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Skrzypek K, Zawojska E. What characteristics of dogs help them stay shorter in shelters? Evidence from a polish animal shelter. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38329056 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2024.2308171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Staying in animal shelters can be stressful for dogs because of exposure to noise, unfamiliar environment, and social separation. Consequently, the wellbeing of sheltered dogs could be improved through reduction of length of stay in a shelter (LOS). To help inform the development of interventions aimed at LOS reduction, we analyze dogs' characteristics affecting their LOS. We use econometric modeling to identify the characteristics's influence by simultaneously controlling for multiple factors. We use data from Poland's largest animal shelter (11805 observations from the years 2000-2020). We compare two modeling approaches: a Cox survival model, commonly used in animal welfare studies, and an accelerated failure time model, theoretically better fitted to studying time-dependent factors but not yet applied in the context of LOS. We conclude that the latter approach is preferable for studying factors affecting LOS. Male sex, mixed-breed, dark fur, large size, and older age appear to be associated with longer time to adoption for dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first econometric examination of factors affecting LOS in a country in Central and Eastern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Zawojska
- Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Retrospective Survey of Dog and Cat Endoparasites in Ireland: Antigen Detection. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010137. [PMID: 36611746 PMCID: PMC9817875 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoparasites of dogs and cats, play an important role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Untreated and stray dogs and cats, in particular, play an important role in contaminating the environment with important zoonotic parasites. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs and cats using highly sensitive and specific copro-antigen tests. Archive faecal samples from previous surveys conducted between 2016−2019 from dogs (n = 789) and cats (n = 241) were included in this study. The IDEXX Fecal Dx™ antigen panel was used for the detection of Toxocara, hookworms, Trichuris and the SNAP™ Giardia antigen assay was used for the detection of Giardia infection. Giardia duodenalis was the most common parasite (26%, n = 205) detected in the dogs, followed by ascarids (17.6%, n = 139) and hookworms (5.3%, n = 42). Trichuris vulpis was only detected in 1 dog. Ascarids (23.2%, n = 56) was the most common parasite detected in the cats, followed by Giardia (12.9%, n = 31) and hookworms (n = 7, 2.9%). No whipworms were detected in cats. Overall, there was little difference in the positivity between sexes in both dogs and cats. However, in terms of age, adolescent dogs (<3 years) and kittens (<1 year) had the highest parasite prevalence overall, with G. duodenalis and ascarids being the most prevalent. This study shows a high prevalence of parasite infection in untreated and stray dogs and cats in the greater Dublin area in Ireland. Since they live in synanthropic conditions and can roam over vast distances they can contaminate public areas and pose a risk to both humans and owned pets that utilise these spaces. It is therefore important to raise public awareness and increase the knowledge on zoonotic parasites.
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Rivero MR, Feliziani C, De Angelo C, Tiranti K, Salomon OD, Touz MC. Giardia spp., the most ubiquitous protozoan parasite in Argentina: human, animal and environmental surveys reported in the last 40 years. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3181-3201. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06853-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Raza A, Rand J, Qamar AG, Jabbar A, Kopp S. Gastrointestinal Parasites in Shelter Dogs: Occurrence, Pathology, Treatment and Risk to Shelter Workers. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:E108. [PMID: 30004469 PMCID: PMC6070783 DOI: 10.3390/ani8070108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs entering shelters can carry gastrointestinal parasites that may pose serious risks to other animals, shelter staff and visitors. Shelters provide an environment that could facilitate the spread of parasitic infections between animals. Nematodes and protozoa that transmit through ingestion or skin penetration are major enteric parasites of concern in shelter settings. Ancylostoma spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis and Dipylidium caninum are the major helminths while Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Isospora spp. and Sarcocystis spp. are the most prevalent protozoan parasites in shelter dogs. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs is typically higher than in owned dogs. A range of cost-effective drugs is available for prevention and control of helminths in shelters, notably fenbendazole, pyrantel, oxantel, and praziquantel. Parasiticide options for protozoan parasites are often cost-prohibitive or limited by a lack of veterinary registration for use in dogs. Environmental control measures reliant upon hygiene and facility management are therefore a mainstay for control and prevention of protozoan parasites in shelters. This philosophy should also extend to helminth control, as integrated parasite control strategies can allow anthelmintics to be used more sparingly and judiciously. The purpose of this article is to comprehensively review the current knowledge on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites most commonly found in dogs in shelters, canvass recommended treatment programs in shelter dogs, and to explore the likelihood that parasiticide resistance might emerge in a shelter environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Raza
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
| | - Jacquie Rand
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
- Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, Kenmore, QLD 4069, Australia.
| | - Abdul Ghaffar Qamar
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan.
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia.
| | - Steven Kopp
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
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Tangtrongsup S, Scorza AV, Reif JS, Ballweber LR, Lappin MR, Salman MD. Prevalence and Multilocus Genotyping Analysis of Cryptosporidium and Giardia Isolates from Dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Vet Sci 2017; 4:vetsci4020026. [PMID: 29056685 PMCID: PMC5606608 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci4020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis isolated from dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand were determined. Fecal samples were collected from 109 dogs between July and August 2008. Cryptosporidium spp. infection was determined by immunofluorescent assay (IFA), PCR assays that amplify Cryptosporidium heat-shock protein 70 kDa (hsp70), and two PCR assays that amplify a small subunit-ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA). Giardiaduodenalis infection was identified using zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation, IFA, and four PCR assays that amplify the Giardia glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), beta-giardin (bg), and generic and dog-specific assays of triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and G.duodenalis was 31.2% and 45.9%, respectively. Sequence analysis of 22 Cryptosporidium-positive samples and 21 Giardia-positive samples revealed the presence of C.canis in 15, and C. parvum in 7, G. duodenalis Assemblage C in 8, D in 11, and mixed of C and D in 2 dogs. Dogs in Chiang Mai were commonly exposed to Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis. Cryptosporidium parvum can be isolated from the feces of dogs, and all G. duodenalis assemblages were dog-specific. Dogs could be a reservoir for a zoonotic Cryptosporidium infection in humans, but further studies will be required to determine the clinical and zoonotic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahatchai Tangtrongsup
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
- Animal Population Health Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - A Valeria Scorza
- Center for Companion Animal Studies, Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - John S Reif
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Lora R Ballweber
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Michael R Lappin
- Center for Companion Animal Studies, Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Mo D Salman
- Animal Population Health Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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Costa M, Clarke C, Mitchell S, Papasouliotis K. Diagnostic accuracy of two point-of-care kits for the diagnosis of Giardia species infection in dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2017; 57:318-22. [PMID: 27251310 PMCID: PMC7166413 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare results obtained by ZnSO4 Flotation and SNAP ®Giardia to those generated by the new point‐of‐care tests Single and Triple Rapid. METHODS Prospective study evaluating 51 canine faecal samples submitted at a reference laboratory for the presence of Giardia spp. Kappa statistics, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated by comparing the new tests to the combined results of ZnSO4 and SNAP tests. RESULTS There was fair (Single Rapid, j=0·434) to good (Triple Rapid, j =0·797) agreement with the reference tests. At this study's prevalence (59 to 61%), specificities and PPV were high (1·00) with both Rapid tests, but sensitivities and NPV were lower for the Single than for the Triple (0·48 vs 0·83 and 0·55 vs 0·80) tests. At lower prevalence rates, both tests exhibited a high PPV (1·00), but the NPV were higher with the Triple (0·96 to 0·99) than the Single (0·88 to 0·96) Rapid test. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Both tests exhibited excellent PPV values at all prevalence rates but an excellent NPV only at low prevalence. As the prevalence is likely to be low (<15%) in clinical settings, we propose that these tests may be helpful in the in‐house diagnosis of Giardia spp infection. However, they exhibit lower sensitivity than the combined sensitivity of ZnSO4 and SNAP tests, particularly in high prevalence settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Costa
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Veterinary Services, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, Langford BS405DU
| | - C Clarke
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Veterinary Services, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, Langford BS405DU
| | - S Mitchell
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Veterinary Services, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, Langford BS405DU
| | - K Papasouliotis
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Veterinary Services, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, Langford BS405DU
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Moron-Soto M, Gutierrez L, Sumano H, Tapia G, Alcala-Canto Y. Efficacy of nitazoxanide to treat natural Giardia infections in dogs. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:52. [PMID: 28143543 PMCID: PMC5286866 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1998-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia parasites cause gastrointestinal disease in humans, dogs, and many other animals worldwide. The treatment of dogs for giardiasis requires further investigation to ascertain levels of drug efficacy and the possibility of adverse side effects. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) has shown good clinical anti-Giardia activity in humans, yet it has not been evaluated for the treatment of giardiasis in dogs. Methods Thirty-five dogs, naturally infected with Giardia were divided into five groups (n = 7): dogs in group NTZ1, NTZ2, and NTZ3 were treated with a single oral dose of 37.5 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg, respectively, of NTZ on days 0 and 14. The fourth group was treated with a commercially available regimen that includes a combination of pyrantel, praziquantel, and febantel (FEB) administered orally for three consecutive days. Additionally, an untreated control group was established. Giardia cysts from the stool of each dog were quantified on days -3, 0, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 18, 25, and 28. Biochemical parameters were evaluated in all dogs, before the first treatment and after concluding the experiment. Results Shedding of Giardia cysts was reduced in all treated groups when compared to untreated controls (P < 0.01). However, NTZ2, NTZ3, and FEB had a lower risk during the study. Furthermore, NTZ was also effective against another protozoan, Cryptosporidium spp. at doses of 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg, in contrast to the combination of febantel + pyrantel + praziquantel. Biochemical parameters of treated animals, namely, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase enzymes, remained within physiological ranges. Conclusions Based on these results, the implementation of NTZ as a treatment for giardiasis in dogs is proposed. The administration of a single dose is an important advantage of NTZ because it reduces workload, particularly in animals placed in shelters and kennels, where handling of large numbers of animals is required, and personnel is frequently scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Moron-Soto
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P., 04510, Mexico
| | - Lilia Gutierrez
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P., 04510, Mexico
| | - Héctor Sumano
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P., 04510, Mexico
| | - Graciela Tapia
- Departamento de Genética y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P., 04510, Mexico
| | - Yazmin Alcala-Canto
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P., 04510, Mexico.
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Sommer MF, Zdravković N, Vasić A, Grimm F, Silaghi C. Gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs from Belgrade, Serbia. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 7:54-57. [PMID: 31014658 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that dog shelters are a common source for parasitic infections in different countries worldwide. The present study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the frequency of polyparasitism in dogs living in two private shelters in Belgrade, Serbia. For this purpose, 134 faecal samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites with the merthiolate-iodine-formalin concentration (MIFC)-method as well as for Giardia-coproantigen with an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Taeniid eggs were identified by PCR and sequence analysis. Overall, at least one of nine different endoparasites was detected in 75.4% (101/134) of the dogs. Giardia duodenalis coproantigen was found most frequently (45.5%; 61/134), followed by eggs of Ancylostomatidae (41.0%; 55/134), oocysts of Hammondia/Neospora (11.2%; 15/134), eggs of Toxascaris leonina (9.7%; 13/134), oocysts of Isospora canis (8.2%; 11/134), eggs of Trichuris vulpis (6.7%; 9/134), cysts of Sarcocystis spp. (4.5%; 6/134), eggs of Toxocara canis (3.0%; 4/134) and eggs of Taenia spp. (1.5%; 2/134). The results of the study confirm a high parasitic burden in the investigated shelter dogs and call for an effective deworming program including an improved hygiene management in the affected facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Franziska Sommer
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Nemanja Zdravković
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Vasić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Felix Grimm
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Alves J, Santos A. Prevalence of Giardia spp. in young dogs using a combination of two diagnostic methods. Acta Parasitol 2016; 61:261-6. [PMID: 27078649 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, prevalence of the protozoan parasites from the genus Giardia spp, with zoonotic potential and worldwide dissemination, was accessed in young dogs, which are reported as having higher prevalence rates. With that purpose, 49 animals from the Grupo de Intervenção Cinotécnico of the Guarda Nacional Republicana (Portuguese Gendarmerie Canine Unit) were chosen. They were housed individually in areas with a high number of kennels (up to 100), with ages ragging from newborns to 10 years old. Dogs were divided in four groups, according their age: under 6 months (n = 16), 6-12 months (n = 6), 12-18 months (n = 13) and 18-24 months (n = 14), comprising 22 females and 27 males. Fecal samples were collected from every animal and all were submitted to two different diagnostic tests, a passive flotation technique with a ZnSO4 solution and a detection of fecal antigen using a commercially available ELISA test (Witness® Giardia - Zoetis). From the 49 samples, 5 (10.2%) were considered positive with ZnSO4 flotation technique and 6 (12.24%) with the Witness® Giardia test. When considering the combination of both tests, 5 animals (10.2%) were considered positive. Of these, 3 (60%) were from the group under 6 months old, 1 (20%) from the 6-12 months and 1 from the 18-24 (20%) months. Within each group, in the under 6 months group 18.75% (n = 16) were considered positive, 16.67% in the 6-12 month group (n = 6), 0% in the 12-18 month group (n=13) and 7.14% in 18-24 month group (n = 14). None of the animals had clinical signs and no significant differences were found when comparing prevalence according to age, breed or gender. A combination of fecal flotation and antigen ELISA tests have good sensitivity and are easy to perform in practice and, therefore, could be a good choice to perform a diagnostic and small animal veterinarians should have this possible diagnostic in mind when in the present of clinical signs, particularly in young dogs.
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The prevalence of Giardia infection in dogs and cats, a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence studies from stool samples. Vet Parasitol 2014; 207:181-202. [PMID: 25583357 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Giardia has a wide range of host species and is a common cause of diarrhoeal disease in humans and animals. Companion animals are able to transmit a range of zoonotic diseases to their owners including giardiasis, but the size of this risk is not well known. The aim of this study was to analyse giardiasis prevalence rates in dogs and cats worldwide using a systematic search approach. Meta-analysis enabled to describe associations between Giardia prevalence and various confounding factors. Pooled prevalence rates were 15.2% (95% CI 13.8-16.7%) for dogs and 12% (95% CI 9.2-15.3%) for cats. However, there was very high heterogeneity between studies. Meta-regression showed that the diagnostic method used had a major impact on reported prevalence with studies using ELISA, IFA and PCR reporting prevalence rates between 2.6 and 3.7 times greater than studies using microscopy. Conditional negative binomial regression found that symptomatic animals had higher prevalence rates ratios (PRR) than asymptomatic animals 1.61 (95% CI 1.33-1.94) in dogs and 1.94 (95% CI 1.47-2.56) in cats. Giardia was much more prevalent in young animals. For cats >6 months, PRR=0.47 (0.42-0.53) and in dogs of the same age group PRR=0.36 (0.32-0.41). Additionally, dogs kept as pets were less likely to be positive (PRR=0.56 (0.41-0.77)) but any difference in cats was not significant. Faecal excretion of Giardia is common in dogs and slightly less so in cats. However, the exact rates depend on the diagnostic method used, the age and origin of the animal. What risk such endemic colonisation poses to human health is still unclear as it will depend not only on prevalence rates but also on what assemblages are excreted and how people interact with their pets.
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Yang D, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Dong H, Jing Z, Li Z, Liu J. Prevalence and risk factors of Giardia doudenalis in dogs from China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2014; 25:207-213. [PMID: 24814763 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2014.915021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to carry out a survey for the presence of Giardia duodenalis infection in canine using ELISA and PCR and to identify risk factors for infection. Samples from 318 dogs' feces living in nine cities in China were used in the present study. Each sample was tested for the presence of G. duodenalis-specific antigens using ELISA and 197 out of 318 samples were further examined for the presence of G. duodenalis using PCR. The overall rate of canines infected with giardiasis in the present study was 16.04% and 15.22% using ELISA and PCR, respectively. No significant difference was found between sex and Giardia positivity. Young dogs (up to one year) and living in communities were identified as risk factors for infection by multivariate logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, giardiasis in dogs was present in nine cities in China; as risk factors, young dogs (up to one year) and living in communities were of great significance. Giardia-infected canine should be treated for hygienic management to prevent transmission of the infection from dog to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubao Yang
- a College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine , Shandong Agricultural University , Taian , P.R. China
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12
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Zoonotic potential of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. and prevalence of intestinal parasites in young dogs from different populations on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:509-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Mark-Carew MP, Adesiyun AA, Basu A, Georges KA, Pierre T, Tilitz S, Wade SE, Mohammed HO. Characterization of Giardia duodenalis infections in dogs in Trinidad and Tobago. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:199-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Becker AC, Rohen M, Epe C, Schnieder T. Prevalence of endoparasites in stray and fostered dogs and cats in Northern Germany. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:849-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2909-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Mircean V, Györke A, Cozma V. Prevalence and risk factors of Giardia duodenalis in dogs from Romania. Vet Parasitol 2012; 184:325-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Epe C, Rehkter G, Schnieder T, Lorentzen L, Kreienbrock L. Giardia in symptomatic dogs and cats in Europe--results of a European study. Vet Parasitol 2010; 173:32-8. [PMID: 20637546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The percentage of Giardia infection in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal signs presenting to clinics was examined across Europe using the IDEXX SNAP Giardia Test (IDEXX Laboratories). Veterinary practices were asked to identify diarrheic and/or vomiting dogs and cats and to use the test on fecal samples from these animals. A selection for "asymptomatic" testing was also available on the data collection sheet for testing that occurred outside the target "symptomatic" population. Results from 8685 dogs and 4214 cats were submitted during the sampling period from 2005 to 2006. Analysis of the data showed 24.78% of the samples positive for Giardia among tested dogs and 20.3% among tested cats. The younger the dog or the cat, the higher the risk of being positive, peaking in the category below 6 months. The main clinical symptom, diarrhoea, also showed a higher risk of being positive, OR's of acute diarrhoea were almost double of those of the category "asymptomatic" for dogs or cats, the same range was calculated for chronic diarrhoea. Differences in participating countries were also seen. The risk of being positive was half or less in UK, Spain, Netherlands, Italy compared to Germany, and only in Belgium it showed to be higher. The results of this study show that Giardia is a common enteric agent among dogs and cats with gastrointestinal signs in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Epe
- Centre for Infectious Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany.
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Upjohn M, Cobb C, Monger J, Geurden T, Claerebout E, Fox M. Prevalence, molecular typing and risk factor analysis for Giardia duodenalis infections in dogs in a central London rescue shelter. Vet Parasitol 2010; 172:341-6. [PMID: 20609523 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
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 beta-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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Upjohn
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
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Rishniw M, Liotta J, Bellosa M, Bowman D, Simpson K. Comparison of 4GiardiaDiagnostic Tests in Diagnosis of Naturally Acquired Canine Chronic Subclinical Giardiasis. J Vet Intern Med 2010; 24:293-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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20
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Occurrence and cyst burden of Giardia duodenalis in dog faecal deposits from urban green areas: Implications for environmental contamination and related risks. Prev Vet Med 2009; 92:158-62. [PMID: 19671479 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Revised: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence and cyst burden of Giardia duodenalis as well as the genetic identity and possible zoonotic potential of isolates in canine faeces left on soil, a total of 143 freshly passed faecal specimens were collected in four different green urban areas and examined by Real-time PCR. Overall, 30.8% of faeces from different dogs that defecated in urban areas were found to harbour Giardia cysts, with single area positivity proportions ranging from 4.2% to 47.8%; significant (P<0.05) and highly significant (P<0.01) differences were found in the prevalence among different areas investigated. The number of cysts ranged from 2 to 1428 per gram of faeces. Results emphasize that a high risk of dog-to-dog Giardia transmission may occur in public areas where high quantities of faeces from infected dogs are daily left to cumulate on the ground. Results suggest there is a low risk for zoonotic transmission of Giardia: only 0.6% of canine faeces contaminating urban areas were carrying subgenotype A1, which is considered as the most potentially transmissible to humans.
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Simpson K, Rishniw M, Bellosa M, Liotta J, Lucio A, Baumgart M, Czarnecki-Maulden G, Benyacoub J, Bowman D. Influence ofEnterococcus faeciumSF68 Probiotic on Giardiasis in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2009; 23:476-81. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0283.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Paoletti B, Iorio R, Capelli G, Sparagano OAE, Giangaspero A. Epidemiological scenario of giardiosis in dogs from central Italy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1149:371-4. [PMID: 19120253 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1428.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In order to update and implement the data on the epidemiological situation of giardiosis in the Italian arena, stool samples from 240 dogs living in the Abruzzo region (central Italy) were examined for prevalence, risk factors, and genotypes. Giardia duodenalis cysts were detected in 26.6% of the dogs and kennel dogs tested. Dogs younger than 12 months (38%) and with diarrhea (46%) were statistically more affected. Species-specific G. duodenalis assemblages (C and D) were identified in kennel and in privately owned dogs, while the zoonotic assemblage A was identified in privately owned dogs. In light of these results, giardiosis in dogs, and mainly in well-cared dogs, is still a problem of concern and may pose a public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Paoletti
- Department of Biomedical Comparative Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
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23
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Geurden T, Berkvens D, Casaert S, Vercruysse J, Claerebout E. A Bayesian evaluation of three diagnostic assays for the detection of Giardia duodenalis in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. Vet Parasitol 2008; 157:14-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2008] [Revised: 07/09/2008] [Accepted: 07/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Scaramozzino P, Di Cave D, Berrilli F, D'Orazi C, Spaziani A, Mazzanti S, Scholl F, De Liberato C. A study of the prevalence and genotypes of Giardia duodenalis infecting kennelled dogs. Vet J 2008; 182:231-4. [PMID: 18715807 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Revised: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite of animals that is zoonotic. Given the capacity of this organism to spread via the faecal-oral route, animals held in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions are at high risk of infection. Faecal samples from dogs in three kennels in Rome were examined by microscopy and PCR for G. duodenalis, and the prevalence data generated were correlated with variables such as kennel identity, age of dog, length of time the dog had been kennelled and clinical signs. The overall prevalence of the parasite in the faecal samples was 20.5% and was higher in samples from the largest kennel, which had the greatest turnover of dogs, and in faecal samples from younger animals. Giardia cysts were found more frequently in diarrhoeic animals but were also found in dogs with no clinical signs. Although the finding that the majority of isolates were dog-specific rather than zoonotic genotypes suggests that the zoonotic risk from this pathogen is less than previously thought, the higher prevalence of infection in younger dogs may pose a specific public health issue as such animals are more frequently re-homed with families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scaramozzino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
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Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP, Musella V, Veneziano V, Carbone S, Di Sarno A, Paone M, Cringoli G. Giardia and Cryptosporidium in canine faecal samples contaminating an urban area. Res Vet Sci 2008; 84:413-5. [PMID: 17592738 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2007.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2007] [Revised: 05/09/2007] [Accepted: 05/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present paper was to continue the study on the presence of parasitic elements in the canine faeces contaminating the urban environment of Naples (southern Italy), focussing on the protozoa Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The total number of sub-areas studied was 143, and the total number of canine faecal samples collected and examined was 415. Each faecal sample was tested for the presence of copro-antigens of Giardia and Cryptosporidium using two commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Giardia antigens were found in 19.6% (28/143) of the sub-areas and in 7.7% (32/415) of the canine faeces collected. Cryptosporidium antigens were found in 4.2% (6/143) of the sub-areas and in 1.7% (7/415) of the canine faeces collected. Co-infection was not found in any sample. The results of the logistic regression models did not show any association between the positivity to Giardia or Cryptosporidium and the independent demographic variables (human population density, male and female population density) taken into consideration. In conclusion, the findings of the present study revealed the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in canine faecal samples from the urban environment of Naples; however, the zoonotic potential of these findings was not assessed due to the lack of information on species/genotypes detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Sanità Animale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, CREMOPAR Regione Campania, Via della Veterinaria, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
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Batchelor DJ, Tzannes S, Graham PA, Wastling JM, Pinchbeck GL, German AJ. Detection of Endoparasites with Zoonotic Potential in Dogs with Gastrointestinal Disease in the UK. Transbound Emerg Dis 2008; 55:99-104. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2007.01005.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Leonhard S, Pfister K, Beelitz P, Wielinga C, Thompson RCA. The molecular characterisation of Giardia from dogs in southern Germany. Vet Parasitol 2007; 150:33-8. [PMID: 17913365 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2007] [Revised: 08/20/2007] [Accepted: 08/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Faecal samples were obtained randomly from asymptomatic dogs visiting veterinary clinics (kept individually) and sanctuaries (kept in groups) in southern Germany. Of 60 Giardia positive samples, 55 samples successfully amplified at the 18S rDNA locus. In both dogs kept individually and dogs kept in groups, assemblage A was most prevalent (overall, n=33, 60%), followed by mixed infections with assemblages A&C (overall, n=15, 27.3%), while assemblages C&D alone were less often detected (overall, n=5, 9.1% and n=2, 3.6%). The occurrence of zoonotic genotypes was more prevalent in individual than in group dogs. Genotyping at the gdh locus confirmed the 18S results and clustered the assemblage A isolates into A-I. This is the first large-scale urban survey in Central Europe, which has not only confirmed the high prevalence of Giardia in asymptomatic domestic dogs, but has also shown that the zoonotic assemblage A occurs commonly in domestic dogs living in urban environments, and more frequently than the dog-specific assemblage. Although it was not possible to obtain samples from pet owners in this study, the results demonstrate that a significant proportion of dogs in urban areas of southern Germany harbour zoonotic Giardia, and should thus be considered a potential reservoir for infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Leonhard
- Institut für Vergleichende Tropenmedizin und Parasitologie, D-80802 München, Germany
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Hamnes IS, Gjerde BK, Robertson LJ. A longitudinal study on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in dogs during their first year of life. Acta Vet Scand 2007; 49:22. [PMID: 17848186 PMCID: PMC2040143 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-49-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2007] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The primary aim of this study was to obtain more knowledge about the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in young dogs in Norway. The occurrence of these parasites was investigated in a longitudinal study by repeated faecal sampling of dogs between 1 and 12 months of age (litter samples and individual samples). The dogs were privately owned and from four large breeds. Individual faecal samples were collected from 290 dogs from 57 litters when the dogs were approximately 3, 4, 6, and 12 months old. In addition, pooled samples were collected from 43 of the litters, and from 42 of the mother bitches, when the puppies were approximately 1 and/or 2 months old. Methods The samples were purified by sucrose gradient flotation concentration and examined by immunofluorescent staining. Results 128 (44.1%) of the young dogs had one or more Cryptosporidium positive samples, whilst 60 (20.7%) dogs had one or more Giardia positive samples. The prevalence of the parasites varied with age. For Cryptosporidium, the individual prevalence was between 5.1% and 22.5%, with the highest level in dogs < 6 months old, and declining with age. For Giardia, the individual prevalence was between 6.0% and 11.4%, with the highest level in dogs > 6 months old, but the differences between age groups were not statistically significant. Significant differences in prevalences were found in relation to geographic location of the dogs. Both parasites occurred at low prevalences in Northern Norway. Conclusion Both Cryptosporidium and Giardia are common in Norwegian dogs, with Cryptosporidium more prevalent than Giardia. Prevalences of the parasites were found to be influenced by age, geographical location, and infection status before weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger S Hamnes
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
- National Veterinary Institute, Section for Parasitology, P.O. Box 8156 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn K Gjerde
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
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Giangaspero A, Berrilli F, Brandonisio O. Giardia and Cryptosporidium and public health: the epidemiological scenario from the Italian perspective. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1169-82. [PMID: 17593392 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2007] [Accepted: 05/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoa that cause human and animal disease worldwide and often exhibit zoonotic transmission. This review gives ample information concerning the epidemiology of these parasites in Italy, i.e. prevalence data in humans, farm and pet animals, shellfish and aquatic environment. Moreover, it reports genotyping results obtained from different isolates, with particular emphasis on the spread of host-specific and zoonotic species/genotypes of various origin, and on molecular data that make the Italian situation different from that of other countries. Finally, possible explanations are given for the infrequent reports of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. outbreaks, despite widespread faecal contamination by these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Giangaspero
- Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni, dell'Ingegneria e della Meccanica e dell'Economia Applicate ai Sistemi Agro-Zootecnici, University of Foggia, 71100, Foggia, Italy
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Mundim MJS, Rosa LAG, Hortêncio SM, Faria ESM, Rodrigues RM, Cury MC. Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs from different living conditions in Uberlândia, Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2007; 144:356-9. [PMID: 17112668 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2006] [Revised: 09/27/2006] [Accepted: 09/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Infection rates with Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were compared among dogs living under different conditions. Stool samples (n = 433) collected from dogs of different ages, gender, living conditions and origin were analyzed using three techniques, i.e., centrifugal flotation in zinc sulfate solution, centrifugal flotation in sucrose solution, and methylene blue gram safranin staining. Eighty-nine of the samples were from stay dogs living in shelters run by animal protection societies, 199 were from kennels and 122 from households. A total of 119 (29.0%) had G. duodenalis cysts and six (1.4%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Dogs from kennels were most frequently affected by G. duodenalis (49.7%) while those from shelters showed a higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. (2.2%). A significant difference (p < or = 0.05) was observed between immature dogs and adults only with respect to Giardia infection. There was no significant difference between the gender with regard to the presence of either protozoan.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J S Mundim
- Parasitology Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, bloco 4C, Campus Umuarama, CEP: 38.400-902 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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