Giardia and other intestinal parasites in dogs from veterinary clinics in Japan

Abstract

The present study is the first report that describes the national survey of intestinal parasites in private household dogs brought to veterinary clinics in Japan. A total of 2,365 fresh feces were collected. Giardia-specific coproantigen was examined by ELISA kit (SNAP(®) Giardia, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.; Maine, USA). Other intestinal parasites were determined microscopically using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. According to age categories, Giardia duodenalis, Cystoisospora spp., Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, and Strongyloides spp., at ≦6-months-old showed significantly (P< 0.0001, P < 0.001 or P < 0.01, respectively) higher prevalence compared to >6 months old (31.5% vs. 2.3%, 9.1% vs. 0.05%, 1.8% vs. 0.4%, 1.1% vs. 0%, and 1.1% vs. 0.05%, respectively). In clinical categories, prevalences of G. duodenalis (14.8%) and Cystoisospora spp. (4.7%) in symptomatic dogs were significantly (P < 0.05, respectively) higher than those in asymptomatic ones (7.9% and 1.6%, respectively). G. duodenalis and Cystoisospora spp. were dominant parasites in private household dogs in Japan, especially ≦6-month-old dogs.

Subclinical Giardia in dogs: a veterinary conundrum relevant to human infection

“…Analysis of three fecal samples from alternating Opinion Trends in Parasitology November 2014, Vol. 30,No. 11 days is generally recommended owing to variable cyst excretion.…”

“…30,No. 11 and underestimated factor to consider with regards to the development of Giardia from harmless commensal to significant pathogen.…”

“…Although parasite factors are probably partly responsible for this variation, host factors also play a role. Age is one important aspect, and it is well recognized that children and puppies are more likely to suffer from clinical infections than are adults and older dogs [27][28][29][30]. However, concomitant diseases and other physical stresses may also be important.…”

In vitro study of disinfectants on the embryonation and survival of Toxascaris leonina eggs

“…Eggs may remain infective for several months in cold and humid climates, but die rapidly in dry and hot seasons. Both felids and canids become infected by ingesting infective eggs in contaminated food or water (Labarthe et al, 2004; Dalimi et al, 2006; Dubna et al, 2007; Reperant et al, 2007; Itoh et al, 2011). The second-stage larvae hatch from the eggs in the intestine of definitive hosts and penetrate the gut wall, where they undergo two cycles of moulting.…”