Gastrointestinal Parasites Of Dogs Research Articles

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.

Updates on Emerging and Evolving Gastrointestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats

Gastrointestinal parasites are a common veterinary concern and pet owner conversation. Globally, parasite ranges and abundances are evolving, and various clinical management challenges in dogs and cats have emerged. Some of these are novel, such as hookworm multi-drug resistance, and others have been veterinary challenges for years, like Giardia's zoonotic potential. For these examples and others, there has been increased awareness of the need for appropriate veterinary anthelmintic use and stewardship. This review provides an update on selected gastrointestinal parasites of One Health importance, highlights gastrointestinal parasite global management and prevention recommendations, and summarises recent research, along with potential risks associated with pet importation and travel. Suggestions on freely available online resources to assist with practical veterinary clinical management (screening, diagnosis, treatment, prevention) and pet owner communication, along with addressing One Health and antiparasitic stewardship concerns, are provided from a global perspective, for example The European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites. Clinical cases are drawn from molecular diagnostic faecal surveillance of dogs and cats during 2022 and 2023, and include the following gastrointestinal parasites with zoonotic potential: hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum), tapeworms (Echinococcus multilocularis), roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis) and Giardia.

Updates on emerging and evolving gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and cats

Gastrointestinal parasites are a common veterinary concern and pet owner conversation. Globally, parasite ranges and abundances are evolving, and various clinical management challenges in dogs and cats have emerged. Some of these are novel, such as hookworm multi-drug resistance, and others have been veterinary challenges for years, like Giardia's zoonotic potential. For these examples and others, there has been increased awareness of the need for appropriate veterinary anthelmintic use and stewardship. This review provides an update on selected gastrointestinal parasites of One Health importance, highlights gastrointestinal parasite global management and prevention recommendations, and summarises recent research, along with potential risks associated with pet importation and travel.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs in Egypt: An Update on the Prevalence in Dakahlia Governorate and a Meta-Analysis for the Published Data from the Country.

Since the last survey on gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites infecting dogs in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, was published 40 years ago, the present study detected various GIT parasites in feces of 78 stray dogs in this governorate. Twenty-one dogs (35.9%) had eggs/oocysts of eight different parasites including Toxocara canis (19.2%), Toxascaris leonina (2.6%), hookworms (1.3%), Taenia species (5.1%), Dipylidium caninum (2.6%), Cystoisospora canis (5.1%), Cystoisospora ohioensis (2.6%), and Neospora caninum-like oocysts (1.3%). These results were combined in various meta-analyses with findings of all published surveys on GIT parasites of dogs in Egypt to underline the potential parasitic zoonoses from dogs in the country. Feces and/or gastrointestinal tracts of 19,807 dogs from various Egyptian governorates, but particularly Cairo, have been microscopically tested in 182 datasets published between 1938 and 2022, revealed during our systematic database search. Toxocara canis, interestingly, displayed a twofold higher pooled prevalence (24.7%) when compared to the published global pooled prevalence for T. canis, indicating that dogs represent a major risk for toxocariasis in humans from Egypt. Dipylidium caninum (25.4%) as well as various Taenia species (17.1%) also displayed high pooled prevalences. On the contrary, lower pooled prevalence was estimated for the most important zoonotic taeniid "Echinococcus granulosus" (2.4%) as well as for hookworms (1.8%) in comparison to what has been published from other countries in the region. Relatively high prevalences were estimated for three protozoa detected in dogs and are common to infect children in Egypt; Cryptosporidium (5.5%), Giardia (7.4%), and Entamoeba histolytica (9.8%). In general, the pooled prevalence estimated for various parasites detected in dogs from Egypt has decreased in the recent years, sometimes by as much as one-fifth, but this great decline is statistically insignificant, which should alert the veterinary and public health authorities to continue their efforts for controlling these parasites in a "One Health" approach.

A survey of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs illegally entering the UK (2015-2017).

This study involving non-compliant, seized dogs entering the UK surveyed endoparasites detected in faecal samples. A focus was placed on taeniid infection as the detection of these tapeworms acts as a marker for failure of effective tapeworm treatment. Individual faecal samples taken from 65 dogs over a 24-month period were examined for helminth eggs, for protozoal oocysts and cysts, using a centrifugal flotation technique. Any sample presenting positive results for taeniid eggs had residual faeces examined using polymerase chain reaction to aid speciation of the tapeworm eggs. Additionally, a Baermann technique was used to assess faeces for lungworm larvae. Patent endoparasite infection was detected in 27.7% of dog faecal samples. No sample was positive for lungworm larvae. Five dogs were co-infected with Isospora spp. and Toxocara canis. One dog sample was detected with taeniid eggs, identified as Taenia serialis. The taeniid-positive dog indicated that appropriate tapeworm treatment may not have occurred, reinforcing the risk to the UK of illegally imported dogs potentially introducing Echinococcus multilocularis infection.

Epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal parasites infecting dogs in Kwara Central, North Central, Nigeria

Dogs are the most cosmopolitan pets of humans and as such a means of transmitting zoonotic parasites to their owners. This study was designed to investigate the diversity, prevalence, pattern of infection, intensity of infections, and the risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Kwara Central, North Central, Nigeria. Three hundred and five clinically healthy dogs were sampled. Faecal samples were subjected to the direct smear, simple faecal centrifugation flotation, formol-ether concentration, and the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. Oocysts/eggs per gram of faeces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Data were analysed using univariate logistic regression, multivariate logistic regression, and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A p -value of < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. One hundred and sixty-six dogs were positive for at least one species of gastrointestinal parasite, representing 54.43% (95% CI: 44.81 – 59.96) of the sampled population. The study identified Cystoisospora species (15.41%), Cryptosporidium species (25.25%), Ancylostoma species (25.25%), Toxocara canis (19.02%), Strongyloides stercoralis (7.54%), Uncinaria stenocephala (6.89%), and Dipylidium caninum (2.30%) as the gastrointestinal parasites infecting dogs in the study area. Coinfection with more than one species of gastrointestinal parasites was a common finding in dogs. The intensity of Cystoisospora spp. among infected dogs ranged between 40 and 980 oocysts per gram of faeces, while that of helminth parasites was 40 – 1560 eggs per gram of faeces. Age, sex, breeds, body condition score, presence of ticks on dogs, the purpose of keeping dog(s), types of housing, types of feed consumed, vaccination status, and treatment with antiparasitics were predators associated with the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites infections. Due to the zoonotic nature of most of the encountered gastrointestinal parasites, there is need for regular antiparasitic treatment, proper dog management, and adequate personal hygiene to prevent zoonosis.

Ocorrência de parasitos gastrointestinais em cães de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso

Gastrointestinal parasitism by helminths and protozoa poses risks to animal and human health owing to clinical changes and transmission of potentially zoonotic agents. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from the municipality of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil, using coproparasitological tests. From June 2021 to April 2022, faecal samples were collected from domestic dogs at the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Protection Shelters in the Cuiabá municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the owners and those responsible for the shelters to analyse the factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitism. A total of 353 faecal samples were collected and subjected to parasitological flotation and sedimentation techniques. Data were analysed using the chi-squared test and exploratory factorial analysis. The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism was 22.66% and the parasites found alone or in mixed infections were Ancylostoma spp., Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp., Dipylidium caninum, Cystoisospora spp., Giardia duodenalis, and coccidia. It was concluded that the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs is frequent, and the variables associated with these infections were source origin, breed, age, coexistence with other animals, and dull fur.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in a rural area of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

We investigated the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in rural areas of the municipality of Painel, Santa Catarina, Brazil. For this, 91 canine feces samples were collected from 82 farms between August, 2017 and January, 2018. These fecal materials were processed using the techniques of spontaneous sedimentation, centrifugation-floatation in zinc sulfate and Ziehl-Neelsen staining. A questionnaire in the form of an interview was administered to the dogs' owner and information about the farm and the main care provided for the dogs was obtained. Among 91 sampled dogs, 27 (29.7%) were positive for at least one parasite species. Ancylostoma was the most prevalent genus (16.5%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (14.3%), Trichuris vulpis (6.6%), Toxocara canis (5.5%), Entamoeba spp. (4.8%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3.3%) and Taeniidae (1.1%). Most dogs do not receive veterinarian care and rarely received antiparasitic treatment. They were free to roam and had free access to animal remains and garbage, which was reflected in the significant associations with the occurrence of parasites that were found. We conclude that rural dogs harbor gastrointestinal parasites, but that their owners are unaware of the risks that these parasites can bring to human health.

Detection and identification of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs presented to veterinary clinics in Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs have been incriminated in cases of morbidity and mortality; hence, this study was undertaken to investigate the presence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs presented to different veterinary clinics in Abeokuta, Ogun State. One hundred and twenty faecal samples were collected between February to September 2018 from three different veterinary clinics into universal sample bottles that were properly labeled with the age, sex and breed. Samples were processed with Mini-FLOTAC® kit using salt and sugar solution at a specific gravity of 1.3. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi square test was used to determine the association between variables. Of the 120 dogs screened, 37(30.8%) were positive for one or more gastrointestinal helminths: males had a prevalence of 24(20%) while females had a prevalence of 13(10.8%). Prevalence of 29(24.1%) and 8(6.7%) was reported in young and adult dogs respectively. Of the different breeds of dogs sampled; the Nigerian local breed had the highest prevalence 21(17.5%) of gastrointestinal helminths, followed by German shepherd 8(6.7%), Rottweiller 5(4.2%), Boerboel 1(0.8%) Samoyed 1(0.8%) and Pitbull 1(0.8%). A statistically significant association (p&lt;0.05) was recorded between gastrointestinal helminth infection and breed while no statistically significant association (p&gt;0.05) was observed between age, sex and gastrointestinal helminth infection. Six different genera of helminths were recorded in this study: Ancylostoma caninum (17.5%), Toxocara canis (14.1%), Toxascaris leonina (2.5%), Dipylidium caninum (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis (1.7%) and Taenia spp (1.7%). The findings from this study indicated moderate prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection. The presence of Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis and Dipylidium caninum infection in this study raises concern about the zoonotic potential of these parasites due to the close relationship between man and dogs.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites of pet dogs in North-Central Algeria

The prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in dogs were conducted in Blida, North-Central Algeria. The study was carried out over 131 clinically healthy dogs, from March to June 2019, by coprological methods. Of the 131 collected dogs, 61.07% (n = 80) were found infected by gastrointestinal parasites. Sixty-four dogs were carriers of a single infection with the following parasites Ancylostoma spp (15.27%), Uncinaria spp (14.50%) Toxocara canis (4.58%), Trichuris vulpis (3.82%), Toxascaris leonina (2.29%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (2.29%), Mesocestoides spp (0.76%), Cystoisospora spp. (3.05%) and Neospora caninum-like (2.29%). Sixteen dogs harbored mixed infection. Male (OR = 1.18) German shepherds’ dogs were more infected (OR = 1.08) by helminthic parasites (OR = 13.64). The frequency of single infections (OR = 6.86) increased with the animal's age (OR = 1.73–3.46). Identifying hookworms, T. canis, and T. vulpis suggests a continuing risk of contamination of pet dogs as a source of human infection with the zoonotic parasites in Blida.

OCCURRENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN FECAL SAMPLES OF DOGS AND CATS FROM MINEIROS, GOIÁS

Gastrointestinal parasites are frequently found in domestic animals, with important role in animal and public health. Among gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and cats Toxocara spp. and Ancylostoma spp. are reported as the most common parasites found in dogs and cats in the world caunsing digestive damage, including death, and with great importance in public health causing visceral larva migrans and cutaneous larva migrans respectively. This study aimed verify the occurrence of gastroenteric parasites in dogs and cats from Mineiros, Goiás, in association with epidemiological aspects. In total, 103 fecal samples (93 from dogs and 10 from cats) from April 2017 to July 2018 were collected by spontaneous defecation and processed for search of eggs and oocysts by the Willis (adapted) technique. Toxocara spp. was the most frequent parasite identified in dogs, with 34.41% frequency (32/93 samples), followed by Ancylostoma spp. (11.83%, 11/93 samples) and Cystoisospora spp. (1.07%, 1/93 samples). Fecal samples from cats, showed a similar result, being Toxocara spp. the most frequent parasite (40%, 4/10 samples), followed by Ancylostoma spp. (20%, 2/10 samples) and Cystoisospora spp. (20%, 2/10 samples). Young animals were 10% more positive for parasites comparing to elderly and adult animals ( odds ratio =1.1), as well as animals with access outdoors 20% more parasitized ( odds ratio =1.2). The study showed the most common gastrintesinal parasites of dogs and acts from Mineiros, Goiás.

Risk factors and impact of COVID-19-related clinic closures on the detection of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, a cross-sectional study.

Infections with endoparasites, especially gastrointestinal helminths, are a common finding in client-owned dogs. The Community Practice section at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center (OSU-VMC) follows Companion Animal Parasite Council, American Animal Hospital Association, and American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines for parasitology by recommending annual fecal analyses for dogs and prescribing year-round, broad-spectrum parasite preventatives. There is increasing interest in determining if parasite occurrence is changing in client-owned dogs. Therefore, a retrospective study was designed to examine risk factors associated with the detection of parasites in samples submitted to the OSU-VMC Clinical Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostic Laboratory. Of the 1198 canine fecal samples, 254 (21.2%) of these samples had a positive fecal analysis for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. The age of the dog, time of year, reproductive status, purpose of fecal examination, GI signs, and type of parasite preventatives were assessed as potential risk factors for GI parasite infection in dogs. To determine if Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated hospital restrictions impacted the number of fecal examinations performed, data from January to December 2020, was compared to the same period in 2019. There was nearly a 50% reduction in canine fecal samples submitted to the OSU-VMC Clinical Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostic Laboratory in March 2020 compared to March 2019. At least one canine GI parasite was found in over 20% of all 1198 canine fecal samples (21.2%, 254/1198). The most commonly detected canine GI parasite in all the fecal samples was hookworm at 9.6% (115/1198), followed by Giardia sp. at 7.6% (91/1198). Age, use of parasite preventatives, breed, and reproductive status were found to be associated with parasite occurrence in the dog samples. Identifying such risk factors in dogs will guide veterinarians to advise annual fecal examinations more strongly to clients with high-risk dogs or when routine health visits are postponed for an extended period.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and cats domiciliated in Santos, SP, Brazil

Abstract Helminths and protozoa are major causes of diseases in domestic animals, and many can also cause infections in humans. Knowledge of intestinal parasitoses affecting domestic animals is important for the implementation of appropriate preventive measures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in fecal samples of dogs and cats attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Metropolitan University of Santos, SP, Brazil. We also attempted to determine whether such infection was associated with sex, age, or the presence of diarrhea. We analyzed 100 fecal samples: 85 from dogs and 15 from cats. Among the dogs, 31.8% of the samples were positive, and to 40.0% among the cats. Infection was not associated with sex or age. However, among the dogs, parasitism showed a significant association with the presence of diarrhea (P = 0.013). The helminths Ancylostoma spp. and the protozoa Giardia duodenalis were the most frequent parasites in this research. Although they present unknown species and assemblages, they are parasites with a zoonotic potential of great importance in public health. Therefore, it is essential that pets are properly diagnosed and treated against gastrointestinal parasitic infection to prevent the spread of diseases.

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Efficacy of Antiparasitics Against These Infections in Dogs in Mymensingh Sadar

Gastro-intestinal parasitic infections in dogs represent a major concern in developing countries including Bangladesh. Dogs are important definitive or reservoir hosts for several zoonotic parasites. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in dogs from different areas of MymensinghSadar. The fecal samples were examined by simple sedimentation and stoll’s ova counting method for detection of eggs/cysts/oocysts of parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 60.00% (51/85) and the mixed parasitic infection was 16.47% (14/85). A total of six species of gastro-intestinal parasites (ova/oocyst) were identified, of them four species were nematode namely,Toxocaracanis (24.7%), Acylostomacaninum (7.05%), Acylostomabraziliense (2.35%), Uncinariastenocephala (2.35%), one species was cestode, Taeniapisiformis (3.52%) and one species was protozoa, Isosporacanis (3.52%). The prevalence of infection was significantly (P&lt;0.02) higher in puppies and young dogs than that in adult dogs. The efficacy of fendnedazole (Bol. Fenvet®), albendazole (Tab. Alben DS®), fenbendazole (Tab. Paraclear®) was 100% effective against single helminth infection. However, the efficacy of mebendazole (Syrup.Mebantrin®) was 25%-50% against mixed helminth infections. The efficacy of metronidazole (Syrup.Amodis®) was 100% against single protozoal infection. So, anthelmintic including albendazole, fenbendazole, mebendazole and metronidazole may be recommended to treat effectively the single infection of helminth and protozoa, respectively, in dogs. Special emphasis should be given to deworm puppies as they are more vulnerable to parasitic diseases. The T. canis, A. caninum, A. braziliense and U. stenocephala prevalent in dogs are zoonotic and have public health impact.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(3): 411-419, December 2020

Assessing risk factors associated with prevalence of canine gastrointestinal parasitic zoonoses in Andhra Pradesh, India

Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from central coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, India was estimated by coprological examination. On examination of faecal samples of 1,907 dogs by saturated zinc sulphate floatation, sedimentation technique and modified Ziehl-Nielsen staining, an overall prevalence of 52.2% was observed. Single species infections were more common (49.7%) than mixed infections (2.5%). A total of 11 different species were detected. The most prevalent species was Ancylostoma canis followed by Toxocara canis, Cystoisospora ohioensis, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Capillaria aerophila, Diphyllobothrium latum, Cystoisospora canis, Entamoeba spp., Trichuris vulpis and Cryptosporidium spp. The overall prevalence was high in stray dogs (65.9%). The prevalence of A. caninum (31.6%) was significant in pet dogs. Significant relationship between the season and prevalence of parasites was observed, the infection being more prevalent during rainy season. Binary logistic regression analysis identified age, season and the living condition of dogs and lack of zoonotic awareness of owners as risk factors for different parasitic infection.

Risk and protective factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites of dogs from an urban area of Córdoba, Argentina

Prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and the effect of associated factors were evaluated in household dogs from an urban area of Córdoba, Argentina. A total of 493 fecal samples were collected during 2010 and 2013 and processed with Willis` salt, Sheathers sugar flotation, and formol-ether concentration techniques. Overall prevalence of GI parasites was 45.23% (95% CI 40.83-49.62), and Ancylostoma caninum (30.83%) was the most frequent parasite, followed by Trichuris vulpis (9.94%), Cystoisospora spp. (7.71%), Toxocara canis (6.90%), and Giardia spp. (5.88%). Independent variables were presence of at least one parasite element, named "all parasites", and each GI parasite more frequently detected was analyzed as separate outcomes. Logistic regression results showed an increased risk related to age (P = 0.0343) for all parasites and for T. canis, Cystoisospora spp., and Giardia spp. Statistically significant and protective variables were no ingestion of small animals, daily feces removal, and absence of shadow in house yards. Use of anthelmintics and daily feces removal for A. caninum, being female, and absence of shadow for T. canis resulted in protective factors. The role played by veterinarians and owners? commitment as key aspects, effective actions for prevention, control and treatment are required in the research area.

Parasites with zoonotic potential in canine fecal samples from Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil

Among the gastrointestinal parasites of dogs that present public health importance, the species of the genus Ancylostoma and Toxocara are the most frequently detected, and have been important cause of soil contamination. The aim of this study was to detect gastrointestinal parasites in dog’s feces collected in households, streets and public squares of the city of Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 640) were collected in the environment and evaluated by parasitological methods of Willis-Mollay and Hoffman, Pons and Janer. Out of all samples, 51.09% (327/640) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. In particular, in 70.94% (232/327) of the samples were detected eggs of Ancylostoma spp., and in 11.01% (36/327) coinfection by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara canis. In conclusion, the presence of eggs of zoonotic parasites in feces collected from the environment in the city of Garanhuns represent a risk for the transmission of Cutaneous Larva Migrans and Visceral Larva Migrans for the human population.

Antineoplastic Chemotherapy and its Effects on the Gastrointestinal Parasitism of the Dog

Background:In veterinary medicine, an increasing incidence of neoplastic diseases has been followed by a growth in the use of chemotherapeutic drugs, often associated with opportunistic infections.Objective:This study aimed to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs undergoing antineoplastic chemotherapy in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, as well as their evolution throughout the protocol and respective effects of chemotherapy on dogs’ lifestyle.Methods:Faecal samples were collected in a group of 30 dogs being treated for neoplastic diseases under different protocols, previous (G1) and during chemotherapy (G2). In total, 60 samples were analysed by Willis flotation, natural sedimentation, Baermann technique and faecal smear stained with Ziehl-Neelsen. A survey to characterize animal lifestyles and deworming care were also conducted with dog’s tutors.Results:In total, there were two positive samples for the protozoanGiardiasp., one of which is in association with the nematodeToxascaris leonina. The two dogs only obtained positive results during chemotherapy (G2). An overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic diseases of 6.7%, in G2, and 0%, in G1, was obtained.Conclusion:The low parasite prevalence has not allowed the evaluation of an association between the use of antineoplastic compounds and infections by gastrointestinal parasites. However, it was concluded that the studied groups were efficiently dewormed, as well as they did not experience any obvious changes in their parasitological component and its lifestyle.

Ocorrência de parasitas gastrintestinais em fezes de cães coletadas em vias públicas do município de Valença - RJ

Considering the importance of infection by gastrointestinal parasites of dogs, both in the veterinary and public health aspects, studies on the occurrence of these endoparasites present in dog feces on public roads are necessary to establish control and prophylaxis measures. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites present in feces of dogs collected on public roads in the city of Valença -RJ from August to October 2017. Sixty-three samples of fresh dog feces were collected and they were sent to the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases of Centro de Ensino Superior de Valença, for a coproparasitological examination. They were submitted to the simple centrifugation-flotation and simple sedimentation techniques, which revealed positivity for Ancylostoma spp. (79.1%), Trichuris vulpis (20.8%), Toxocara canis (4.1%), Dipylidium caninum (4.1%), Capillaria spp. (4.1%) and Heterakis spp. (4.1%). The results of this study demonstrated that dogs represent an important source of contamination of squares and public roads by gastrointestinal parasites that affect other animals and man. Thus requiring greater attention of public authorities regarding the health of these animals, aiming to reduce the risk of infection to humans and to the animals themselves, through the implementation of educational measures to raise public awareness about this public health problem.

Zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores: A systematic review in Iran.

Aim:Parasitic infections, especially of the zoonotic-parasitic type, are the most important health, economic, and social problems in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to review systematically the available data on gastrointestinal parasites of carnivores in Iran and their ability to infect humans.Materials and Methods:Studies reporting intestinal parasites of carnivores were systematically collected from nine electronic English and Persian databases and Proceedings of Iranian parasitology and veterinary congresses published between 1997 and 2015. A total of 26 studies issued from 1997 to 2015 met the eligibility criteria.Results:The pooled proportion of intestinal parasites of carnivores was estimated as 80.4% (95% confidence interval=70.2-88.8%). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, cats, foxes, and jackals were 57.89%, 90.62%, 89.17%, and 97.32%, respectively. Dipylidium caninum (20.45%), Toxocara spp. (18.81%), Taenia hydatigena (15.28%), Mesocestoides lineatus (11.83%), Echinococcus granulosus (10%), and Toxascaris leonina (8.69%) were the most frequently observed parasites.Conclusion:High prevalence rates of zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores particularly Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. increase the risk of acquiring zoonotic infections such as cystic hydatid, alveolar cysts, and visceral or ocular larva migrants in Iranian people. Therefore, it is essential for public health centers to develop more effective control strategies to decrease infections rates in carnivores’ populations.