Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Parasites Research Articles

Epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Objective: The current study was conducted to explore the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants (sheep and goats) in relation to species, age, sex, season, and body condition in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional coprological survey was carried out at Mymensingh Sadar in Mymensingh from July 2015 to June 2016. In total, 433 fecal samples were screened for eggs/oocysts/cysts of parasite and counted by using standard qualitative and quantitative techniques. Eggs/oocysts/cysts were identified according to their characteristic features. Results: The study found 74.8% (n=324/433) prevalence of GI parasites in small ruminants. Species-wise prevalence indicated that 77.0% (n=268/348) goats and 65.9% (n=56/85) sheep harbored parasitic infection. Nine species of GI parasites were identified in the study area namely S trongyloides sp., Haemonchus sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Trichuris sp. , Paraphistomum spp., Fasciola spp., Eimeria spp. and Balantidium spp. The level of egg/oocyst/cyst per gram of feces (EPG/OPG/CPG) was ranged between 100 and 1200. Young small ruminants (78.4%) showed significantly ( P =0.026) higher prevalence as compared to adult (68.8%). Between sexes, significantly ( P =0.000) higher prevalence was found in female (83.6%) than male (64.7%). Infection was significantly ( P =0.000) highest in poor body conditioned small ruminants (82.1%) as compared to moderate (72.2%) and good body conditioned (53.8%) small ruminants. In case of season, highest prevalence was found in rainy season (83.6%) followed by summer (78.6%) and winter (59.4%) with significant seasonal variations ( P =0.000). Conclusion: Finally, GI parasites are endemic among small ruminants in the study area. Knowledge on these parasites and related epidemiological parameters is important for outlining fruitful control strategies against GI parasites. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d234

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in small ruminants in western zone of Punjab, India.

Aim:The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in small ruminants in relation to various risk factors in the western zone of Punjab.Materials and Methods:During the study, 603 fecal samples (391 of sheep and 212 of goats) were examined qualitatively by floatation and sedimentation techniques, and quantitatively by McMaster technique.Results:Out of the 603 fecal (391 sheep and 212 goats) samples examined, 501 were found positive for endoparasitic infection with an overall prevalence of 83.08%, consisting of 85.16% and 79.24% in sheep and goats, respectively. Egg per gram in sheep was apparently more 1441.88±77.72 than goats 1168.57±78.31. The associated risk factors with the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites showed that females (85.97%) were significantly more susceptible than males (69.23%). Age wise the adults (>6 months) were significantly more prone to parasitic infection as compared to young ones (<6 months). Seasonal variation was recorded throughout the year and was significantly highest during monsoon (90.10%), followed by winter (83.84%) and summer (78.35%).Conclusion:The study revealed an overall prevalence of 83.08% of GIT parasitic infections in small ruminants constituting 85.16% in sheep and 79.24% in goats in the western zone of Punjab. The most relevant risk factors for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in ruminants were sex, age, and season.

Prevalence and risk factor analysis of gastrointestinal parasites in relation to environmental conditions in different agro-Climatic zones of Rajasthan (India)

An epidemiological survey in relation to environmental conditions covering all most the entire agro-climatic zones of Rajasthan (India) was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in crossbred and local cattle. A total of 733 faecal samples (464 cattle and 269 buffaloes) were collected and screened from dairy animals by sedimentation and floatation technique. The overall prevalence of was 22.5%, with Semi-arid Eastern plain zone at higher infection risk (48.25%); followed by Arid Western zone (30.43%). Lowest infection was recorded from Transitional plain of Luni Basin zone (4.11%). Regarding different species of parasite, highest infection was recorded of Balatidium coli (10.10%) followed by Strongyle eggs (5.46%) and lowest was of Toxocara vitulorum and Moniezia expansa (0.82%). In relation to various risk factors Indigenous animal displayed higher risk of infection as compare to cross-bred cattle (OR = 4.36, 95% CI = 29.60–63.84). Older animals have higher risk of infection as compared to young one (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 13.59–30.44). Female are more prone to significant infection as compared to their male counterpart (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 11.38–33.42). Samples screened during monsoon season depicted highest level of infection (OR = 45.99, 95% CI = 39.00–53.14). Farms having other companion animal have more incidence of infection (23.45%) as compared to other farms (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 8.07–18.66).

Gastro Intestinal Parasites of Musk Deer (Moschus Chryso-Gaster Hodgson, 1839) in Langtang National Park, Nepal

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of musk deer in Langtang National Park, Nepal. A total of 9 fecal samples were collected systematically and analyzed using standard procedures during May-June, 2014. Overall 7 species of parasites including 4 nematodes, 1 cestode, 1 trematode and 1 protozoan parasite were recorded. Prevalence of Ascaris sp. was high (88.89%) followed by Eimeria sp. (77.78%), Trichuris sp. (66.67%), Strongyloides sp. (55.56%), Moniezia sp. (44.44%), Strongyle (44.44%) and Paramphistomum sp. (44.44%). Most of the samples had heavy parasitic infestation and multiple parasites were also observed in same individual. The high parasitic prevalence might have adverse health impact on musk deer. The possibility of cross-transmission of parasites between livestock and wildlife in Langtang National Park should be studied in future.Journal of Institute of Science and TechnologyVol. 21, No. 1, 2016, Page: 71-75

REARING SYSTEMS RELATED TO GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN GOATS FROM SELECTED AREA IN TERENGGANU

This study was the first attempt to compare the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in goats in three different rearing systems. A total of 287 fecal samples were randomly collected from goats in three farms in Terengganu, Malaysia. The samples were processed by using sodium chloride floatation method and observed microscopically. Out of 287 goats, 280 (97.6%) were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. Goats reared under the intensive rearing system reported the highest prevalence of infection (99%), followed by extensive rearing system (98.3%) and the lowest prevalence was reported in the goats reared under the semi-intensive rearing system (96%). The following gastrointestinal parasites were identified in goats in accordance of predominant: Eimeria spp. (89.2%), Strongyloides spp. (45.6%), Strongyle spp. (20.6 %), Moniezia spp. (13.9%) and Trichuris spp. (8.4). Three species showed predominant in goats under the semi- intensive rearing system were Strongyle spp., Strongyloides spp., and Trichuris spp. with the percentage of 33.1%, 83.1% and 10.5%, respectively. Moniezia spp. was the highest in goats under the extensive rearing system which occurred at 26.7%, whereby Eimeria spp. was predominant under intensive rearing system with the infection rate of 99%. The finding suggested that the rearing system might not influence the occurrence of GI parasites in goats. Further study should be conducted to validate this finding.

Prevalence of gastro intestinal parasites in pigs in Punjab, India.

Gastrointestinal parasites are a common problem in pigs in India. The important risk factors include coprophagic behaviour of pigs and their free access to garbage. To investigate the gastrohelmenthic spectrum in pigs of Punjab, we examined 265 faecal samples from farm (n=47) and scavenging pigs (n=218) using faecal floatation method. Ascaris suum, unsporulated oocysts, Trichuris spp. and Strongyloides were recorded in 27.5, 15.4, 1.8 and 4.5% of the pig faecal samples, respectively. Overall prevalence was significantly higher in pigs >1year (56.5%) than pigs ≤1year (39.6; p=0.01) Parasite positivity was neither significantly related with location (p=0.309) nor with management practices (p=0.69). High prevalence of gastro intestinal parasites in pigs in Punjab warrants intervention policies to control this problem.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Hunting Dogs in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria

This study was geared towards investigating the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of hunting dogs in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria. A total of 250 feacal samples were collected per rectum. The parasites were determined using formol ether and floatation concentration methods. An overall prevalence of 38% for gastrointestinal infection was recorded. The prevalence was higher in young 39(48.1%) than adults 56(33.1%). The prevalence in relation to sex shows that males had a higher prevalence 42(40.8%) than the females 56(33.1%). The prevalence of infection according to sex and age was statistically not significant (p < 0.05). This study provides evidence that gastrointestinal parasitic infection are prevalent in hunting dogs in the study area with some of the infections being zoonotic a public health risk to man.

A comparative Analysis of the Gastro-Intestinal Helminth Parasites of Cattle in Awka and Obosi Abattoirs in Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria

A comparative study was carried out on the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminthes of cattle in Awka and Obosi abattoirs in Anambra State, between August and September, 2014. Fresh faecal specimens were collected from the rectum of 120 fleshly slaughtered cattle using universal specimen containers. arasitological examination of the faeces were done using direct smear and formal-ether concentration techniques. Out of 120 faecal specimens examined, 53(44.2%) of the cattle harboured gastro-intestinal helminth parasites. The prevalence of the intestinal parasites was higher in Obosi abattoir 33(55.0%) than in Awka abattoir 20(33.3%).The highest intestinal parasite encountered was nematode infection (26.7% in Awka; 31.7% in Obosi) and the least was cestode (15.0% in Awka; 21.7%in Obosi). Among the nematodes, Haemonchus contortus was common (10% in Awka; 11.7% in Obosi). Mixed infection recorded were 13.3% in Awka and 18.3% in Obosi abattoirs. White Fulani species had the highest infection rate in both Awka 10(16.7%) and Obosi abattoirs 14(23.4%) while the Red Fulani had the least prevalence in Awka3(5.0%) and Bokolo species 8(13.4%) in Obosi. Prevalence according to gender showed that females (20.0% in Awka; 28.3% in Obosi) were more infected than the males (13.3% in Awka; 26.7% in Obosi). The prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites was observed to be statistically significant with gender (P&gt;0.05) but not with different breeds (P&lt;0.05). Good management practices in cattle rearing will help to reduce intestinal parasites of cattle

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Chickens Sold in Some Major Markets in Greater Accra, Ghana

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Chickens Sold in Some Major Markets in Greater Accra, Ghana

Prevalence of parasitic infection in captive wild animals in Bir Moti Bagh mini zoo (Deer Park), Patiala, Punjab.

Aim:The study was conducted to know the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of captive wild animals at Bir Moti Bagh Mini Zoo (Deer Park), Patiala, Punjab.Materials and Methods:A total of 31 fecal samples from eight species of captive animals including Civet cat (Viverra zibetha), Porcupine (Hystrix indica), Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Spotted deer (Axis axis), Black buck (Antelope cervicapra), Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), Hog deer (Axis porcinus), and Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) were screened using classical parasitological techniques including sedimentation and floatation technique.Results:Out of 31 fecal samples examined, 20 were positive for parasitic ova/oocysts of different species indicating an overall prevalence of 68.0%. The six different types of parasites observed in the study included strongyle (67%), Strongyloides spp. (14%), coccidia (38%), Trichuris spp. (19%), ascarid (10%), and Capillaria spp. (10%). Strongyles were the most common parasites observed (67%) followed by coccidia (38%). Mixed helminth and protozoan infection were observed in 48% of animals. No cestode or trematodes were detected during the study.Conclusion:The high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites without overt clinical signs of disease or mortality as observed in this study is suggestive of subclinical infection. The findings will help in formulating the appropriate deworming protocol for parasitic control in these captive animals.

Survey of gastrointestinal parasites, liver flukes and lungworm in feces from dairy cattle in the high tropics of Antioquia, Colombia

A cross sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections in dairy cattle in the high tropics of Colombia. A total of 1003 rectal samples were collected from dairy cows at 29 farms between May and June 2014 to represent the number of farms, age groups, and size of the 65,000-cow population in the municipality of San Pedro de los Milagros. Coprological techniques were used to detect gastrointestinal nematodes, liver flukes, coccidian oocysts, and first larval stage counts of Dictyocaulus viviparus. In order of decreasing prevalence, the following parasites were detected: coccidial oocyst (36.7%; 95% CIs, 31.6–42.7), strongyle nematodes (31.6%, 27.8–35.4), liver flukes (30.9%, 21.5–37.5), cestodes (8.4%, 7.1–9.7), and D. viviparus (5.4%, 3.4–7.5). Co-infections by all possible combinations of the three most predominant groups occurred in 11 to 15% of the animals. There were significant differences in infection rates between age groups, with higher risk of liver fluke infection in animals older than 1year of age (odds ratio (OR)=3.2), but lower presence for coccidia and strongyles (OR=0.19 and 0.51, respectively). For Fasciola hepatica, within-herd prevalences of >25% in 16 farms and 94 of 281 (33.5%) animals with >5 eggs per gram (epg) indicate that significant production losses are likely occurring. The variation in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and liver flukes, together with the level of infection among age groups, could be used in integrated management programs to establish selective anthelmintic treatments and select for heritable traits of host resistance. These results serve as a baseline for future studies to determine the success of control measures and should increase awareness that subclinical parasitism is widespread in the livestock sector.

A description of village chicken production systems and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites: Case studies in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa.

The majority of rural households in developing countries own village chickens that are reared under traditional scavenging systems with few inputs and exposure to various parasitic infestations. Understanding of the village chicken farming system and its influence on helminth infestation is a prerequisite for optimal prevention and control strategies. This study investigated the village chicken production system and associated gastrointestinal parasites in 87 households from Limpopo (n = 39) and KwaZulu-Natal (n = 48) provinces of South Africa. A total of 191 village chicken faecal samples and 145 intestines were collected to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in villages of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, respectively. The faecal floatation analysis of samples from Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces indicated infestations by Ascaridia galli (18.77%), Heterakis gallinarum (15.56%) and Capillaria spp. (4.00%); tapeworms Choanotaenia infundibulum (2.10%) and Raillietina cesticillus (6.00%) and Eimeria spp. (29.46%). Mixed infestations were observed in five (4.90%) samples from Limpopo province and in only four (4.49%) from KwaZulu-Natal province, of which 1.12% were a mixture of C. infundibulum and Eimeria spp. and 3.37% a combination of H. gallinarum and Eimeria spp. In Limpopo, 2.94% of the chickens were positive for H. gallinarum and Eimeria spp., whilst 0.98% had A. galli and Capillaria spp. infestations. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of gastrointestinal parasites on village chicken health and production and develop appropriate intervention and control strategies feasible for small-holder farmers.

Gastrointestinal parasites of sheep in Kafrelsheikh governorate, Egypt: Prevalence, control and public health implications

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is a primary cause of losses in sheep production. A cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the prevalence, control strategies and public health importance of the GI parasites of sheep from Nile-Delta, Egypt. The prevalence of GI parasites in a total of 224 individual sheep was 50%: Protozoa (29.02%) and helminths (37.05%). The prevalence of helminths infection was by Strongyle-group (19.21%), Paramphistomes (9.38%), Strongyloides papillosus (4.02%), Trichuris spp. (2.68%), Moniezia spp. (0.89%) and Nematodirus spp. (0.45%). No single infection with Fasciola spp. was recorded. The protozoan infections included Eimeria spp. (16.52%), Entamoeba spp. (10.27%), Giardia duodenalis (0.45%), and, for the first time in sheep population in Egypt, Balantidium coli cyst (1.79%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that usage of multiple anti-parasitic drug combinations and “Twice per year treatment” regime were associated with a substantial reduction of parasitic infection among examined sheep. The relative risk (RR) associated with lab technicians' lack of awareness of Fasciola and Balantidium zoonotic parasites was higher by 3 and 9 times than that of Giardia, respectively. In conclusion, GI parasites are endemic at high levels among sheep in the study area. Also, continuous awareness campaigns about zoonotic parasites are essential to reduce the possible public health threats.

Cross Sectional Epidemiological Investigation on the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Small Ruminants in Sullah Upazilla of Sunamgonj District, Bangladesh

Cross Sectional Epidemiological Investigation on the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Small Ruminants in Sullah Upazilla of Sunamgonj District, Bangladesh

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Civets of Fragmented Rainforest Patches in Anamalai Hills, Western Ghats, India.

: Parasitism, driven by anthropogenic habitat modifications, is being increasingly recognized as a major threat to wildlife. Unfortunately, even baseline parasite data for most wildlife species are lacking in India, including the civets, which are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to human habitations. Civet fecal samples were collected from 10 forest fragments that vary in size and disturbance level in Anamalai Hills, Western Ghats, India. These samples were screened for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites using fecal floatation and fecal sedimentation techniques. From a total of 180 civet fecal samples, 15 gastrointestinal parasite taxa were recovered, and these species are also known to infect domesticated animals. Additionally, small, disturbed forest fragments recorded higher mean gastrointestinal parasite taxa and greater prevalence when compared to large, undisturbed forest fragments, indicating a potential relationship between anthropogenic activities and gastrointestinal parasitism of civets in the Anamalai Hills.

Prevalence of potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in canine faeces in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Humans can get infected through direct or indirect contact with infective stages of zoonotic parasites shed to the environment through dog faeces. This study was designed to investigate the presence of gastrointestinal parasites present in dog faeces shed on the street of Ibadan metropolis, one of the largest cities in Africa. Twenty-three locations were randomly selected using grid-sampling method. A total of 203 faecal samples collected from the streets of selected areas were processed for detection of helminth eggs and protozoan oocysts using flotation technique. Eggs/oocysts per gram of faeces was counted using modified McMaster technique. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 43.3% (88/203). Single and multiple infections were 69 (78.4%) and 19 (21.6%) respectively. The parasites detected were Ancylostoma sp. 24.6% (50/88) Isospora sp. 14.2% (29/88), Toxocara sp. 9.8% (20/88), Uncinaria sp. 2.5% (5/88) and Strongyloides sp, 3.9% (8/88). Ancylostoma sp. (320 × 102 epg) and Uncinaria sp. (5 × 102 epg) had the highest and least intensity respectively. Streets within residential areas having markets had the highest number of positive samples. All the genera of parasites detected in this study have zoonotic potential. The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites detected in dog faeces from Ibadan metropolis showed that infected stray dogs roam the streets and constitute potential risk to human health. This study suggests the need for enforcement of laws restraining roaming or straying dogs and proper veterinary care of dogs. None declared.

Gastrointestinal parasitism in local and exotic breeds of chickens reared in Gwagwalada Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria

The present study was carried out to establish the gastrointestinal parasites in local and exotic breeds of chickens reared in Gwagwalada, Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. It was conducted between July and September, 2014. Two hundred and eighty (280) faecal samples from local and exotic breeds of chicken and 50 intact whole intestines were collected randomly from seven (7) major towns (Gwagwalada, Dobi, Gwako, Giri, Anagada, Tungan Maje and Zuba) in Gwagwalada Area council and examined for gastrointestinal parasites using flotation and sedimentation methods. Six (6) different gastrointestinal parasite eggs and oocytes were identified in 42.5% of the birds examined. Of these parasites, Ascaridia species was found to be the most prevalent (36.1%) among the chickens. Other parasites encountered include; Eimeria oocytes (34.5%), Heterakis species (12.6%), Rallietina species 10.1%; Capillaria species (4.2%) and Syngamus species (2.5%). There were mixed infection of 1.4% among the infected birds. Interestingly, none of the birds examined was infected with trematodes There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in prevalence rate of infection between the local and exotic breeds of chickens. Although males had a higher prevalence of infection than the females in both breeds, there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the prevalence of infection among sexes. However, there was significant difference (P&lt;0.05) between the age groups, with highest infection occuring in growers (46.2%). 20 (40%) of the 50 intact whole intestines screened were positive for gastrointestinal parasites by gross examination of intestinal tract. Out of the 20 positive, 12 were nematodes, 3 cestodes and remaining 5 were mixed infections. Therefore, sustainable ways of controlling these parasites at a particular age and further studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in chicken need to be elucidated for improved intensive egg and poultry meat productionsKeywords: Chickens, Exotic, Gastrointestinal, Local, Parasites, Prevalence

Study on the Prevalance of Gastrointestinal Helminthes Infection in Equines in and around Kombolcha

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2013 to April 2014 in and around Kombolcha town to estimate the prevalence of gastro intestinal tract helminthes infection and to identify the common GIT helminthes parasites of equines. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses, mules and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 73.2% (281 from 384) with 57.0% (73 from 128), 82.5% (160 from 194) and 77.4% (48 from 62) in horses, donkeys and mules respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp was 44.5%, 3.1%, 2.3%, and 3.1% respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 63.4%, 8.6%, 2.1% and 3.1% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in donkeys, respectively and the prevalence of GIT parasites was 48.4%, 12.9%, 3.2% and 6.5% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in mules respectively. There was statistically significant difference between species, age, and body condition and among different management systems in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites based on sex. In conclusion, the present study revealed higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines. Therefore, regular deworming, improvement of housing and feeding management were recommended.

Prevalence of Swine Gastrointestinal Parasites in Four Selected Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in swine are one of the major challenges in pig production in Nigeria. It causes substantial reproductive losses, poor reproductive performance and production in swine industry. Internal parasites are known to deteriorate the wellbeing of pigs by robbing the essential nutrients that are required for optimum reproduction and productivity. It also injured some vital organs which play key role in metabolic activities and assimilation process. The consequences are anorexia, poor growth rate, anaemia, emaciation, infertility and condemnation of affected organs after slaughter. The study was designed to collect two hundred feacal samples from 4 local government area (Laminga, Tammah, Nasarawa and Kusa) of Nasarawa state between (March to July 2015). Fifty samples were randomly collected from each local government areas within the study period. The samples collected were evaluated microscopically for different prevalence of gastro intestinal parasites GIT in pigs. Five species of gastrointestinal parasites were identified with prevalence of 13.5 % for Ascaris suum and strongyloides while Fasciola, trichuris suis cyst and Oesophagustomum oocyst had a prevalence of 7.5 % and 2.5 % respectively. A prevalence of 61.5 % was observed as overall species prevalence in the 200 fecal samples analysed. Therefore, there is a need for combined efforts to control parasites infections for optimum production of pigs and prevention of zoonotic helminthiasis.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and Dirofilaria spp. in stray dogs from some regions in bulgaria

During the summer seasons of two consequent years (2013–2014), 80 faecal samples from dogs in stray shelters of two Bulgarian districts (Sofia, n=40 and Pleven, n=40) were examined for infection with gastrointestinal parasites. The flotation-centrifugation method using ZnCl2 solution was used for parasitological examination of the samples. Thirty-three blood samples from dogs in one stray shelter (Sofia district) were tested for infection with Dirofilaria sp. by the Knott’s method and the positive samples were further tested by the Combo SNAP test for Dirofilaria immitis. The obtained eggs or larvae were morphologically examined through light microscopy. The study revealed that the examined dogs from stray shelters in these districts of Bulgaria were infected with parasites belonging to eight genera – Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Toxascaris, Trichuris, Uncinaria, Dipylidium, Dirofilaria and Isospora. Among the positive dogs, Ancylostoma was the most common parasite in the Sofia district being recovered from 52.5% of the examined dogs, while Trichuris vulpis was more common in the Pleven district – 20%. Dirofilaria-positive samples were 33% of all examined blood samples. Out of them, 15% were positive for infection with D. immitis and 18% – with D. repens. This study showed that the nematode infection rate in stray dogs was high and suggested the existence of a real risk for infection in humans and pets.