Occurrences of gastrointestinal parasites in fecal samples from domestic dogs in São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Abstract

Occurrences of gastrointestinal parasites were assessed in fecal samples from 3,099 dogs in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, SP, that were treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of São Paulo Veterinary School. The samples were analyzed using the flotation and centrifugal sedimentation methods. The results were compared with those from previous studies (at different times). The frequency of each parasite was correlated with the dogs' ages, breeds and gender, as well as the occurrences of diarrhea and the use of anthelmintics, by means of the chi-square or Fisher exact test. Partitioned chi-square tests were used to compare occurrences of each parasite and the times analyzed. Out of the total number of samples, 20.5% were positive and 16.1% (102/635) of these presented more than one genus of parasites. Ancylostoma spp. (7.1%) and Giardia spp. (5.5%) were the most frequent helminths and protozoa, respectively. Ancylostoma spp. was associated (p<0.05) with age (over one year), mixed breeds, sex (male) and no use of anthelmintics. Dogs under one year and mixed breeds were associated with occurrences of Toxocara canis; and younger dogs with Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cystoisospora spp. Giardia spp. were also associated with dogs with a defined breed (p<0.05). All the parasites analyzed presented lower incidence in the last period analyzed than in the previous periods.Keywords: Dogs, helminths, protozoa, São Paulo, Brazil. ResumoA ocorrência de parasitos gastrintestinais foi estudada em amostras fecais de 3099 cães, da região metropolitana de São Paulo, SP, tratados no Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de São Paulo. As amostras foram analisadas por métodos de flutuação e centrífugo-sedimentação. Os resultados foram comparados com estudos prévios (diferentes períodos). Associação entre as frequências de cada parasito e idade, raça, sexo, ocorrência de diarreia e uso de anti-helmínticos foram analisadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. O qui-quadrado estratificado foi utilizado para comparar a ocorrência de cada parasito e os períodos analisados. Do total 20,5% das amostras eram positivas e 16,1% destas (102/635) apresentaram mais de um gênero de parasitos. Ancylostoma spp. (7,1%) e Giardia spp. (5,5%) foram os mais frequentes helminto e protozoário, respectivamente. Ancylostoma spp. foi associado (p<0,05) com idade (> 1 ano), animais sem raça definida, sexo (macho) e a não utilização de anti-helmínticos. Cães < 1 ano e mestiços apresentaram associação com ocorrência de Toxocara canis e cães jovens com Giardia spp, Cryptosporidium spp. e Cystoisospora spp. Giardia spp. também apresentou associação com cães de raças definidas (p<0,05). Para todos os parasitas analisados a incidência diminuiu no último período analisado quando comparado aos anteriores.

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

“…This study evaluated the presence of parasites in dogs' feces collected from the environment. The overall frequency herein observed was higher than others previously reported, in which frequencies of 37.16% (Ferreira et al, 2013) and 20.5% (Ferreira et al, 2016) have been reported. The differences herein observed may (Funada et al, 2007).…”

“…Several species of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs have been considered important threat for the public health, since they may be important cause of zoonosis in human population Ferreira et al, 2016). Over the last decades, the habit of people to walk with animals, mainly dogs, in public places (e.g., squares and parks) have been increasing considerably.…”

Angistrongylus Cantonensis and Ancylostoma Caninum Detection in Snails of São Paulo City (2016-2017), Brazil.

“…Likewise, the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites was assessed in fecal samples from 3,099 dogs in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, SP and indicated Ancylostoma spp. as the most common nematode in these samples (7.1%), found both in adult and young dogs (Ferreira et al, 2016).…”

Drug-induced panniculitis due to deworming in a dog – case report

“…Some may potentially lead to minor health problems that are temporary and resolve with discontinuation of treatment. Others may cause serious or fatal clinical conditions (SAMPAIO; RIVITTI, 2001;FERREIRA et al, 2016). These drugs include formulations for the eradication of enteric parasites (LARSSON, 1996).…”

“…Nowadays, given the high number of companion animals kept indoors in large urban areas, where the possibility of endoparasitic infections, especially in adult animals, is smaller, dewormers should only be prescribed after the diagnose of the parasitic agent. Recent works concerning dogs and cats treated at the same veterinary hospital have shown that there is an increase in the occurrence of protozoan infections in relation to helminth infections, and these protozoa require the use of specific drugs and/or differentiated doses and time of treatment (FERREIRA et al, 2016;GENNARI et al, 2016).…”