Prevalence of Helminths in Dogs and Owners' Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases in Mampong, Ashanti, Ghana

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in children and domestic animals from two peri-urban neighborhoods in northeastern Argentina

Motivation for the study. There are few reports on intestinal parasites in children and domestic animals in urban areas in Argentina who live in homes with characteristics that favor the maintenance and transmission of parasites of zoonotic importance. Main findings. More than 50% of children and pets were parasitized, most of them with zoonotic pathogens. Implications. Our results showed the urgent need to improve sanitary control of children and animals, and to implement activities for the prevention of intestinal parasitosis in the homes analyzed.

Evaluation of an iELISA for detection and quantification of rabies antibodies in domestic dog sera

Many rabies endemic-countries have recognized rabies as a public health problem that can be eliminated. As a result, some countries have started implementing small-scale vaccination programs with the aim of scaling them up. Post-vaccination serological monitoring is crucial to assess the efficacy of these programs. The recommended serological tests, the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test, and the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization (FAVN) are accurate; however, the procedures require considerable expertise and must be carried out in high containment facilities, which are often not available in rabies endemic countries. Given these constraints, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been considered as alternative methods to neutralization tests. This is the first study to evaluate, under field conditions, the performance of the commercial rabies indirect-ELISA (iELISA), the PlateliaTM Rabies II kit ad usum Veterinarium kit, using sera from domestic dogs. Serum samples were collected from two groups of community dogs in northern Tanzania: i) dogs with no history of vaccination against rabies (n = 100) and ii) dogs vaccinated with the Nobivac Canine Rabies® vaccine (n = 101) four weeks previously. When compared to the gold standard FAVN test, the iELISA was found to be 99% specific and 98% sensitive and there was a significant correlation between the two tests (p < 0.001, r = 0.92). Given these findings, we conclude that the PlateliaTM Rabies II kit ad usum Veterinarium can be considered a valuable tool for the rapid assessment of vaccination status of animals in vaccination programs.

General knowledge and practice of household dog owners regarding gastrointestinal parasites in Cebu, Philippines

Background and Aim

Canine gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites are of public health and veterinary concern and are harmful to both humans and animals. The risk of transmitting GIT parasites can be minimized depending on dog owners' knowledge and management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess dog owners' general knowledge and practices regarding GIT parasites.

Materials and Methods

A structured questionnaire containing 10-point Likert statements was administered to 130 respondents in Cebu, Philippines, to obtain information about their profile (age, sex, civil status, and educational attainment) and data regarding their home environment, number of dogs and other pets owned, and their knowledge and practices regarding canine GIT parasites. These respondents had previously provided canine stool samples for fecalysis.

Results

Most respondents were female (65.4%), 18-24 years old (55.4%), single (71.5%), and educated to college level (49.2%). Housing styles were mostly gated (76.9%), and >50% had a garden. The majority owned 1-3 dogs (56.9%) and did not own any other pets (73.8%). All knew about canine GIT parasites. There was a significant association between GIT parasite positivity in dogs and the owner's sex (p = 0.005). Gastrointestinal parasite positivity was also associated with the owner's knowledge about the transmission of parasites from the mother's milk to her puppies (p = 0.001), canine intestinal parasites potentially causing weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting (p = 0.001), and dogs potentially becoming infected with parasites from licking or sniffing the soil or grass where other animals have been (p = 0.005). Moreover, there was a significant association between GIT parasite positivity and the owner's practice of daily cleaning of the areas where the dog defecated (p = 0.001), deworming every 6-12 months (p = 0.001), and unfailingly following the vaccination and deworming schedule (p = 0.006). Finally, the summative knowledge and practice level of the owners were significantly associated with GIT parasite positivity (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for continuous education of dog owners to maintain good knowledge and practices to prevent GIT parasite infection. Frequent deworming (once a month) of adult dogs is recommended.

Prevalence of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasite among Dogs in Suryabinayak, Nepal

Dogs are popular pets around the world and have always had a very close relationship with humans. Zoonotic gastrointestinal helminth parasites are a great threat to both stray and pet dogs. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths in dogs. 400 samples were collected, including 200 from pet dogs and 200 from stray dogs. The samples from pet dogs were collected from the ground immediately after voiding with the help of the owner, whereas stray dogs were caught by using a dog catcher, and the samples were collected directly from the rectum by using a gloved index finger. All collected samples were examined under a microscope using sedimentation and flotation techniques. The overall prevalence of infection was found to be 59.50%, with a significantly higher prevalence in stray dogs (70%) than that in pet dogs (49%). Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Dipylidium caninum, and Taenia/Echinococcus spp. were six different species found in the current study. The study showed the highest prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. (49.16%) and the least prevalence of Capillaria spp. (0.84%). In the age-wise study, puppies had a significantly high infection rate (86.96%). Similarly, we recorded a significantly higher prevalence of intestinal helminths among nondewormed pet dogs (78.65%) than among dewormed pet dogs (25.23%). This study highlights the severe environmental contamination shed by dogs, causing a higher risk of zoonotic transmission. It indicates the urgent need to manage these parasites in dogs and educate the public on how to care for their pets and the parasites they shed.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of pets: Retrospective study at the veterinary teaching hospital, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

Background and Aim

Dogs and cats are popular pets that play integral roles in human societies worldwide. Unfortunately, they can carry potential zoonotic helminths that can be transmitted to humans. However, data on the gastrointestinal helminths affecting dogs and cats in Bogor, Indonesia, are currently lacking. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in pets from this area using a retrospective analysis.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of IPB University, Bogor. Cat and dog patients from January 2014 to April 2019 were tested for helminth infections and the results as well as their age, sex, and breed data were analyzed using the Chi-square test.

Results

Among the dogs and cats examined for internal parasites, 61.11% (33/51) of the dogs and 53.80% (92/171) of the cats were infected by helminths. Among the dogs, hookworm (37.04%) and Toxocara spp. (24.07%) were detected, while in the cats, hookworm (11.11%), Toxocara spp. (38.01%), and Dipylidium caninum (4.68%) were detected. The prevalence of hookworm and D. caninum was higher in older pets, while Toxocara spp. infected younger cats and dogs (<1 year) more frequently. The prevalence of Toxocara spp. in the Indonesian local dog breed was higher when than other breeds. Sex did not significantly affect the prevalence of parasites in dogs or cats.

Conclusion

The discovery of zoonotic helminth parasites in the cat and dog pets from Bogor raises concerns for the inhabitants. Initiatives will be required to inform pet owners about prevention strategies for these parasitic diseases.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge on Ownership, Zoonoses and Practices among Pet Owners in Northern Portugal

Simple Summary

Pet ownership is common in most countries, but few published studies have addressed pet owners’ knowledge of zoonoses, pet contact practices, or awareness of zoonotic disease risks posed by pets. The aim of this study was to assess household knowledge, attitudes, and risks related to pet ownership and zoonoses in northern Portugal. A questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding participants’ demographic characteristics; household pet types and their importance to the family; pet contact-related attitudes; knowledge of zoonoses, high-risk groups, disease transmission pathways, and disease protection measures. It was observed that most participants considered pets an important part of the family. Nevertheless, high-risk practices were recurrent and pet owners’ knowledge was limited. These results reinforce the importance of further studies to better understand the existing gaps in knowledge of pet ownership and zoonoses and strengthens the need to adopt the One Health concept.

Abstract

Pet ownership is common in modern society. In Portugal, 38% and 31% of all households own at least one dog or cat, respectively. Few studies have ascertained the knowledge of pet owners on pet ownership and zoonoses, and none have been carried out in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to assess household knowledge and practices related to pet ownership and zoonoses in northern Portugal. A face-to-face questionnaire was completed by 424 pet owners, from November 2019 to February 2020. Most respondents (97.2%) considered pets as an important part of the family, especially women (p = 0.036); 73.1% allowed their pets to live an indoor/outdoor life; 41.3% denied sharing the bed with their pets while 29% assumed they did it daily; 20.3% reported never kissing their pets/pets licking their faces. Furthermore, 73.6% considered animals as potential sources of human diseases, but only 25.9% reported knowing the definition of zoonoses; 96.9% considered the role of veterinarians important in protecting public health. The low level of knowledge of pet owners and the occurrence of high-risk behaviors indicates a need to strengthen communication between veterinarians, physicians, pet owners, and the general public towards reduce the risk of acquisition and transmission of zoonoses.

Molecular characterization of Cysticercus tenuicollis isolates from sheep in the Nile Delta, Egypt and a review on Taenia hydatigena infections worldwide

The predator–prey-transmitted cestode Taenia hydatigena infects a wide range of definitive and intermediate hosts all over the world. Domestic and sylvatic cycles of transmission are considered as well. The parasite has considerable economic importance, particularly in sheep. Here, the molecular characters of T. hydatigena cysticerci in sheep from the Nile Delta, Egypt were investigated for the first time. For this purpose, 200 sheep carcasses and their offal were inspected at the municipal abattoir, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Cysticerci of T. hydatigena were collected and molecularly characterized employing the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Cysticerci were found in 42 (21%) sheep, mostly attached to the omenti, mesenteries and livers. After molecular confirmation, nine isolates were sequenced displaying six different haplotypes. Analysis of the T. hydatigena 12S rRNA nucleotide sequences deposited in GenBank revealed 55 haplotypes out of 69 isolates, displaying high haplotype (0.797) and low nucleotide (0.00739) diversities. For the Tajima D neutrality index, a negative value (−2.702) was determined, indicating the population expansion of the parasite. Additionally, global data summarized in this study should be useful to set up effective control strategies against this ubiquitous parasite.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning visceral leishmaniasis among residents of a sporadic transmission area in southeast Brazil

BACKGROUND

In the last four decades, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has undergone an urbanization process in Brazil. This research aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning VL among residents of a sporadic transmission urban area in southeast Brazil.

METHODS

A community-based, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted. Scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning VL were evaluated and the bivariate analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The analysis indicated that 29.9% had good knowledge, 5.2% had appropriate attitudes and 62.1% had appropriate practices. Notwithstanding that, pivotal practices for controlling VL had unsatisfactory individual frequencies. Good knowledge on VL was related to women, a higher level of education, a higher income, the place of residence and having pets. Appropriate attitudes were related to the place of residence. The practices had no significant associations with the sociodemographic and epidemiological variables.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that even in the area of disease transmission, knowledge on VL is very limited, including at the most basic level. In order to achieve effectiveness in actions against VL in Brazil, the participation of the affected communities is imperative, therefore popular health education interventions are necessary to improve the population's understanding of the disease and to avoid inappropriate attitudes and practices.

Intestinal parasites in canine feces contaminating urban and recreational areas in Ushuaia (Argentina)

Wild and domestic dogs are important reservoir hosts of numerous intestinal parasites that represent potential infection sources for both humans and wild or other domestic animals. The aim of this study was to determine the presence, diversity, and contamination potential of intestinal parasites in dog feces contaminating urban and recreational areas in Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego province, Argentina). A total of 80 canine fecal samples were collected from urban (playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, squares and coastal walks) and recreational areas (winter centers for raising and training sled dogs) in 2018. Samples were preserved in 5% formalin and processed using formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and FLOTAC dual Pellet techniques. Data were analyzed using the R software. At least one parasite species was recovered in 32.5% of the total samples examined. Of the seven parasite species detected, infection by protozoan species was higher than helminth infections (28.8% versus 8.8%). Sarcocystis sp. (20.0%), Giardia sp. (8.8%) and Cystoisospora spp. (7.5%) were the most frequent species, followed by Toxocara canis (5.0%), Echinococcus spp./Taenia spp. (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis and Uncinaria sp. (1.3% for both). Single infections (69.2%) were more frequent than coinfections with two (19.2%) and three parasite species (11.5%). This study provides the first description of the diversity and frequency of intestinal parasite species in dog feces from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The unfavorable environment of Ushuaia, characterized by low temperatures and winter snowfall, is likely to reduce parasite survivability, decreasing contamination potential. Some parasite species found are potentially zoonotic and represent an important risk for the human population and a source of infection to free-roaming pets. The results of this study revealed the need to strengthen the prevention, surveillance and control of these infections in pets, as well as to implement programs for public health education, control measures for the free-roaming canine population, and responsible pet ownership in the study area.

Prevalence, seasonal and geographical distribution of parasitic diseases in dogs in Plateau State Nigeria: a 30-year retrospective study (1986-2015)

Parasitic diseases of dogs are now major economic and public health issues in Nigeria due to indiscriminate reproduction of dogs, lack of appropriate policies on pet ownership and diseases control as well as inadequate veterinary care. In order to understand the prevalence, seasonal variation and distribution of parasitic diseases of dogs in this region of Nigeria, the present study conducted a 30-year retrospective analysis in the referral veterinary centre, Vom, and analysed data using the Chi square test and the factor analysis. Of the 26,844 dogs handled between January 1986 and December 2015, 17,663 (65.8%) had different parasitic diseases. Yearly distribution of parasitic diseases varied significantly (p < 0.0001) and ranged between 52.0 and 85.4%. Age, seasonal and disease specific prevalence rates ranged between 2.8 and 80.5%. Prevalence rates in females 78.2% (95% CI 77.6-78.9) and indigenous breed 70.0% (95% CI 69.2-70.7) were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) from those of the males 47.2% (95% CI 46.2-48.1) and exotic breeds of dogs 60.7% (95% CI 59.8-61.6), respectively. Ancylostomosis was the most prevalent (15.9%) disease while Barkin Ladi recorded the highest regional prevalence. It is pertinent to enact appropriate disease control policies and observe control programmes including vector control and improved hygiene to curtail the economic and public health threats associated with these diseases.

Survey of Spanish pet owners about endoparasite infection risk and deworming frequencies

BACKGROUND

Pets may be carriers of infectious agents including parasites. As part of a larger-scale study covering the whole of Europe, this study examines deworming measures reported by Spanish pet owners and identifies risk factors.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was administered to cat and dog owners in Spain. The replies provided were used to obtain information about the pets' living conditions and to accordingly classify each pet into one of the four ESCCAP infection risk categories (A, B, C or D) for which different deworming frequencies are recommended. Questions were also asked about pet care and owners' attitude toward their pets. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to correlate risk groups with deworming frequencies.

RESULTS

Completed questionnaires were returned by 500 cat owners and 501 dog owners. According to responses, 96.21% of dogs were assigned to risk category D (maximum risk), and only 1.2%, 2.2% and 0.4% to A, B and C, respectively. Almost all cats were assigned to the minimum risk category A (indoor cats, 62%) or maximum risk category D (outdoor cats, 32.8%); only 3.4% and 1.8% of cats were classified as risk B and C respectively. More dogs were allocated to the higher risk group compared to cats, which were more frequently kept indoors. Cats were reportedly dewormed less frequently than dogs (2.56 and 3.13 times per year respectively), consistent with their different infestation risk. Thus, pets in the lower risk group A were either adequately dewormed or treated more often than necessary. Only a small proportion of cats were not dewormed at all (n = 14). Alarmingly, almost all pets in risk groups B, C or D (representing 95% of dogs and 39% of cats) were dewormed less often than recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

More effective health education is required for the management of zoonotic endoparasite diseases under the umbrella of One Health targeted at owners, veterinarians, general practitioners, and health authorities. To align deworming frequency with infection risk, pet owners should be provided with clear, compelling instructions.

Prevalence of Toxocara in dogs and cats in Africa

Dogs and cats have a close association with humans providing companionship; however, pets are reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens such as Toxocara. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are small intestinal nematodes found in canids and felids, respectively. Infected pets shed thousands of eggs resulting in environmental contamination. Toxocara can infect a wide variety of paratenic hosts including humans, rodents, pigs and chickens. Paratenic hosts become infected by ingestion of the infective eggs containing the third stage larvae or ingestion of dormant larvae in animal tissues. Infected humans may develop visceral larval migrans or ocular toxocariasis. Regular anthelmintic treatment and restricted movement of dogs and cats are recommended to control Toxocara environmental contamination. This paper reviews the prevalence and risk factors of Toxocara in dogs and cats in Africa; and pet owners' awareness of canine zoonotic helminths.

Dog Owners' Knowledge about Rabies and Other Factors That Influence Canine Anti-Rabies Vaccination in the Upper East Region of Ghana

BACKGROUND

Human rabies, often contracted through dog bites, is a serious but neglected public health problem in the tropics, including Ghana. Due to its high fatality rate, adequate knowledge and vaccination of domestic dogs against the disease are very crucial in reducing its burden. We examined dog owners' knowledge level on rabies and factors that influenced anti-rabies vaccination of dogs in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 randomly sampled dog owners in six communities from six Districts using a multistage sampling technique, in the Upper East Region of Ghana. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive and inferential analyses were done using STATA 14.1.

RESULTS

While knowledge about rabies was 199 (76.5%), that about anti-rabies vaccination was 137 (52.7%). District of residence (χ2 = 112.59, p < 0.001), sex (χ2 = 6.14, p = 0.013), education (χ2 = 20.45, p < 0.001) as well as occupation (χ2 = 11.97, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with rabies knowledge. District of residence (χ2 = 57.61, p < 0.001), Educational level (χ2 = 15.37, p = 0.004), occupation (χ2 = 11.66, p = 0.009), religion (χ2 = 8.25, p = 0.016) and knowledge on rabies (χ2 = 42.13, p < 0.001) were also statistically associated with dog vaccination against rabies. Dog owners with good knowledge on rabies for instance, were more likely to vaccinate their dogs against rabies compared to those with poor knowledge [AOR = 1.99 (95% CI: 0.68, 5.86), p = 0.210]. Dog owners with tertiary level of education were also 76.31 times more likely (95% CI: 6.20, 938.49, p = 0.001) to have good knowledge about rabies compared to those with no formal education.

CONCLUSIONS

Dog owners in the Upper East Region of Ghana had good knowledge about rabies. This, however, did not translate into correspondingly high levels of dog vaccination against the disease. Rabies awareness and vaccination campaigns should, therefore, be intensified in the region, especially among the least educated and female dog owners.

Epizootiology of zoonotic parasites of dogs in Abua area of Rivers State, Nigeria

The study investigated zoonotic parasites of dogs in Abua area of Rivers State. Out of the 400 samples analysed 260(65%) were found to be positive with different parasite species. Parasite species recovered showed, Ancylostoma caninum and Strongyloides stercoralis were found in all the communities while Taenia spp. was found in only one community. There was a statistically significant difference in infection rates among the different age groups of dogs examined (X2  = 59.79, df = 4, P = 0.000). Parasites species detected with respect to age of dogs showed that Ancylostoma caninum had the highest infection rate as it infected the three age groups of dogs in significant numbers (X2  = 50.28, P = 0.000), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (X2  = 24.87, P = 0.000). Other parasites that showed significant infections across the age groups include Diphylidium caninum (X2  = 9.63, P = 0.008) and Toxocara canis (X2  = 6.98, P = 0.03). All the other parasites; Spirocerca lupi, Baylisascaris procyonis, Taenia spp were not significant across the age groups. There was an overall mixed infection of 51(19.62%) of which 22 (8.46%) samples had mix infection of two parasite species of Ancylostoma caninum and Strongyloides stercoralis, 12 (4.62%) had Ancylostoma caninum and Diphylidium caninum, while 1(0.34%) with Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma caninum. A mix infection of three parasite species was 6.15% comprising Ancylostoma caninum, Strongyloides stercoralis and Diphylidium caninum was recorded. In conclusion, Prevalence of zoonotic parasites of dogs in Abua was high. So, there is an urgent need for education of dog owners in the area to reduce this high infection rate and to reduce the danger of transmission of these infections to human as a result of ignorance on the part of the dog owners.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of zoonotic helminths in dogs

A cross sectional study was designed to ascertain the prevalence of zoonotic helminths and protozoan parasites in dogs by employing conventional techniques and molecular characterization using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Companion animals are reservoir hosts for helminths and protozoa species, and cohabitation with humans play a pivotal role in the transmission of zoonotic parasites to humans. A total of 510 faecal samples were collected from pet dogs belongs to various zones of Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, India and were processed by conventional techniques and molecular techniques. Out of 510 dog faeces, 121 samples were found positive for the parasitic eggs, prevalence rate was found to be 23.72%. Species-wise prevalence of the parasite was tabulated. PCR for the species-specific identification of the parasitic eggs was performed. The results revealed 38 samples were positive with product size of 540 bp specific for Ancylostoma caninum, 25 samples were positive which yielded a product size of 380 bp which is specific for Toxocara canis. None of the faecal samples tested were positive for Echinococcus granulosus which were positive for the presence of Taenia spp. eggs by microscopy. We recommend prevention and control measures focused on improving regular deworming, enhancing awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases to minimize the transmission risk of parasitic zoonotic diseases from companion animals to humans. PCR can be widely used for species-specific identification of the zoonotic parasites.

Gastrointestinal helminths in farmers and their ruminant livestock from the Coastal Savannah zone of Ghana

To identify the gastrointestinal helminths of veterinary, zoonotic and public health importance in farmers and their ruminant livestock in Ghana, faecal samples were collected from 95 farmers and their livestock (cattle = 328, sheep = 285 and goats = 217) and examined by microscopy and/or molecular techniques. Overall, 21 farmers tested positive for at least one gastrointestinal helminth, 80.9% of which were single infections and 19.0% co-infections. The parasites identified in the farmers consisted of hookworms (n = 13) (9 were Necator americanus and the other 4 could not be amplified by PCR), Trichostrongylus spp. (n = 9), Schistosoma mansoni (n = 1), Schistosoma haematobium (n = 1) and Diphyllobothrium latum (n = 1). In livestock, strongylid nematodes were dominant (56.6%), followed by Paramphistomum spp. (16.9%), Dicrocoelium spp. (7.1%), Thysaniezia spp. (5.8%), Trichuris spp. (3.3%), Moniezia spp. (3.1%), Fasciola spp. (2.8%), Toxocara spp. (1.1%) and Schistosoma spp. (0.2%). Genotyping of Trichostrongylus spp. in the farmer's stools identified six T. colubriformis similar to T. colubriformis detected in cattle, sheep and goats in the study, two Trichostrongylus spp. with 98.3% and 99.2% genetic similarity to T. probolurus respectively and one Trichostrongylus spp. which showed 96.6% similarity to both T. probolurus and T. rugatus. Trichostrongylus axei was also identified in cattle, sheep and goats. This is the first molecular characterisation of Trichostrongylus spp. in Ghana and the species identified in the present study suggests zoonotic transmission from cattle, sheep and goats. Further studies involving larger numbers of farmers and their household members are essential to understand the transmission dynamics and impact of these parasites on farming communities in Ghana.

Epidemiology of canine gastrointestinal helminths in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

Dogs have a close association with humans providing companionship, security and a source of dietary protein. However, dogs are also potential carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Dogs, therefore, pose a public health risk and a good understanding of canine diseases is important for planning and implementing control measures. The aim of this study was to characterise canine helminthiasis in sub-Saharan Africa using a systematic approach.

METHODS

Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant primary studies published from 2000. Forty-one eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalences were estimated using the quality effects model.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-six genera of enteric helminths were reported and the pooled estimate of canine helminthiasis was 71% (95% CI: 63-79%). Species of Ancylostoma and Toxocara, causative agents of larva migrans in humans, were the most frequently reported helminths with pooled estimated prevalences of 41% (95% CI: 32-50%) and 22% (95% CI: 16-29%), respectively. Dipylidium caninum and Taenia spp. were the most frequently reported cestodes with pooled estimated prevalences of 20% (95% CI: 12-29%) and 9% (95% CI: 5-15%), respectively. Trematodes were rarely reported. There was a high level of heterogeneity in most pooled estimates (I² ˃ 80%). The results of this study show that canine helminthiasis is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and there is need for regular deworming programmes to improve the health status of the dogs and minimise the potential health risk to humans.

Epidemiological investigation of gastrointestinal parasites in dog populations in Basra province, Southern Iraq

The understanding of the epidemiology of canine parasitic infections is necessary for an efficient control program to minimize the risk of zoonotic transmission. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of canine gastrointestinal helminths and protozoa in Basra province, Southern Iraq, and (2) to identify the association of epidemiological characteristics (age, breed, gender, and feed type) of dogs with the parasitic infections. A total of 93 fecal samples, collected in the period from December 2014 to June 2015, were examined macroscopically and microscopically for the presence of worm eggs and protozoal oocysts, using centrifugal flotation method. The overall prevalence of infected dogs was 77.4% (72/93). About 54.8% (51/93) dogs were infected with more than one genus of parasites. The prevalence of multiple infections with two, three, and four parasites was 30.1% (28/93), 22.6% (21/93), and 2.2% (2/93), respectively. The most frequently detected parasites were Toxocara canis (62.4%, 58/93), Physaloptera spp. (28%, 26/93), Alaria spp. (26.9%, 25/93), Trichuris vulpis (9.7%, 9/93), and Ancylostoma caninum (7.5%, 7/93). Isospora canis (6.5%, 6/93) and Giardia spp. (4.3%, 4/93) were the only protozoan parasites identified in this study. Toxocara canis infection was significantly associated with sex and age of the dogs (P < 0.05). Feeding type was significantly associated with the occurrence of T. canis (P < 0.0001), A. caninum (P < 0.03) and Alaria spp. (P < 0.02). The high prevalence of intestinal helminths in dog's population suggesting the need for more efficient control measures. The high prevalence of T. canis, T. vulpis, A. caninum and Giardia spp. suggested that dogs could play an active role in the transmission of zoonotic parasites in this area of Iraq. Educating the dog owners and increasing their health awareness should be considered in the control program. The results of the present study provide relevant "base-line" data for assessing the effectiveness of future control strategies against canine parasitic infections.