Prevalence Of Infection In Dogs Research Articles

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.

Serosurvey and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs in Rural Areas of Kazeroun District, Fars Province, Southern Iran.

Background. Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for systemic disease in a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The current study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in dogs, using serological and molecular methods in rural areas in Kazeroun Township, Fars province, southern Iran. Methods. Blood samples were obtained from 60 clinically healthy dogs with an age range of 1 to 7 years in three rural areas of Fars province, southern Iran. Sera and buffy coats were used to assess the T. gondii infection using both modified agglutination test (MAT) and real-time PCR. Results. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 5 out of 60 (8.3%) dogs by the MAT method, and T. gondii DNA was detected in 17 out of 60 (28.3%) studied animals. There was no significant association between sex and seropositivity to Toxoplasma (p > 0.05). Fair agreement (kappa = 0.27) was seen between molecular and serological findings where three dogs with positive serological results had a positive molecular test. Conclusion. Findings of the present study show a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in rural areas in Fars province, southern Iran. Finding the parasite genotype in dogs deserves further study.

SARS-CoV-2 infections in cats, dogs, and other animal species: Findings on infection and data from Switzerland

The pandemic with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has led to infections and deaths worldwide. Apart from humans, certain animal species are susceptible to the viral infection. Spillover between humans and animals is favored by close contact; thus, surveillance of animals is an important component to fight the pandemic from a One Health perspective. The Clinical Laboratory of the Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich has been investigating SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals since the beginning of the pandemic. In November 2020, the first SARS-CoV-2 positive Swiss cat was reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE-WAHIS). The cat showed respiratory signs and lived in a COVID-19 affected household. By now, over 500 natural SARS-CoV-2 infections have been recorded in animals worldwide. A prevalence study on SARS-CoV-2 infections in dogs and cats was carried out together with clinics from Germany and Italy during the first wave of the pandemic (March-July 2020). Among the tested 1137 animals, only one cat and one dog were positive. The prevalence of infection in dogs and cats presented to veterinary clinics was low, even in pandemic hotspot regions. However, recent studies that focused on animals in COVID-19 households found a higher prevalence of infection. A study is currently underway that specifically collects samples from pets from Swiss COVID-19 affected household and collects data on human-animal interaction.

Hematological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of Hepatozoon canis infection by parasitological detection in dogs from the rural area of Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Hepatozoonosis is caused by protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon. In dogs, the infection is caused mainly by Hepatozoon canis, and there are a few descriptions of the prevalence of this infection in the Northeast region of Brazil, especially in the semi-arid region. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatozoon canis infection in dogs in the rural area of Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil, as well as to determine the possible clinical and epidemiological aspects of this infection. Ninety-eight dogs in the rural zone of the municipality of Sousa that were at least 4 months old were evaluated, regardless of their breed or gender. Clinical examinations were carried out, and samples of systemic and peripheral blood were collected to determine the presence of the parasite in blood smears and carry out hemograms. In addition, epidemiological questionnaires about animal health and food management were completed. The prevalence of H. canis infections in dogs was 8.1% (8/98). There were three main changes in the hematological status: thrombocytopenia, anemia and hyperproteinemia, mainly related to percentage of leukocyte infection ≥5%, and also to the presence of clinical signs such as mucopurulent secretion, lymphadenomegaly, dry skin, pale mucous membranes, and lean or cachectic body score.

Prevalence of single and mixed parasitic infections of dogs in Egbeda communities, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Dogs harbour a wide array of parasites and have been implicated in the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans. In a community-based cross-sectional study, 292 dogs and 241 dog owners were examined for parasites in urban and rural communities of Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic information of dog owners and identify possible risk factors. Ectoparasites were collected from dog fur and preserved in 70% alcohol before identification. Freshly passed stools from dogs and their owners were collected and examined for intestinal parasites by modified sucrose floatation technique. Ectoparasites were present on 199 (68.2%) dogs, while 239 (81.8%) had intestinal parasites. Six ectoparasite species identified were Ctenocephalides canis (5.5%), C. felis (39.7%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (51.3%), Haemaphysalis leachii (48.9), Trichodectes canis (2.1%) and Linognathus spp (1.7%). Gastrointestinal parasites identified in dogs wereToxocara canis (55.8%), Ascaris spp (36%), Ancylostoma spp (40.1%), Trichuris spp (7.5%), Isospora spp (14.4%) and Toxascaris leonina (15.1%). Prevalence of gastrointestinal as well as ectoparasites were higher in rural communities with more mongrels infected compared to exotic breeds (p < 0.001). Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancyclostoma spp and Trichuris spp were identified in 99 (41.1%) of the dog owners. There was a significant relationship (r=0.36, p < 0.001) between the prevalence of infection in dogs and their owners. Most (75%) of the dog owners were aware only of the possibility of contracting rabies but not other zoonotic parasitic infections from their dogs. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal and ectoparasites of dogs in these communities suggests a very high risk of parasite transmission among dogs, their owners and other inhabitants of the community. The need for intervention programs including regular anti-parasitic treatment of dogs and health education which emphasizes the dangers of zoonotic infections in these communities is imperative.
 Keywords: Dog owners, Ectoparasites, Gastrointestinal parasites, Urban and Rural dogs, Zoonoses

Prevalence of intestinal parasite infection in dogs from selected rural areas of central and southern Poland

The main aim of the study was to compare parasites of dogs living in rural areas of selected counties of the Masovian and Małopolska Voivodeships. Furthermore, the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was determined in relation to selected factors (sex and season). The research was carried out from October 2015 to May 2016. A total of 207 faecal samples were analysed by the flotation method and by direct smears. Infection by protozoa and nematodes was observed. The mean prevalence was 17.8% for Giardia intestinalis, 0.9% for coccidia of the genus Cystoisospora, 7.2% for Toxocara canis, 2.4% for Toxascaris leonina, 20.2% for Trichuris vulpis and 22.2% for nematodes of the family Ancylostomatidae. Infection with particular parasites was more common in males than in females. The occurrence of Giardia intestinalis and hookworms was statistically significantly correlated with the sex of the host and the season.

Prevalence of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in dogs in an endemic area of Brazil.

The northeast region of Brazil is endemic for zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection in dogs in Petrolina. Blood samples were collected from dogs (n = 600), and bone-marrow biopsy was performed in animals with positive serological test results that presented clinical signs of ZVL. The serological analyses were performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (S7(r)Biogene). Of the 600 dogs tested, 19% (115/600) presented anti-L. infantum chagasi antibodies. Our data are important because canine infection is an important risk factor for the human disease.

Prevalence of Canine Parvo Viral Infection in Dogs In and Around Tirupathi of India

A total of 217 faecal samples were collected from the dogs suspected for canine parvovirus infection over a period of 6 months from March - August, 2012. The faecal samples were screened by HA, HI tests and Scan VetTM PARVO kit. Out of 217 dog faecal samples screened, 72 samples were positive for CPV infection with an overall prevalence of 33.17 percent. Breed wise analysis of data indicated that highest prevalence (43.75%) in Spitz and least prevalence (28.71%) in Mongrel. CPV infection in relation to age, was highest (40.74%) in 0-6 months and least (10%) in above 1year old dogs. Sex wise analysis of data revealed the higher prevalence (37.30%) in male dogs than female (27.47%) dogs. Month wise prevalence of CPV infection revealed highest prevalence (48.97%) in the month of July and lowest (20%) in the month of March. The prevalence of CPV infection was high (35.41%) in un-vaccinated dogs than the vaccinated dogs (16.00%).

Schistosoma japonicum in Samar, the Philippines: infection in dogs and rats as a possible risk factor for human infection.

The role that animals play in the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum to humans in the Philippines remains uncertain and prior studies have not included several species, adjustment for misclassification error and clustering, or used a cohort design. A cohort study of 2468 people providing stool samples at 12 months following praziquantel treatment in 50 villages of Western Samar, the Philippines, was conducted. Stool samples from dogs, cats, rats, and water buffaloes were collected at baseline (2003-2004) and follow-up (2005). Latent-class hierarchical Bayesian log-binomial models adjusting for misclassification errors in diagnostic tests were used. The village-level baseline and follow-up prevalences of cat, dog, and rat S. japonicum infection were associated with the 12-month cumulative incidence of human S. japonicum infection, with similar magnitude and precision of effect, but correlation between infection levels made it difficult to divide their respective effects. The cumulative incidence ratios associated with a 1% increase in the prevalence of infection in dogs at baseline and in rats at follow-up were 1·04 [95% Bayesian credible interval (BCI) 1·02-1·07] and 1·02 (95% BCI 1·01-1·04), respectively, when both species were entered in the model. Dogs appear to play a role in human schistosomiasis infection while rats could be used as schistosomiasis sentinels.

Sensitive and Specific Serodiagnosis of Leishmania infantum Infection in Dogs by Using Peptides Selected from Hypothetical Proteins Identified by an Immunoproteomic Approach

In Brazil, the percentage of infected dogs living in areas where canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic ranges from 10 to 62%; however, the prevalence of infection in dogs is probably higher than figures reported from serological studies. In addition, problems with the occurrence of false-positive or false-negative results in the serodiagnosis of CVL have been reported. The present work analyzed the potential of synthetic peptides mapped from hypothetical proteins for improvement of the serodiagnosis of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs. From 26 identified leishmanial proteins, eight were selected, considering that no homologies between these proteins and others from trypanosomatide sequence databases were encountered. The sequences of these proteins were mapped to identify linear B-cell epitopes, and 17 peptides were synthesized and tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the serodiagnosis of L. infantum infection in dogs. Of these, three exhibited sensitivity and specificity values higher than 75% and 90%, respectively, to differentiate L. infantum-infected animals from Trypanosoma cruzi-infected animals and healthy animals. Soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) showed poor sensitivity (4%) and specificity (36%) to differentiate L. infantum-infected dogs from healthy and T. cruzi-infected dogs. Lastly, the three selected peptides were combined in different mixtures and higher sensitivity and specificity values were obtained, even when sera from T. cruzi-infected dogs were used. The study's findings suggest that these three peptides can constitute a potential tool for more sensitive and specific serodiagnosis of L. infantum infection in dogs.

Leishmania (Viannia) Infection in the Domestic Dog in Chaparral, Colombia

Peridomestic transmission of American cutaneous leishmaniasis is increasingly reported and dogs may be a reservoir of Leishmania (Viannia) in this setting. We investigated the prevalence of infection in dogs in Chaparral County, Colombia, the focus of an epidemic of human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis. Two (0.72%) of 279 dogs had lesions typical of cutaneous leishmaniasis that were biopsy positive by kinetoplast DNA polymerase chain reaction-Southern blotting. Seroprevalence was 2.2% (6 of 279) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Buffy coat and ear skin biopsy specimens were positive by polymerase chain reaction-Southern blotting in 7.3% (10 of 137) and 11.4% (12 of 105) of dogs, respectively. Overall 20% of dogs (21 of 105) showed positive results for one or more tests. Amplification and sequencing of the Leishmania 7SL RNA gene identified L. guyanensis in one dog and L. braziliensis in two dogs. No association was identified between the risk factors evaluated and canine infection. Dogs may contribute to transmission but their role in this focus appears to be limited.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies and DNA in Dogs in Shanghai, China

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs in Shanghai, China. A total of 1,736 sera (1,178 from the city center and 558 from the outskirts) was collected from healthy dogs and tested for T. gondii infection by indirect hemagglutination; 56 sera (3.2%) were considered positive, with titers > 1∶64. The seroprevalence in dogs from the outskirts of the city (town dogs, 6.0%; countryside dogs, 9.8%) was significantly higher (P > 0.05) than that in city center dogs (1.3%). The age of the dog has an apparent association with T. gondii infection; that is, the seroprevalence ranged from 1.9% (in dogs ≤ 1 year old) to 3.6% (in dogs > 5 years old). There was no significant difference in gender (P ≥ 0.05), that is, 1.4% versus 1.1% for male and female dogs in the city center, 6.2% versus 5.9% in town dogs, and 8.4% versus 11.5% in country dogs, respectively. These results suggest that T. gondii infections are common in dogs from the city center and outskirts of Shanghai, but the T. gondii seroprevalence in dogs is considerably lower than in other regions in PR China. The presence of T. gondii DNA was investigated by nested PCR on 110 blood samples from city center dogs, but no positive samples were found, which may suggest that there were no acute infections of T. gondii in the city center samples. Our results indicate that the control and treatment of toxoplasmosis in Shanghai has been effective. However, it is still essential to further implement integrated strategies to prevent and control T. gondii infection in dogs in both the city center and the outskirts.

Prevalence, molecular typing and risk factor analysis for Giardia duodenalis infections in dogs in a central London rescue shelter

A cross-sectional survey to investigate canine infections with Giardia duodenalis was undertaken at a central London rescue shelter between October 2006 and March 2007. The objectives of the study were to (i) estimate the prevalence of infection in dogs admitted to a London dog shelter using a commercially available ELISA-based test kit; (ii) identify the relative importance of potential dog level risk factors for infection; and (iii) identify the occurrence of different G. duodenalis assemblages present in this population in order to identify presence of any potentially zoonotic assemblages. A faecal sample was collected from each dog entering the shelter within 1 day of arrival. Each sample was tested for the presence of parasite cyst wall protein using the Giardia SNAP test kit (Idexx Laboratories). Samples were graded for faecal consistency on a standard scale and data on age, breed, categorized breed group, sex and neutered status were collected for each dog. Associations between infection status and each dog level variable were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Selected G. duodenalis-positive samples were genotyped using previously described primers targeting the 18S rDNA gene and the β-giardin gene. Samples from a total of 878 dogs were collected and the true prevalence found to be 21.0% (95% CI 16.7–25.4%). In the present study, the odds of infection decreased with increasing age (adjusted odds ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.80, p < 0.0001) and was increased for Rottweilers (adjusted odds ratio 2.12, 95% CI 1.03–4.34, p = 0.04). Of the 51 samples selected for genotyping, 41 samples yielded a good amplification at one or both of the targeted genes, demonstrating the occurrence of mainly dog-specific assemblages C and D. The potentially zoonotic assemblage A and a mixed template C/D were found in two individual dogs. The results of the present study illustrate the high prevalence of G. duodenalis in shelter dogs. Although predominantly infected with dog-specific assemblages, the identification of assemblage A suggests that appropriate precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of transmission to staff.

Domestic dogs and cats as sources ofTrypanosoma cruziinfection in rural northwestern Argentina

The reservoir capacity of domestic cats and dogs for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and the host-feeding patterns of domestic Triatoma infestans were assessed longitudinally in 2 infested rural villages in north-western Argentina. A total of 86 dogs and 38 cats was repeatedly examined for T. cruzi infection by serology and/or xenodiagnosis. The composite prevalence of infection in dogs (60%), but not in cats, increased significantly with age and with the domiciliary density of infected T. infestans. Dogs and cats had similarly high forces of infection, prevalence of infectious hosts (41-42%), and infectiousness to bugs at a wide range of infected bug densities. The infectiousness to bugs of seropositive dogs declined significantly with increasing dog age and was highly aggregated. Individual dog infectiousness to bugs was significantly autocorrelated over time. Domestic T. infestans fed on dogs showed higher infection prevalence (49%) than those fed on cats (39%), humans (38%) or chickens (29%) among 1085 bugs examined. The basic reproduction number of T. cruzi in dogs was at least 8.2. Both cats and dogs are epidemiologically important sources of infection for bugs and householders, dogs nearly 3 times more than cats.

Introduced and Native Fishes as Infection Foci of Diphyllobothrium spp. in Humans and Dogs from Two Localities at Lake Panguipulli in Southern Chile

A study was conducted on the occurrence of 2 Diphyllobothrium species in 5 species of fish from Lake Panguipulli in southern Chile and in dogs and humans associated with the lake. Fish were examined for plerocercoid larvae, and human and dog feces from the towns of Panguipulli and Choshuenco were sampled for the presence of tapeworm ova. Odonthestes (Cauque) mauleanum (Steindachner, 1896) is reported for the first time as a host for both Diphyllobothrium latum Linnaeus, 1758, and Diphyllobothrium dendriticum (Nitzsch, 1824). Basilichthys australis Eigenmann, 1927, is reported for the first time as a host for D. latum. Prevalences and mean intensities of D. latum and D. dendriticum were higher in introduced trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792), than in the native fishes, O. (C.) mauleanum, B. australis, Percichthys trucha (Valenciennes, 1833), and Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns, 1842). Prevalence and mean intensities of Diphyllobothrium spp. were similar (P > 0.05) in fish of both sexes. Intensities of infection by Diphyllobothrium spp. showed significant correlation (P < 0.05) with length in trout. Human infection by adults of D. latum was detected only at Choshuenco, with a prevalence of 2.8%. In this locality 12.5% of the people consumed smoked fish, showing a significant difference compared with Panguipulli, where 5.2% of the people consumed smoked or raw fish. No significant difference was detected in prevalence of infection in dogs in Panguipulli (1.8%) and Choshuenco (4.5%).

Epidemiology of Toxocara canis in the dog population from two areas of different socioeconomic status, Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina

Toxocara canis infection in dogs is a public health problem in most countries, although it has been poorly documented in many of them. The main objective of the present work was to investigate the epidemiology of infection in the canine populations from two areas of Buenos Aires of different socioeconomic status and urban conditions: a middle-income neighbourhood (MIN) and a low-income neighbourhood (LIN). This study evaluated the prevalence of infection in dogs by parasitological and serological techniques in both areas, and described the relationship between the infection and different epidemiological variables for each neighbourhood. A cross-sectional study was carried out after a house-to-house census was completed. During August 1999, a sample of households was selected at random ( n MIN=53 and n PA=52). In each house, one dog was randomly chosen for the collection of fresh faeces and blood. The dog owners were interviewed utilising a questionnaire about dogs on sex, recent anthelmintic treatment, degree of confinement, control by the dog’s owner (whether the dog goes out of the house accompanied or not, leashed or unleashed), defecation site, defecation substratum and number of dogs in the house. The diagnostic techniques were concentration–sedimentation formalin/ether method and ELISA test. The parasitological prevalences in dogs were 9% (5/53) in MIN and 19% (10/52) in LIN, and serological prevalences were 22% (2/9) in MIN and 40% (15/37) in LIN. In MIN, the patent infection of males was significantly higher than that of females. In LIN, puppies less than 1 year old were the most prevalent age class. Our serological results showed that the positivity of adult dogs was more frequent in LIN than in MIN. The density of puppies with patent infection was seven times higher in LIN than in MIN, when combining coprological analysis and the estimated age structure obtained by the census.

PREVALENCIA DE LEPTOSPIROSIS Y FACTORES DE RIESGO EN PERSONAS CON ANTECEDENTES DE FIEBRE EN LA PROVINCIA DE MANU, MADRE DE DIOS, PERÚ

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of leptospirosis and its risk factors in persons presenting with fever in mining areas (gold search at the riverbanks), and the prevalence of infection in dogs in Manu province, Madre de Dios department, Peru. Material and methods: Analytic cross-sectional study. 71 blood samples were taken from persons presenting with fever who came from five mining areas. The presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against Leptospira were determined using an ELISA method and a micro-agglutination test (MAT). Results: 71 persons were assessed, 47 (66,2%) were female and 24 (33,8%) were male; 26 (36,6%) had antibodies against Leptospira. The risk factors associated to Leptospira infection in these persons were as follows: to use river water in their household (OR= 9,09, p= 0,017), to use river water in the field (OR= 7,13, p= 0,042), to swim in the river (OR= 4,60, p= 0,13), to live in a house with a plastic and straw roof (OR= 4,04, p= 0,013). In dogs, 18 (66,6%) had a positive serology for Leptospira. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of leptospirosis in persons presenting with fever and favorable conditions for the development of this infection in the studied areas. It is recommended that preventive educational activities should be performed, taking into account the risk factors identified.

Incidence of Toxocara canis and Other Helminth Parasites of Dogs in Mexico City

Examination of 120 stray dogs under 6 months of age disclosed 97% parasitized with one or more of the following helminths: Toxocara canis (93%); Ancylostoma caninum (50%); Dipylidium caninum (38%); Echinococcus granulosus (0.8%); and Taenia sp. (0.8%). Compared to what other workers have reported for the same area, the most significant difference was a threefold increase in dogs parasitized with Toxocara canis. In Mexico City dogs are infected with a number of helminths transmissible to man and their continued occurrence in the people of that city can be expected. Caballero (1938) and Chavarria (1940) studied the incidence of helminths in dogs, and Flores-Barroeta (1955) studied the incidence in dogs and cats in Mexico City. Since there is an increasing interest in animal parasites potentially transmissible to man, the present study was made in order to add to the existing data on the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in dogs in Mexico City. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 120 male dogs under 6 months of age were studied. They were either abandoned or strays obtained from various areas in Mexico City. The animals were killed with chloroform. The intestinal tract was ligated at the duodenum and sigmoid and removed for examination. A funnel was placed in the proximal end of the intestine and the contents flushed with tap water through a series of large to very fine wire mesh screens to facilitate recovery of the parasites. The intestines were then slit open, scraped, and the mucosa and contents carefully examined for parasites. The recovered parasites were placed in normal saline, identified, and counted. The cecum was examined for Trichurus and all the ascarids were examined individually to determine whether any were Toxascaris. Neither Trichurus nor Toxascaris were found. Fecal examinations for ova were not done.