Dog Fecal Samples Research Articles

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infections in Stray Dogs in Taif Region, KSA

Background: The study of intestinal parasites that occur in stray dogs in the Taif region, KSA, is most important since there is little data available on this subject. Methods: Dog fecal samples were collected from 129 dogs in three different areas. Fecal samples were processed and analyzed by different mount techniques including, parasitological examination, wet-mount preparation and modified Kinyoun’s acid-fast technique. Result: The total prevalence of enteric parasites was 115 positive cases; for helminths was (62.7%) and for protozoa (26.3%). Mixed infection was higher than single infection in three areas. The total prevalence of helminths eggs by different mount preparation recovered from fecal sample examination from single or mixed form E. granulosus, T. canis and T. vulpis was of high infection rate (15.5%), (10.07%), (10.07%), followed by A. lumbercoides (7.7 %). Finally, T. leonine (6.9%), both A. caninum and A. braziliense are of the same percentage (6.2%). Concerning single and mixed protozoa infection, Giardia was of a high prevalence (16.2%), followed by Cryptosporidium (8.5%) and finally E. histolytica (1.5%) in fecal samples of doges. These data revealed that infection levels of parasites in stray dogs in the studied areas were high, knowing that this is the first study for mixed infections between dogs and humans in KSA.

Abundance, diversity and diffusion of antibiotic resistance genes in cat feces and dog feces

The ARG profiles in pet feces, such as cat and dog feces, and their potential threat to environmental safety are still unclear. In this study, ARGs in 45 cat and 28 dog fecal samples were detected, and a diffusion experiment was performed to assess the risk of ARGs diffusion into the air. The results showed that the abundances of ARGs in cat feces and dog feces were high, and the abundance in dog feces (0.89 ± 0.17 copies/bacterial cell) was significantly higher than that in cat feces (0.46 ± 0.09 copies/bacterial cell) (P < 0.05). The bacterial community, especially Firmicutes and Desulfobacterota in cat feces, and Proteobacteria in dog feces, was the main factor affecting the variation in the ARG profiles, contributing to 31.6% and 32.4% of the variation in cat feces and dog feces, respectively. Physicochemical factors (especially NH4+-N) and age also indirectly affected the variation in the ARG profiles by affecting the bacterial community. In addition, the ARGs in cat feces and dog feces diffused into the air, but there was no evidence that this diffusion posed a threat to environmental safety and human health. These results can provide reference data for healthy animal breeding and the prevention and control of ARG pollution.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths and the first molecular detection of Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Trichuris trichiura, and Trichuris vulpis in dogs in Myanmar.

Dogs may serve as hosts for a variety of zoonotic or potentially zoonotic helminths, including Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Trichuris species. Cross-sectional study design was used to collect 210 faecal samples of dogs from Nay Pyi Taw area, Myanmar. According to microscopic examination, 180 samples (85.7%) were positive for eight species of gastrointestinal helminths. Among them, positive rates of Ancylostoma species and Trichuris species eggs were observed as 79.0% (166/210) and 11.9% (15/210), respectively. Molecular identification of A. ceylanicum and Trichuris species was confirmed by COX1 gene- and SSU rRNA gene-targeted PCR. Partial sequences of COX1 and SSU rRNA showed 100% identity with A. ceylanicum, Trichuris trichiura, and Trichuris vulpis deposited in GenBank.

Molecular characterization of salmonella species and E.coli isolated from dogs and cats

In this study we aimed to investigate salmonella and E.coli serovars from fecal swabs collected from apparently healthy and diarrheic dogs and cats by bacteriological examination. 150 fecal samples of dogs and cats were examined for salmonella and E.coli species. Biochemical test are done to confirm suspected colonies as VP (Voges Proskauer), MR (Methyl red), indole reaction, citrate utilization, catalase test and sugar fermentation test. Salmonella species were isolated from 40 cases out of 150 , 30 of the salmonella positive samples were from dogs (31.6%), and 10 were from cats (18.2%) while 45 samples were positive for E.coli, 25 from dogs (26.4 %) and 20 from cats (36.4 %). E.coli and salmonella positive samples were subjected to antimicrobial disc diffusion susceptibility test by using 10 different antibiotic discs. Molecular investigation was done to detect the virulent gene of salmonella (inv A) and E.coli (eae A) and antibiotic resistant gene for both salmonella and E.coli (blaTEM) using PCR.

Past and present of cystic echinococcosis in Bolivia.

Viable eggs of the canine intestinal tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) infect various intermediate hosts causing cystic echinococcosis (CE). Furthermore, CE represents a serious zoonosis causing a significant global burden of disease. CE is highly endemic in South America, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru. For Bolivia, no official data concerning the incidence in humans or the number of livestock and dogs infected are available. However, it is well known that CE occurs in Bolivia. We aim here to fill the gap in the current knowledge of the epidemiological situation of CE in Bolivia, providing a historical overview of documents published within the country, which have never been comprehensively reviewed. The very first documentation of E. granulosus infection in animals dates in 1910, while the first human case was reported in 1913. In total, 876 human CE cases have been reported in the scientific literature, with an apparent increase since the 1970s. In the absence of other epidemiological studies, the highest prevalence in human comes from Tupiza, Potosí Department, where 4.1% (51/1,268) of the population showed signs of CE at mass ultrasound screening in 2011. In the same report, 24% of dog faecal samples were positive for coproantigens of E. granulosus s.l. in ELISA. The highest prevalence in intermediate hosts reported at abattoir reached 37.5% in cattle from Potosí, followed by 26.9% in llamas from Oruro, 2.4% in pigs and 1.4% in sheep from La Paz. Finally, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), Echinococcus ortleppi (G5), and Echinococcus intermedius (G7) have been identified in Bolivia. Data reviewed here confirm that E. granulosus s.l. is circulating in Bolivia and that a proper prospective nationwide epidemiological study of CE is urgently needed to define transmission patterns as a basis for the planning and implementation of future control measurements.

Prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in Owned Dogs in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) infection in dogs poses risk of transmission to their owners and family members. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with E. granulosus s.l. infection among owned dogs presented at veterinary clinics or hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Fecal samples from 217 dogs were screened for the presence of taeniid eggs using a sedimentation test in a cross sectional study. The taeniid eggs were identified at molecular level using a multiplex PCR. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on intrinsic and extrinsic factors from 133 dog owners. Out of the 217 dog fecal samples, 13 (6.0%) had taeniid eggs, of which 12 (92.3%) were identified as Echinococcus granulosus s.l. We found that Echinococcus granulosus infection is present among owned dogs in Lagos State with an overall prevalence of 5.5%. Location of the veterinary clinics or hospital and purpose for keeping dogs were significant factors associated with E. granulosus infection among owned dogs. Dogs living in suburban areas and kept for security purposes or guarding have higher probability of infection. Appropriate and regular treatment of dogs with praziquantel is highly recommended to reduce risk of E. granulosus transmission to humans.

The risk of helminth infections at Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cuc Phuong National Park Vietnam

To clarify the transmission route of parasitic infections in primates at Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cuc Phuong National Park, we investigated the prevalence of intestinal helminths in leaf and dog fecal samples collected in the surrounding areas of the center. By morphological analysis, only Ancylostoma spp. and Isospora spp. were detected in leaf samples, with the infection rate of 7.07% and 1.01% respectively. In addition, survey on 156 dog feces samples showed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was quite high (73.55%). Ancylostoma spp has the highest prevalence (68.39%), followed by Toxocara spp. (25.81%), Trichuris spp. (10.97%), Isospora spp. (7.1%) and Taenia spp (3.87%).

Molecular identification and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in farm and pet animals in Turkey

A total of 1340 fresh fecal samples from farm and pet animals in Central Anatolia and the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey were investigated using a PCR assay targeting the SSU rRNA of Blastocystis sp. An overall Blastocystis sp. prevalence of 19.4% (183/940) was found in farm animals, including cattle, sheep, water buffaloes, and chickens. Fecal samples of dogs, cats, and horses were negative. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was found in sheep (38.2%) among the farm animals. The SSU rRNA sequence analysis revealed two animal-specific subtypes, including ST10 in cattle and sheep and ST14 in water buffaloes. The zoonotic subtype ST7 was identified in chickens. Our results indicated a high prevalence of animal-specific subtypes in livestock and zoonotic subtype ST7 in chickens, highlighting the potential risk of chickens for zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis in the research area. This study is the first large-scale evaluation of Blastocystis in animal hosts in Turkey, and contributes to the molecular epidemiology and genetics of Blastocystis. Our results should be considered by authorities as an indication of the zoonotic importance of Blastocystis sp. and the need for surveillance in public health intervention programs.

Human and animal cystic echinococcosis in Tataouine governorate: hypoendemic area in a hyperendemic country, myth or reality?

BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE) has a worldwide distribution and is especially prevalent in North African countries. With a mean annual surgical incidence (ASI) of CE of 12.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, Tunisia is one of the most CE endemic countries in the Mediterranean area. Tataouine governorate is considered to be the most CE hypoendemic region in Tunisia (ASI = 0.92) despite favourable socioeconomic conditions that enable maintenance of the Echinococcus granulosussensu lato (s.l.) life-cycle and a significant environmental contamination with E. granulosuss.l. eggs. The aim of this study was to assess human CE seroprevalence, prevalence of CE in food animals and environmental contamination by E. granulosus s.l. eggs in different districts of Tataouine governorate.MethodsThis study was conducted from January to December 2018. A total of 374 human sera samples were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against E. granulosus using a commercial ELISA kit. Specimens were also collected from animals slaughtered at the Tataouine abattoir (n = 8609) and examined for the presence of hydatid cysts; 111 hydatid cysts were genotyped. Eggs of E. granulosuss.l. were identified by PCR and DNA sequencing from dog faecal samples (n = 288).ResultsSerological tests showed that 8.5% of the sera samples tested were positive for E. granulosus-specific antibodies. The average prevalence of hydatidosis in livestock was 1.6%, and CE infection was more prevalent in cattle than in sheep, goats and dromedaries. The contamination rate of dog faeces by E. granulosus sensu stricto eggs varied significantly from 0 to 23.5% depending on the collection area. Molecular analyses only revealed the presence of the G1 genotype for cysts and eggs.ConclusionsBased on our findings, CE is likely to be more endemic in the Tataouine governorate than previously described. Thus, to implement an effective control programme against CE, a national survey should be carried out to determine human CE prevalence in the different Tunisian governorates.Graphical

Occurrence of Echinococcusgranulosussensulato and Other Taeniids in Bhutan.

The present research shows the results of a national study documenting the occurrence and genetic diversity of Echinococcus and Taenia species across Bhutan. Environmental dog faecal samples (n = 953) were collected from 2016 to 2018 in all 20 Bhutanese districts, mainly in urbanised areas. Cystic echinococcosis cysts were isolated from 13 humans and one mithun (Bos frontalis). Isolation of taeniid eggs from faeces was performed by sieving/flotation technique, followed by DNA isolation, PCR and sequence analyses for species identification (gene target: small subunit of ribosomal RNA). Genetic diversity of E. granulosus s.s. was based on the sequence (1609 bp) of the cox1 gene. A total of 67 out of 953 (7%) dog faecal samples were positive for at least one taeniid species. From the 670 free-roaming dog faecal samples, 40 (5.9%) were positive for taeniid DNA, 22 (3.2%) of them were identified as E. granulosus s.s. and four (0.5%) as E. ortleppi (G5). From the 283 faecal samples originating from yak-grazing areas, 27 (9.5%) were taeniid positive, including eight (2.8%) infected with E. granulosus s.s. and four (1.4%) with E. ortleppi. E. granulosus s.s. was identified in all isolates from human and the cyst from mithun. A haplotype network (cox1 gene) from E. granulosus s.s, including isolates from 12 dogs, two human and one mithun, revealed eight different haplotypes. The most common cox1 haplotype was the globally distributed Eg01, followed by Eg40 and Eg37 (previously described in China). Five new cox1 haplotypes (EgBhu1–5) originated from human, dogs, and a mithun were identified. The study indicated the contamination of urban areas and pastures with Echinococcus eggs in seven districts in Bhutan. The molecular characterisation of E. granulosus s.l. revealed different E. granulosus s.s. haplotypes as well as E. ortleppi. The transmission of T. multiceps was documented only in the western part of the country. Considering the zoonotic feature of E. granulosus s.s. and E. ortleppi and the economic impact of coenurosis caused by T. multiceps (also known as gid) in Bhutan, the findings of this study represent a significant contribution towards an epidemiological baseline for the establishment of a national control programme.

Effects of management of infection source of echinococcosis in Linzhi, Tibet Autonomous Region of China

BackgroundEchinococcosis is highly endemic in western and northern China. Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is the most serious prevalent area. Linzhi is located in southeastern part of TAR. Dogs are the primary infection source for the transmission of echinococcosis to humans. A control and prevention campaign based on dog management has been implemented in the past three years. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dog management on the infection rate of dogs.MethodsData of dog population, registration and de-worming of seven counties/district in Linzhi between 2017 and 2019 were obtained from the annual prevention and control report. Domestic dog fecal samples were collected from each endemic town of seven counties/district in Linzhi in 2019 to determine the infection of domestic dogs using coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data analysis was processed using SPSS statistics to compare dog infection rate between 2016 and 2019 by chi-square test, and maps were mapped using ArcGIS.ResultsIn Linzhi, domestic dog population has decreased from 17 407 in 2017 to 12 663 in 2019, while the registration rate has increased from 75.9% in 2017 to 98.6% in 2019. Similarly, stray dog population has decreased from 14 336 in 2017 to 11 837 in 2019, while sheltered rate has increased from 84.6% in 2017 to 96.6% in 2019. Dog de-worming frequency has increased from 4 times per annum in 2017 to 12 times in 2019, indicating that approximately every dog was dewormed monthly. A total of 2715 dog fecal samples were collected for coproantigen ELISA assay. The dog infection rate was 2.8% (77/2715) in 2019, which was significantly lower than 7.3% (45/618) in 2016 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIncreased dog registration, decreased dog population, and increased dog de-worming frequency contributed to significantly decrease the dog infection rate in Linzhi. Control and prevention campaign based on dog management could significantly decrease dog infection with Echinococcus spp. in echinococcosis endemic areas.

Prevalence and distribution of soil-transmitted helminth infection in free-roaming dogs in Bali Province, Indonesia.

Background and Aim:Several free-roaming dogs can be easily found in the public areas of Bali. They go out in search of foods and friends and defecate everywhere. In general, these groups of dogs do not receive good healthcare from their owners and are generally threatened by some disease-causing organisms, especially helminths. This study was conducted to identify and measure the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) that cause infection in free-roaming dogs in Bali Province, Indonesia.Materials and Methods:A total of 1611 fresh dog fecal samples were collected from all areas of Bali Province and subjected to qualitative fecal examination using flotation techniques to obtain STH eggs.Results:The incidence of STHs in free-roaming dogs was 38.36%. However, three types of STHs were identified, including Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris spp., and Trichuris spp. Ancylostoma spp. had the highest prevalence of 37.8%, followed by Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. at 6.02% and 0.87%, respectively. Multiple infections of these worms were also recorded. The polyparasitism prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. and Ascaris spp. was 3.85%, followed by that of Ancylostoma spp. and Trichuris spp. at 0.5% and that of Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. at 0.06%. There were no altitude-wise differences in the prevalence of STH infection.Conclusion:The prevalence of STHs was high in free-roaming dogs. This finding necessitates more serious attention as it affects both animal and public health.

A survey of intestinal helminths in domestic dogs in a human-animal-environmental interface: the Oloisukut Conservancy, Narok County, Kenya.

Dogs living in a domestic-wildlife interface can serve as reservoirs and sentinels of parasites shared among humans, domestic animals and wildlife. In Kenya, the epidemiology of intestinal parasites of dogs and their role as reservoirs of zoonoses is poorly understood, especially in domestic-wildlife interfaces. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of intestinal helminths in domestic dogs in the Oloisukut Conservancy. One hundred dog faecal samples were collected per rectum and examined microscopically following zinc chloride flotation and formal-ether concentration techniques. Genotyping of helminths was achieved by nested polymerase chain reaction of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, cytochrome oxidase 1 and partial sequencing. Nine genera were detected by microscopy in 65 (65%) dog faecal samples from 54/76 (71.05%) households. The most frequent helminths were hookworm (39%), Spirometra spp. (17%), taeniids (13%), Toxocara spp. (10%), Trichuris spp. (10%), Spirocerca lupi (5%), Physaloptera spp. (2%), Dipylidium caninum (1%) and Strongyloides spp. (1%). Ancylostoma caninum was the only hookworm species detected in dogs, while Taenia serialis and Taenia madoquae were detected in four and one faecal samples, respectively. This study reports for the first time the molecular detection of the cestodes Spirometra theileri, D. caninum and Mesocestoides sp. in dogs in Kenya. The presence of zoonotic helminths in dogs indicates that the residents of this conservancy are exposed to public health risks. The helminths reported here confirm the interaction of domestic dogs with wildlife. An integrated control programme involving the medical, veterinary and wildlife conservation professionals is needed to avert transmission of infectious diseases to humans, domestic animals and wildlife.

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.

A Systematic Pipeline to Enhance the Fecal Metabolome Coverage by LC-HRMS

The comprehended knowledge of the metabolic profile of the fecal matter has been recognized as an important point for understanding metabolic changes in the human systemic metabolism and it can provide precious information about host-gut microbiota interactions. However, few analytical strategies have been addressed for a broad analysis of metabolites with different chemical properties to better understand the chemical space of fecal samples. Here we report a systematic pipeline to achieve comprehensive coverage of the fecal metabolome, from high polar to nonpolar metabolites, using dog fecal samples as a proof-of-concept. This pipeline comprises a monophasic (ACN/H2O) and a biphasic extraction (methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)/MeOH/H2O) of the sample, followed by three liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) methods using HILIC-amide, RP-C18 and CSH-C18 columns, and a switch polarity acquisition mode in the electrospray ion source. This approach allowed the annotation of 376 metabolites from 70 different chemical classes. The chemical space analysis by molecular networking and the pathway analysis revealed the complexity of the fecal sample and the importance of combined methods to better understand biochemical pathways. This pipeline can be used as a valuable tool to comprehend the relationship between host-gut microbiota metabolites and the influence of diet, medication, or environmental changes.

Multilocus genotyping of Giardia intestinalis in pet dogs of Medellín Colombia.

According to a few parasitological and epidemiological studies, Giardia is the most prevalent parasitic infection among pet dogs in the city of Medellín, the second-largest city in Colombia. This study determined the assemblages of Giardia in the fecal samples of dogs obtained from 18 veterinary centers of Medellín. One hundred fecal samples of dogs diagnosed with Giardia using microscopy were analyzed via nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using three genes (gdh, bg, and tpi). The PCR products were purified and sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the maximum likelihood algorithm of the three loci. From the 100 samples analyzed, 47 were Giardia-positive via PCR. Genotypes C and D were detected in six samples, neither of which were associated with human infection. However, the zoonotic potential of Giardia cannot be ruled out because of the small number of samples that could be sequenced for assemblage assignation.

&lt;i&gt;Echinococcus granulosus&lt;/i&gt; Batsch, 1786; Rud., 1801 as a probable sanitary threat in the mountainous zone of the North Caucasus

The purpose of the research is studying environmental objects contaminated with Taeniidae eggs, and egg stability and viability in soil and feed supplies in the mountainous zone of the North Caucasus.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in the mountainous zone of the North Caucasus in 2016–2019 at the laboratory of infective diseases of animals and birds of the Caspian Zonal Research Veterinary Institute. We examined 200 samples of dog feces, 3,600 soil samples and 1,000 samples of different types of food for Taeniidae eggs at altitudinal belts of 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 3500 m above sea level in winter, spring, summer and autumn using conventional methods. Experiments were also carried out to determine the viability and possible overwintering from November to March of Echinococcus granulosus eggs at an altitude of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000 and 3,500 m above sea level. In order to study the sanitary state of infrastructure facilities of the mountainous zone for contamination with Taeniidae eggs, we studied 300 soil samples from near-village pastures, distant pastures, rural households, near-shed areas, shelters, near watering stations, along the sides of mountain rivers, and in places of daytime rest of sheep and cattle in pastures using the methods generally accepted in helminthology. We studied possible survival in the winter of Taeniidae eggs in external environment in samples of feces, soil, after-grass, hay, silage and compound feed from November to March. After winter, Taeniidae eggs were examined by coproovoscopy methods. The data were processed by statistical methods according to N.A. Plokhinsky (1978).Results and discussion. It was found that temperature fluctuations of 13.4 to 25.8 ºС in spring and summer seasons in the mountainous zone had a more favorable effect on cestode egg preservation and development. Eggs became invasive in 8–10 days in June and August. The maturation of E. granulosus eggs to the invasive stage was observed in 13 days in September (20.5 ºС), and in 22 days in November (8.3 ºС), which was associated with a decrease in ambient temperature. In dynamics, soil contamination with E. granulosus eggs in the Dagestan mountainous zone in 2016–2019 was characterized by an annual increase in soil contamination with eggs. The soil contamination rate with Taeniidae eggs increased from 63.00% to 88.00% (mean 80.50% of samples). In Dagestan, there is a deterioration in sanitary state of soils of infrastructure facilities as indicated by an increase in Taeniidae eggs in 4–5 g of soil from 7.60±0.40 to 19.30±1.10 eggs (mean 12.30±0.70 eggs). The soil of all studied infrastructure facilities was almost 100% contaminated with Taeniidae eggs. At biological sites, at an altitude of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000 and 3,500 m above sea level, there were 26.30% 19.84%; 12.55%; 8.0%; 4.99% and 0% of E. granulosus eggs viable in March, respectively. E. granulosus eggs do not survive the winter at an altitude of 3,500 m in March. The study of the possibility of E. granulosus eggs to overwinter showed that the eggs kept in after-grass, silage, hayand compound feed samples during the winter retained viability in the amount of 37.30%, 74.30%, 81.70% and 92.40 % respectively. In case of sanitary requirements violated during grazing, procurement and storage, the aftergrass, silage, hay and compound feed contaminated with Taeniidae eggs are factors for ensuring preservation and viability of invasive elements and continuous implementation of an epizootic process of taeniidosis in populations of ruminants..

Copro-molecular diagnosis of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily in dog and cat populations in northern Iran.

OBJECTIVESThe oocysts of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily (Neospora caninum, Hammondia hammondi and H. heydorni, and Besnoitia besnoiti) are morphologically similar to Toxoplasma gondii, and indistinguishable from each other. This study investigated the prevalence of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily in dog and cat fecal samples using a nested polymerase chain reaction method.METHODSOverall, 200 fecal samples from domestic dogs (n=120) and cats (n=80) were collected from 15 farms in northern Iran. The samples were homogenized in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and subsequently concentrated with sucrose solution. DNA was extracted from samples using a genomic DNA kit. Specific primers and the 18S rDNA gene were used to screen and detect all Toxoplasmatinae oocysts.RESULTSOverall, 2.5% (3 of 120) and 22.5% (18 of 80) of the fecal samples collected from dogs and cats were infected with Toxoplasmatinae. In dogs, 2 samples were positive for N. caninum and 1 sample was positive for T. gondii. In cats, all 18 positive samples belonged to T. gondii. No contamination with H. heydorni was observed in dog fecal samples or H. hammondi and B. besnoiti in cat fecal samples. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the T. gondii (cat) and N. caninum (dog) found had similarities with parasites reported from other regions of the world.CONCLUSIONSThis is the first study to provide data on the epidemiology of Toxoplasmatinae oocysts in Iran. The findings suggest that public-health monitoring for the effective control of feces from cats and dogs and improved pet hygiene habits are needed.

Giardia duodenalis multi-locus genotypes in dogs with different levels of synanthropism and clinical signs

BackgroundIn dogs, infections with Giardia duodenalis are mainly caused by assemblages C and D, but also by the potentially zoonotic assemblages A and B. The aims of this study were to assess differences in assemblages (i) between dogs living mainly in close proximity to humans (synanthropic dogs) versus dogs living mainly among other dogs, (ii) between samples of dogs with or without loose stool, and (iii) related to the amount of cysts shedding.MethodsOne hundred eighty-nine qPCR Giardia positive fecal samples of dogs originating from four groups (household, sheltered, hunting, and dogs for which a veterinarian sent a fecal sample to a diagnostic laboratory) were used for genotyping. For this, multi-locus genotyping of beta-giardin, triose phosphate isomerase, and glutamate dehydrogenase and genotyping of SSU rDNA gene fragments were performed. Fecal consistency was scored (loose or non-loose stool), and cysts per gram of feces were determined with qPCR.ResultsAssemblage D was the most prevalent in all groups, followed by the other canid assemblage C. Also, mixed C/D was common. In two (synanthropic) household dogs, the potentially zoonotic assemblage AI was present. Although occurrence of assemblage AI in household dogs was not significantly different from dogs living among other dogs (sheltered and hunting dogs), it was significantly higher compared to dogs for which a sample was sent to a diagnostic laboratory. Dogs with assemblage D shed significantly more cysts than dogs with other assemblages (except for mixed C/D results) or dogs in which no assemblage could be determined. None of the assemblages was significantly associated with loose stool.ConclusionNot only do dogs mainly shed the canid Giardia duodenalis assemblages D and/or C, the numbers of cysts per gram for the canid assemblage D were also higher than for the potential zoonotic assemblage AI. Based on the assemblages shed by dogs, the risk to public health posed by dogs is estimated to be low, even though the dogs that shed AI were synanthropic household dogs. Loose stool in infected dogs was not associated with any particular Giardia assemblage.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum: The Neglected Zoonotic Parasite of Community Dogs in Thailand and Its Genetic Diversity among Asian Countries.

Simple SummaryAncylostomiasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Ancylostoma hookworm infection of dogs, cats, and other wildlife species and is frequently found in Asia and tropical regions. The present study had confirmed the species of hookworm in dogs and soil environments collected from temple communities. In addition, we investigated the association of hookworm-contaminated soil in temple areas to increase awareness and establish a regimen to prevent zoonotic hookworm transmission. Lastly, we analyzed the genetic diversity and evolution of hookworm in dogs and soil environments among Thai A. ceylanicum and other Asian populations and disclosed insight into their fundamental genetic relationship.Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a zoonotic helminth that is commonly found in domestic dogs and cats throughout Asia but is largely neglected in many countries. This study aimed to confirm the species of hookworm in dogs and soil environments and investigate the evolutionary analyses of A. ceylanicum among Thai and Asian populations. In a total of 299 dog fecal samples and 212 soil samples from 53 temples, the prevalence rates of hookworm infection by microscopic examination were 26.4% (79/299) and 10.4% (22/212) in dog and soil samples, respectively. A PCR-RFLP targeting the ITS region was then utilized to identify the hookworm species. In dogs, A. ceylanicum was the main hookworm species, and the rates of A. ceylanicum and A. caninum infections were 96.6% and 3.5%, respectively. The genetic characterization and diversity indices of the A. ceylanicum cox1 gene among Thai and Asian populations were evaluated. Nine haplotypes were identified from Thai A. ceylanicum, in which the haplotype diversity and the nucleotide diversity were 0.4436 and 0.0036, respectively. The highest nucleotide diversity of Chinese A. ceylanicum populations suggested that it could be the ancestor of the populations. Pairwise fixation indices indicated that Thai A. ceylanicum was closely related to the Malaysian population, suggesting a gene flow between these populations. The temples with hookworm-positive dogs were associated with the presence of hookworm-contaminated soil, as these levels showed an approximately four-fold increase compared with those in temples with hookworm-negative dogs (OR = 4.38, 95% CI: 1.55–12.37). Interestingly, the genotypes of A. ceylanicum in the contaminating soil and infecting dogs were identical. Therefore, increased awareness and concern from the wider public communities with regard to the responsibility of temples and municipal offices to provide proper deworming programs to community dogs should be strongly endorsed to reduce the risk of the transmission of this zoonotic disease. In addition, parasitic examination and treatment should be strongly implemented before dogs are imported and exported worldwide.