Prevalence of intestinal helminthes in owned dogs in Kerman city, Iran

Toxocara Species Infection in Pet Dogs and Cats Ensured by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay

Background: Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease with global distribution. Many paratenic or transport hosts have been identified as the sources of infection, including vertebrates such as birds and humans. The definitive hosts of Toxocara are dogs and cats whose parasites live in their guts. Hence, the diagnosis of the disease in these animals is important. Objective: The present study was performed using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to diagnose toxocariasis. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 60 samples of pet feces were collected and subsequently evaluated by direct smear, formalin-ether, and LAMP. Results: Toxocara infection in dogs by microscopic and formal ether methods and LAMP method was 10% and 13.3%, respectively, while feline infection with this parasite was not observed either microscopically or molecularly. Conclusion: The present findings revealed that pet dogs can be considered as a source of infection for humans. Therefore, it is recommended that animal owners receive the necessary training to prevent the risks of transmitting zoonotic diseases.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis among nomads in Boyer-Ahmad County, southwest Iran

BACKGROUND

Human toxocariasis is caused by the larval stage of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence and the risk factors associated with Toxocara infection in nomads of Boyer-Ahmad County in the southwest of Iran.

METHODS

A total of 968 blood samples were collected from nomads. A structured questionnaire, containing sociodemographic data, was completed for each participant. Sera were evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies, using the T. canis excretory-secretory antigens prepared from the second stage larvae, in an ELISA system.

RESULTS

Among the 968 participants, 220 (22.7%) were males and 748 (77.3%) were females; the mean age was 40.71 y. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 14 (1.4%) of the 968 nomads. The association between Toxocara infection and gender, age, contact with dogs, residential area and level of education were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study revealed a low prevalence rate of toxocariasis in nomadic communities in southwest Iran. Geographic location and climatic conditions as well as the lifestyle and sociodemographic features of the participants may contribute to the low prevalence rate of Toxocara infection.

Cryptosporidium animal species in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cryptosporidiosis is an acute and short-term infection which can lead to severe diarrhea (intestinal cryptosporidiosis) associated with a persistent cough in the host with immune system defect. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of animal Cryptosporidium species and the corresponding epidemiological aspects in Iran.

METHODS

In this study, all original research articles relating to the animal cryptosporidiosis in Iran were collected from reliable databases using keywords. A meta-analysis was conducted separately for each subgroup, and heterogeneity among the studies was performed using the Q and I2 tests. Furthermore, it should be noticed that the significance level in the statistical analysis with the Comprehensive Meta-analysis software was considered to be less than 0.05. Finally, meta-analysis results were shown in forest plot with a 95% CI.

RESULTS

In total, 4795 studies were included in the initial screening. Duplicated or non-original studies and the ones which did not meet our considered criteria were excluded from the list. Out of the 100 articles included in our first list for the meta-analysis, 40, 16, 13, 10, 9, 7, and 5 were done on cattle and calves, birds, dogs, sheep, rodents, camels, and horses, respectively. The prevalence rate of cryptosporidiosis among the birds, horses, rodents, camels, dogs, cattle, and sheep in Iran was estimated to be 7.5%, 19.5%, 20.8%, 8.4%, 4.9%, 14.4%, and 9.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The different Cryptosporidium species have been found in different regions of Iran. Geographical region, climate, and domestic animals are considered as factors responsible for animal cryptosporidiosis prevalence in the area. Moreover, this parasite is zoonotic which causes disease in animals as well as humans which can result in economic loss.

Multiple zoonotic helminth infections in domestic dogs in a rural area of Khuzestan Province in Iran

Background

Echinococcosis and toxocarosis caused by the genus of Echinococcus and Toxocara spp. are among important helminthic diseases worldwide. Limited data on the prevalence of these parasites persuaded us to determine the prevalence of E. granulosus, E. multilocularis, and T. canis infections in domestic dogs in rural areas of Ahvaz, southwestern Iran. Fecal samples from 167 domestic dogs were examined using both microscopy and PCR techniques. Multiplex PCR was performed for the presence of Echinococcus, and Taenia spp. and single PCR for detection of T. canis and Toxascaris leonina.

Results

The total occurrence of identified parasites was 65 (38.9%). The microscopic examinations showed that 40 (24%), 18 (10.8%), and four (2.4%) of dogs were infected with taeniid-like, ascarid, and both genera eggs, respectively. Echinococcus granulosus was identified in seven (4.2%), Taenia spp. in 29 (17.4%), and mixed infection with both in 11 (6.6%) samples. Sequencing of PCR-positive samples identified E. granulosus s.s. (G1), 18 T. hydatigena (10.8%), five T. multiceps (3%), three T. serialis (1.8%), one T. ovis (0.6%), one Spirometra erinaceieuropaei voucher (0.6%), and two Mesocestoides corti (1.2%). This is the first report of S. erinaceieuropaei voucher and M. corti in dogs in Iran. Nine (5.4%) and 16 (9.6%) dogs showed infection with T. canis and T. leonina, respectively. Two samples showed coinfection with both ascarids.

Conclusions

Several studies have reported echinococcosis and toxocarosis in intermediate hosts from the southwest of Iran; however, this study is the first molecular research on E. granulosus and T. canis in domestic dogs in a rural area of southwestern Iran. Furthermore, issues of soil contamination with dogs’ feces and recent dust storms in Khuzestan may have a role in the spreading of these zoonotic infections to other provinces close to it, and neighboring countries such as Iraq.

Endoparasites in household and shelter dogs from Central Italy

Intestinal and respiratory parasites are among the most common pathogens in dogs and some of them are recognized as zoonotic agents. In Italy, various taxa have been reported, with variable prevalence estimates depending on study area, dog category and coprological exam technique. In this paper, we report the results of six years of passive surveillance. In the period January 2006-December 2012, 2,775 dog faecal samples from Lazio Region (Central Italy), were examined for parasites, 1,156 from household and 1,619 from shelter dogs, respectively. The following parasites were detected: Giardia duodenalis, Cystoisospora sp., Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Eucoleus böhmi, Eucoleus aerophilus, Mesocestoides sp., Taeniidae and Dipylidium caninum. Helminths were more frequent than protozoa, with total prevalences of 29.1% and 10.7%, respectively. T. vulpis and Ancylostomatidae were the most common parasites, with prevalences of 9.9% and 9.6% respectively. T. vulpis and Ancylostomatidae were significantly more prevalent in shelter dogs than in household ones. T. canis and Cystoisospora sp. were significantly more frequent in household dogs. The assessment of the prevalence in sheltered and in household dogs is useful to infer the occurrence of different parasites in the origin population and to plan possible control intervention.

Copro-PCR prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs in Kerman, south-eastern Iran

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of taeniid parasites and the specific detection of Echinococcus granulosus using copro-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in the stray dogs of Kerman, south-eastern Iran. From September 2013 to May 2014, faecal samples of stray dogs were collected from different parts of the city of Kerman and its suburbs. Faecal samples from dogs were collected randomly within 24 h of defecation. All samples were transferred to the research lab and coprological examinations were conducted by the formalin-ether concentration method. In the microscopically positive samples, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) specific primers were used to determine the taeniid identity of the infection. In addition, another set of primers was used for the specific diagnosis of E. granulosus sensu lato. In total, 307 faecal samples from stray dogs were examined for the presence of the parasites. Taeniidae eggs were detected in 34 dogs (11.07%). All 34 taeniid-positive specimens were PCR positive for cox1 (444 bp). Of all taeniid-positive specimens, 21 samples (6.8% of all dog specimens) were positive according to primers specific for E. granulosus. The findings of the present study revealed that canine echinococcosis is prevalent in the stray dogs in Kerman. The findings of the present study have important implications for hydatid control programmes in the area.

Zoonotic enteric parasites transmitted from dogs in Egypt with special concern to Toxocara canis infection

AIM

This work aimed to study the role played by dogs in transmitting zoonotic enteric parasites to humans in Egypt and to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of such infection in dogs. Serodiagnosis of anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among human beings as well as analyzing risk factors predispose to Toxocara canis infection in human beings are another objectives of this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From June to December 2013, a total of 130 fecal samples from 4 dog populations (Military, nomadic and domiciled dogs from rural and high standard districts) and 150 stool samples of 6 occupational groups were examined for the presence of enteric parasitic infection. Moreover, 150 serum samples were collected from humans from whom stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of anti-T. canis antibodies.

RESULTS

Enteric parasites were detected in 30% of fecal samples from 4 dog populations in Egypt. High infectivity had been reported in nomadic dogs (63.33%) (Crude odds ratios [COR]=67.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]=8.09-560.8, p<0.000), followed by domiciled dogs from rural areas (40%) (COR=26, 95% CI=3.14-215.54, p=0.003), domiciled dogs from high standard areas (23.33%) (COR=11.87, 95% CI=1.37-102.69, p=0.025) and military dogs (2.5%). Twelve species of enteric parasites were identified, Ancylostomatidae (6.15%), T. canis and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.38%, each), Heterophyes spp. (3.85%), Toxocara leonina and Blastocystis spp. (3.07%), Taenidae eggs (2.31%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.54%) and Entamoeba canis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Paragonimus spp. (0.77%, each). Univariate logestic regression revealed significant association of age (COR=4.73, 95% CI=2.13-10.53, p<0.000), gender (COR=2.63, 95% CI=1.22-5.68, p<0.014), housing system (COR=5.10, 95% CI=2.04-12.75), p<0.000) with enteric parasitic infection in dogs. However, breeds (COR=6.91, 95% CI=0.88-54.52, p=0.067) and type of feeding (COR ranged from 3.5 to 7.62, p>0.05) did not seem to have a significant association among the examined dogs. Enteric parasitic infection was reported in 31/150 human stools (20.67%). Students were the most affected groups (37.14%), followed by nomadic people (24%), house wives (20%), house guarders and military workers (12%, each), and employees (10%). The identified parasites were Cryptosporidium spp. (9.33%), Ascaris lumbercoides (3.33%), Heterophyes spp. and Ancylostoma spp. (2.66%, each) and Paragonimus spp. and Hymenolepis nana (1.33%, each). Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 36/150 (24%) serum samples investigated. Toxocara IgG antibodies were more prevalent in males (26.66%) than females (20%). Seroprevalence was highest (17/35, 48.57%) in 7-15 years old (COR=6.93, 95% CI=1.75-27.43, p=0.006). Seroprevalence values for T. canis antibodies were higher in those; raising dogs (29.85%), eating raw vegetables (25.21%) and not washing hands before meals (25.45%). T. canis antibodies were detected in 25% of those contacted with soil compared to 30% of those did not. Students were mostly affected (34.29%), followed by nomadic people (32%), house guarders (28%), housewives (20%), military workers (13%), and employees (10%).

CONCLUSION

Detection of enteric parasites in dogs and humans in Egypt substantiates the role posed by dogs in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans and knock an alarm for common sources of infection for humans and dogs. Common sources may be infected fish or contaminated vegetables that are consumed by dogs or humans or even infected rodents that may contaminate their feed. This pilot study necessitate the need for similar studies and tracing such infection in fish, vegetables, rodent that may be responsible for infecting humans and dogs in order to understand the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infection transmitted from dogs to humans.

Sequence variation in mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 genes of ascaridoid nematodes in cats and dogs from Iran

The study was conducted to determine the sequence variation in two mitochondrial genes, namely cytochrome c oxidase 1 (pcox1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (pnad1) within and among isolates of Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Genomic DNA was extracted from 32 isolates of T. cati, 9 isolates of T. canis and 19 isolates of T. leonina collected from cats and dogs in different geographical areas of Iran. Mitochondrial genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Sequence data were aligned using the BioEdit software and compared with published sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. Based on pairwise comparison, intra-species genetic diversity within Iranian isolates of T. cati, T. canis and T. leonina amounted to 0-2.3%, 0-1.3% and 0-1.0% for pcox1 and 0-2.0%, 0-1.7% and 0-2.6% for pnad1, respectively. Inter-species sequence variation among the three ascaridoid nematodes was significantly higher, being 9.5-16.6% for pcox1 and 11.9-26.7% for pnad1. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the pcox1 and pnad1 genes indicated that there is significant genetic diversity within and among isolates of T. cati, T. canis and T. leonina from different areas of Iran, and these genes can be used for studying genetic variation of ascaridoid nematodes.