, 604 blood samples from dogs and 625 serum samples from humans living in the Thrace region of northeastern Greece were collected. The dog samples were examined for Dirofilaria spp. microfilariae using Kott's test and for D. immitis antigen using a commercial serological test. The human sera were analyzed for both parasites by Western blot. The overall prevalence of infection in dogs was 177 (29.3%), with 173 (28.6%) testing positive for D. immitis and 7 (1.2%) for D. repens, including 6 (1%) cases of mixed infection. Specific IgG antibodies were detected in 42 (6.7%) human samples, with 24 (3.8%) positive for D. immitis and 18 (2.9%) for D. repens. The infection proportion in humans was 23.4% of the corresponding canine infections, indicating a high risk of human infection in this hyperenzootic region.

Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Lungworms in Cats and Dogs from Terceira and São Miguel Islands, Azores.

Parasitic diseases can affect animal health and welfare, and they may also constitute a danger to public health, particularly in island ecosystems. Fecal samples were collected from 205 dogs and 115 cats on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, Azores archipelago (Portugal), using the Willis flotation technique and modified Baermann method, for further analysis. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in dogs was 53%, with the following results: Ancylostomatidae (hookworms) (42.44%), Trichuris vulpis (17.56%), Toxocara canis (12.68%) and Cystoisospora spp. (4.39%). In cats, the overall prevalence was also 53%, with the following results: Toxocara cati (31.3%), Ancylostomatidae (30.43%), Cystoisospora spp. (14.78%) and Trichuris sp. (0.87%). The prevalence of lungworms was 0.49% in canines and 20.87% in felines, with Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus species being detected in dogs and cats, respectively. The present survey detected a high prevalence of gastrointestinal infection, in both dogs and cats, probably because the samples came mainly from kennels and catteries and due to the peculiar climatic conditions in this insular territory, with mild temperature and high relative humidity. A considerable prevalence of aelurostrongylosis was also detected (20.87%), so it should be included in the list of differential diagnoses of diseases concerning the respiratory tract in cats of the archipelago.

Dog ectoparasites as sentinels for pathogenic Rickettsia and Bartonella in rural Guatemala.

Fleas and ticks serve as vectors of multiple pathogens in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonellathat cause diseases in humans and other animals. Although human rickettsiosis and bartonellosis have been reported in all countries in Central America, limited research has been conducted to investigate the natural cycles of flea- and tick-borne rickettsiosis and bartonellosis, especially in Guatemala. We evaluated dog parasites as sentinels for zoonotic disease risk in rural Guatemala by sampling ticks and fleas from dogs, which were then identified and individually screened for Rickettsia and Bartonella. A total of 77 households were surveyed and 80.52% of them had dogs. Overall, 133 dogs were examined for fleas and ticks, of which 68.42% had fleas and 35.34% had ticks. A total of 433 fleas and 181 ticks were collected from the infested dogs, with an additional 33 ticks collected from house walls. Three flea species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (70%), Echidnophaga gallinacea(11.8%), and Pulex sp. (17.8%). Among the collected ticks, 97% were Rhipicephalus sanguineus with the rest being Amyblyomma cajennense, A. auricularium, and A. ovale. Rickettsia felis were detected in six C. felis, in one Pulex sp., and in two R. sanguineus, while Candidatus R. senegalensis was detected in one C. felis. Bartonella was detected only in fleas, including three Pulexsp. infected with B. vinsonii subsp. Berkhoffii, B. henselae, and Bartonella sp., respectively, and 11 C. felis infected with B. henselae. This study reports Candidatus R. senegalensis and B. vinsonii subsp. Berkhoffiiin Guatemala for the first time, and indicates the potential risk of human and dog exposure to Rickettsia and Bartonella species. These results show that dogs provide critical information relevant to managing human potential exposure to flea- and tick-borne pathogens in rural Guatemala.

Hsp70 PCR-RFLP as analternative tool to identify Sauroleishmania species.

Sauroleishmania spp. comprises one of the four Leishmania subgenera, which has been historically considered a non-pathogenic protozoan of reptiles. However, some strains appear to be transiently infective to mammals, and recent findings have detected these parasites in dogs and humans in areas where leishmaniasis is endemic. Herein, the digestion pattern of PCR-RFLP of the 234bp-hsp70 fragment was evaluated as a simpler and cheaper tool to distinguish the Sauroleishmania species from the other Leishmania subgenera. As a result, the digestion of the 234bp-hsp70 fragments with HaeIII produced a banding pattern specific to the four Sauroleishmania strains assessed. This technique could contribute to the identification of Leishmania parasites isolated from sandflies, reptiles, or even mammals in fieldworks as an alternative to the use of laborious and expensive methodologies.

Features of ctenocephalidosis among neglected dogs in the city of Tyumen

Considering the high probability of the participation of stray dogs in the reservation and transmission of pathogens of infectious and invasive etiology, strict control is necessary not only over specific prevention, but also over the diagnosis of these diseases. Fleas are the most common ectoparasites in domestic animals. Flea parasitism in dogs is accompanied by anxiety, itching, and an allergic reaction. In addition, fleas are intermediate hosts of the causative agent of dipylidia. The purpose of the research was to study the spread of ctenocephalidosis among stray dogs in the city of Tyumen. The work was completed between 2016 and 2020. On the basis of the temporary detention center for stray pets of the Municipal government institution "LesParkKhoz" in Tyumen. A total of 4817 stray dogs were examined. For diagnosis, clinical, epizootological and parasitological research methods were used, the results obtained were processed using statistical methods. It was found that ctenocephalidosis occurred in 22.30% of stray dogs in the city of Tyumen. Most often, ctenocephalidosis was recorded among stray puppies under 1 year of age (36.03%) and in stray dogs aged 3 to 6 years (32.97%). Ctenocephalidosis was diagnosed throughout the year, the peak incidence was recorded in the autumn period in 46.28% of cases (of all cases of ctenocephalidosis for the specified period). Almost at the same level, flea infestation was recorded in spring and summer at 20.95% and 24.11%, respectively. Most often, stray dogs with ctenocephalidosis were admitted to the municipal shelter from the Central Administrative District (EI - 65.41% with AI 10.1 ± 0.5 individuals/animal). The causative agents of ctenocephalidosis in stray dogs in the city of Tyumen are C. felis and C. canis with a dominance index of 84.96% and 15.04%, respectively.

A 20-year serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in dogs with neuromuscular disorders from urban areas in Argentina

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections may be associated with neuromuscular disorders in dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence to these protozoan parasites in dogs with neuromuscular disease from urban areas of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, over a period of 20 years, and to evaluate the association of seropositivity and antibody titres with different variables such as sex, breed and age. For this, a total of 7238 serum samples from urban owned dogs were analysed by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for specific IgG antibodies. The observed seropositivity rates were 35.7 % for T. gondii and 25.7 % for N. caninum. Crossbred dogs had a significantly higher seroprevalence for T. gondii than purebred dogs (41 % vs. 29.3 %), while a trend towards significance was observed for N. caninum, which was slightly higher in purebred dogs (26 % vs. 23.6 %). Seroprevalence for both parasites increased with age and was higher in older animals. Regarding the distribution of specific antibody titres, the most frequent IFAT T. gondii titre found was 100 and for N. caninum it was ≥800. For toxoplasmosis, there was no association with age group, and low titres (50, 100 and 200) predominated in all groups. However, for neosporosis, age and titres were significantly associated for one age group, with dogs under 12 months of age having a higher proportion of high titres (400 and 800). The trend in the seroprevalence for T. gondii is increasing over the years and lower antibody titres predominate in the dogs studied, which may be more related to the presence of chronic infections and not necessarily to the clinical signs of the animals. Despite the generally low titres observed for toxoplasmosis in this study, it is important to highlight the high seroprevalence found in our region, as dogs can act as sentinels of environmental contamination and as indicators of possible human infection. In the case of neosporosis, although the trend in seroprevalence in dogs with signs appears to be decreasing over the years, our work shows that higher antibody titres predominate, and are probably related to the clinical signs presented by the dogs. This study provides the most recent epidemiological data and serological profiles of T. gondii and N. caninum infections in a large number of canine sera from urban areas in Argentina, providing relevant information for clinical veterinarians and epidemiologists in order to understand the circulation of the parasites.

Human Passage of Schistosoma incognitum, Tamil Nadu, India, and Review of Autochthonous Schistosomiasis, South Asia.

A fecal survey in Tamil Nadu, India, revealed 2 persons passed schistosome eggs, later identified as Schistosoma incognitum, a parasite of pigs, dogs, and rats. We investigated those cases and reviewed autochthonous schistosomiasis cases from India and Nepal. Whether the 2 new cases represent true infection or spurious passage is undetermined.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs among Four Communities in Ondo West LGA

Dogs have close contact with humans, which represents a serious potential source of direct transmission of parasites to man. Gastrointestinal parasites are a major impediment to dog health worldwide through direct and indirect losses. Most dogs are sub-clinically infected and continuously shed infective helminth eggs in their faeces, contaminating the environment and increasing health risks to man. In developing countries like Nigeria, the risks of zoonotic infection from dogs are high, owing to the lack of prevalence studies to determine their existence in the environment. The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence and extent of gastrointestinal parasites in healthy dogs, survey the types of gastrointestinal infestation in dogs kept by owners in the study area, determine the effect of sex, types and location of dogs in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite in Ondo city. A total number of 122 samples were examined. 30 were positive with 15 protozoan species, namely: Ancylostoma caninum, Capillaria boehmi, coccidia, oocyst, cyistoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Toxascaris leonina, Paragonimus kellicotti, Physaloptera sp, Uncinaria sp, Sarcocystis spp, Taeniasp, Spirocerci lupi and Eimeria sp with Capillaria sp having the highest prevalence and Paragominus sp (3.3%) with the least prevalence. Out of the four sample sites, Ajue had the highest prevalence with (35%), Laje (28%), Ondo Town (20%) and Bagbe with the least prevalence of (20%). From the breeds examined, the local breeds had the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (40.8%), cross-breeds (15.2%) and exotic breeds had the least prevalence (12.5%). Based on their age group, puppies less than 1 year had a high prevalence of infection at (25%), while the adult had a prevalence rate of (23.8%). In relation to the sex of the dogs, the prevalence rate was higher in males (25%) than in females (24%). This study indicates possible means of zoonotic infections if dogs are not properly cared for or treated, especially young puppies who have been around for less than one year.

Investigation of the distribution of some Gastrointestinal Helminths and protozoa in free-ranging dogs in Karbala province

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs in urban and rural areas. From October 2022 to March 2023 80 fecal samples, which examined by using simple zinc sulfate flotation and Lugol’s solution staining then examined by macroscopically and microscopically for the presence of worm eggs and protozoal oocysts. The overall prevalence of infected dogs in this study is to identify the gastrointestinal parasites and Protozoa in stray dogs. The current study includes seven genera of intestinal helminths and protozoa as follows: three cestodes (Taenia sp. 12%), four nematodes (Toxocara canis 56%, Toxoascara canis. 16%) and two protozoa (Giardia sp. 20% and Cryptosporidium sp. 8%) from all fecal samples of dogs were collected from different regions of Kerbala. The results of high rates of infection were during winter months. The high prevalence of intestinal helminths in the dog’s population suggests the need for more efficient control measures. The high predominance of T. canis, and Giardia spp. suggested that dogs could play an active role in the transmission of zoonotic parasites in this area of Iraq. Educating the dog hunters and increasing their health awareness should be considered in the control program.
 The results of the present study provide relevant ‘‘baseline’’ data for assessing the effectiveness of future control strategies against canine parasitic infections.

Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and foxes in the Zanjan province of Iran: With an emphasis on Echinococcus species

Canids harbor many zoonotic parasites and play an important role in the spread of parasites in the human environment. Estimation of parasitic infection among canids as definitive hosts may help competent authorities design efficient control programs. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and foxes with an emphasis on Echinococcus spp. A total of 500 fecal samples of dogs and 30 fecal samples of foxes were studied in the summer, autumn, and winter of 2021 in the Zanjan province using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, followed by multiplex PCR. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was estimated to be 19.05%. The prevalence was 24.8%, 10.2%, and 26.7% in stray, shelter dogs and foxes, respectively. No parasites were found among pet and guard dog samples. PCR results on Taenidae eggs showed that 2.4% of samples were positive for Echinococcus granulosus and none contained E. multilocularis. Noteworthy is that E. granulosus was identified only in stray dog samples. The higher prevalence of E. granulosus infection in stray dogs in this province emphasizes the importance of monitoring the food sources consumed by these animals.

Ocular Toxocariasis in The Anterior Chamber of The Eye

Introduction : Ocular toxocariasis (OT) is a zoonotic infection caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Dogs and cats, the definitive hosts of the roundworm, pass unembryonated eggs via their feces into the environment (often into the soil). Transmission to humans occurs through ingestion of soil or contaminated food, or the fecal– oral route.
 Case Illustration : A 14 years old male presented with pain and redness in the right eye 2 months prior to the visit. Complaints are redness, itching, and pain especially in the night on the right eye. The patient had habits of eating raw meat and walking around in dirt without any footwear. Ophthalmologic examination showed a toxocara sp. larvae in the anterior chamber of the right eye. This patient treated with surgical removal of the worm, given antihelminth and topical corticosteroid.
 Discussion : Toxocariasis results from infection with Toxocara cati (an intestinal parasite of cats) or Toxocara canis (an intestinal parasite of dogs). Children acquire the disease by close association with pets and by eating dirt (pica) contaminated with Toxocara ova. The ingested ova form larvae that penetrate the intestinal mucosa and gain access to the systemic circulation and finally to the eye. Systemic or local corticosteroids should be given when there is evidence of significant intraocular inflammation.
 Conclusion : This case described a patient who was diagnosed with a living worm as foreign bodies in the right eye.

Development of an indirect ELISA for the serodiagnosis of canine infection by Onchocercalupi

Onchocercalupi is a zoonotic filarioid parasite of dogs and cats with widespread distribution. A specific non-invasive diagnostic assay for the detection of O.lupi infections remains unavailable. This study aimed to assess the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of an ELISA test designed using nine peptides from two O.lupi proteins. Sera (n = 54) collected from O.lupi infected dogs from endemic areas (Portugal and USA), alongside sera from dogs positive for Dirofilariaimmitis, D.repens, Cercopithifilariabainae, and Acanthocheilonemareconditum (n = 53) from a non-endemic area for O.lupi, as well as from helminth-free dogs (n = 60), were tested. The checkerboard titration method was applied for the optimization of peptide concentrations and conjugate anti-dog dilutions. Sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off values were calculated using ROC curve analysis. All peptides reacted against sera of O.lupi, with no correlation between optic density (OD) values and microfilariae (mfs) loads. Sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 85.45 to 100%, and 88.89% to 100%, respectively, were recorded for all peptides examined, with 100% specificity and sensitivity observed for peptides 40_3, 40_5, 130_3, 120_3 and 40_1, 130_5, respectively. The maximum cut-off value was observed for peptides 40_5 (0.765) and 40_3 (0.708). Testing of sera from dogs positive for other filarioids resulted in lower OD values (up to 1.565) for peptides 40_3 and 40_5 when compared with O.lupi (up to 2.929). The availability of this assay will be of value in epidemiological studies of canine O.lupi infection in both endemic and non-endemic areas, and in assessing the risk for zoonotic transmission.

Understanding the long-lasting associations among humans, neglected dogs, tick-borne diseases, and core blood bacteria-related pathogenic taxa using next-generation sequencing

Background and Aim: Dogs are long-lasting companion animals, and ticks are the most common external parasites in dogs. An increase in the population of neglected domestic dogs has increased the risk of contact with ticks, especially in places where tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are endemic. We aimed to characterize the bacterial blood profiles of people who were either exposed (HE) or not exposed (HC) to tick bites using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Materials and Methods: In the present study, the bacteria observed in the blood of people exposed to tick bites were compared with those in the blood of people not exposed to tick bites in Northern Mexico. Human blood samples (n = 12) were analyzed, DNA was extracted, and the V3–V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified. In addition, NGS was performed on a MiSeq platform (Illumina), and the data were analyzed through Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology. Results: Differences in beta diversity were significant. In HEs, several potentially pathogenic bacterial taxa were found to be the most abundant: Kocuria ( x = 14.59%), Staphylococcus ( x = 3.05%), and Treponema ( x = 2.93%), in addition to Chlamydia, Clostridium, and Ehrlichia, which are considered TBDs. Conclusion: This study identified important differences in the bacterial composition of the HE and HC groups. In addition to Ehrlichia (a TBD considered a taxon), other bacterial pathogenic taxa, such as Chlamydia, Clostridium, Kocuria, Staphylococcus, and Treponema, were also observed in the tick bite-exposed group. Future studies with larger sample sizes should provide an improved understanding of the human blood microbiome profile by providing additional evidence of tick exposure, associated TBDs, and other pathogenic bacterial taxa. Keywords: Blood, Ehrlichia, microbiome, tick bites, tick-borne diseases, ticks.

Pyrantel resistance in canine hookworms in Queensland, Australia

Hookworms are the most common intestinal nematode parasites of dogs in Australia. The control of these parasites relies mostly on regular deworming with anthelmintics, with pyrantel-based dewormers being a relatively low cost and readily-available option for dog owners. Pyrantel resistance in canine hookworms in Australia was first reported in 2007, however pyrantel-based dewormers are still used against hookworm infection in dogs across Australia. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of pyrantel against hookworms infecting dogs housed in a shelter facility in Southeast Queensland which receives rescued or surrendered animals from greyhound rescue centres and dog shelters across this region. A total of 10 dogs were examined using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). There was no reduction in FEC in any of the dogs following pyrantel treatment, with drug efficacies ranging from −0.9% to −283.3%. Given that these dogs originated from various sites across Southeast Queensland, the present study suggests that pyrantel resistance is widespread in this region, and hence this anthelmintic may not be a useful option for treatment of hookworm infections in dogs.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from shelters in Constanța County-Romania

This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs from Constanța, a southeastern county from Romania. In order to assess, in 2022 and 2023, individual and pooled fecal samples, were collected from 611 dogs from 9 shelters. Fecal samples were examined using standard flotation and sedimentation methods. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 74.63%. Eggs of hookworms (Ancylostoma sp. An Uncinaria sp.) were the most frequently detected (55.97%), followed by Cystoisospora sp. (31.91%), Trichuris vulpis (27.33%), Toxocara canis (21.27%), %), Capillaria sp. (2.78%) and Toxascaris leonina (1.96%). Cases of single infestation were found in 217 (35.51%) of the tested dogs. Mixed infestations with two or more species of parasites were observed in 239 samples, representing 39.11% of the total samples analyzed. These results will be useful for establishing health care programs in dog shelters and for implementing effective strategies in controlling the intestinal parasites, in order to restrain the spread of zoonotic parasites and to raise awareness of their impact on public health.