Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic dogs in Tabasco, southeastern Mexico

Abstract

The overall goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in dogs in the city of Villahermosa in Tabasco, Mexico. The study population consisted of 302 owned dogs that had limited access to public areas. A fecal sample was collected from each animal and examined for GI parasites by conventional macroscopic analysis and centrifugal flotation. Fecal samples from 80 (26.5%) dogs contained GI parasites. Of these, 58 (19.2%) were positive for helminths and 22 (7.3%) were positive for protozoan parasites. At least seven parasitic species were identified. The most common parasite was Ancylostoma caninum which was detected in 48 (15.9%) dogs. Other parasites detected on multiple occasions were Cystoisospora spp. (n = 19), Toxocara canis (n = 7) and Giardia spp. (n = 3). Three additional parasites, Dipylidium caninum, Trichuris vulpis and Uncinaria spp., were each detected in a single dog. No mixed parasitic infections were identified. In summary, we report a moderately high prevalence of GI parasites in owned dogs in Villahermosa, Tabasco. Several parasitic species identified in this study are recognized zoonotic pathogens which illustrates the important need to routinely monitor and treat dogs that live in close proximity to humans for parasitic infections.Keywords: Dogs, gastrointestinal, risk factors, zoonotic parasites, Mexico. ResumoO objetivo geral deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de parasitas gastrointestinais (GI) em cães na cidade de Vilhahermosa, em Tabasco, México. A população estudada consistiu de 302 cães com donos, com acesso limitado a áreas públicas. Uma amostra fecal de cada animal foi coletada e examinada para parasitas GI por análise macroscópica convencional e centrífugo-flutuação. Amostras fecais de 80 (26,5%) cães apresentaram parasitas GI. Destes, 58 (19,2%) foram positivos para helmintos e 22 (7,3%) foram positivos para protozoários. Pelo menos 7 espécies parasitas foram identificadas. O parasita mais comum foi Ancylostoma caninum, detectado em 48 (15,9%) cães. Outros parasitas detectados em diversas ocasiões foram Cystoisospora spp. (n = 19), Toxocara canis (n = 7) e Giardia spp. (n=3). Adicionalmente, três parasitas foram detectados em apenas um cão -Dipylidium caninum, Trichuris vulpis e Uncinaria spp. Nenhuma infecção mista foi observada. Em resumo, nós identificamos neste trabalho uma prevalência moderadamente alta de parasitas GI em cães com donos, em Villahermosa, Tabasco. Várias espécies de parasitas identificados são reconhecidamente patógenos zoonóticos, o que indica a necessidade de monitorar rotineiramente e tratar infecções parasitárias em cães que vivem em proximidade a populações humanas.Palavras-chave: Cães, gastrointestinal, fatores de risco, parasitas zoonóticos, México.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites detected in routine coproscopic methods in dogs and cats from the Masovian voivodeship in 2012-2015

“…Moreover, since 2006 in Warsaw they are obligated to clean up after their dogs, that might protect the environment against spreading of parasite infections. Both in dogs and cats the eggs of roundworms were identified more often in young animals than in older ones, which is in line with the results obtained in previous epidemiological studies on the prevalence of the nematodes of the genus Toxocara, and it seems obvious that this observation results from intrauterine and lactogenic route of infection (5,9,30,32,34,38). Correlations between toxocarosis and the sex of the animals were observed in both dogs and cats, but they were statistically insignificant.…”

The detection of gastrointestinal parasites in owned and shelter dogs in Cebu, Philippines

“…Ancylostoma spp. was found highest (38%) similar to other studies [6,10,14] that reported even >90% prevalence [14,15]. Transmission of this parasite can occur through penetration of skin at hair follicles or sweat glands or through direct ingestion Ancylostoma caninum [16,17].…”

“…In different countries, the prevalence of endoparasites in dogs ranges from 5% to 70% [7-10]. These studies showed that among the most common canine intestinal parasites are the Trichuris spp ., Toxocara spp ., Ancylostoma spp., an d Cystoisospora spp.…”

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“…Our finding indicates that anthelmintics irregularly administered and had limited effect on the prevalence of parasites infestation among the sampled dogs. An epidemiological assessment in Mexico had shown that dogs with history of deworming were all infected with spectrum of intestinal parasites [18], Similarly, effects of antihelminthics are shown not to always influence the prevalence of helminthes in dogs [1], [41]. As observed, anthelmintic treatment with an average of 2-3 per year was not sufficient in controlling parasitism efficiently in dogs in agreement with the report of Kostopoulou, et al [42], Therefore, conformance with the general recommendation by European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites [43], guidelines for treatment frequency of at least 4 times per year is expected for worm control in dogs.…”