Genetic variability and discrimination of low doses of Toxocara spp. from public areas soil inferred by loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay as a field-friendly molecular tool

Molecular Determination of Toxocara spp. Eggs Isolated from Public Parks and Playgrounds in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Background

Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease with a global expansion. Contaminated soil with Toxocara spp. eggs is the main source of human infection, which may lead to severe complications depending on the organs invaded by migrating larvae.

Aim

This study is aimed at eliciting the prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks in Zahedan, southeast Iran, and providing new insight into the soil contamination rate in this area using microscopic and molecular methods.

Methods

Based on five municipal districts, 240 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan. The modified Sheather's flotation technique was employed to isolate Toxocara spp. eggs from the soil, followed by microscopic assessment and molecular evaluation of internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (ITS1 and 2 rDNA) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) to identify the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs. The Sanger sequence was used to differentiate the Toxocara species. Subsequently, all the sequenced data were blasted and compared with other sequences available in the GenBank.

Results

Out of 240 soil samples collected, 7 (2.9%) samples were identified to contain Toxocara spp. eggs using Sheather's flotation and microscopic techniques. Meanwhile, 19 (7.9%) samples were positive using nested PCR. According to the Sanger sequencing analysis findings, all positive samples were contaminated with Toxocara cati.

Conclusion

As evidenced by the obtained results, only T. cati species were detected in public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan; therefore, control and prevention programs against this species should be considered in human and animal communities.

Risk factors for toxocariasis during incarceration: the One Health intervention approach

Despite potential exposure to soil-transmitted helminths, especially when stray dogs and cats are present, toxocariasis in inmate populations remains to be established. Accordingly, the present study assessed the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, Brazil. A total of 234/370 (63.2%; 95% CI 58.2-68.0) women inmates and 28/87 (32.2%; 95% CI 23.3-42.6) correctional officers were seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG by ELISA, with inmates 2.62-fold more likely positive (p = 0.00000026). The univariate model has identified that non-white (OR = 1.58, p = 0.047) and older than 39 years (OR = 1.28, p = 0.032) inmates were associated with mild but significant odds for seropositivity. Elementary or higher educational level was considered a protective factor for seropositivity. The presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 10/15 (66.7%) collected soil samples by centrifuge-flotation in Zinc Sulfate, and molecular analysis by PCR identified only Toxocara cati in these eggs. An intervention program was established with regular trap-neuter-release, with gradual removal for adoption (donation campaigns), treatment, and euthanasia when necessary (particularly due to advanced sporotrichosis). In addition, an educational awareness agenda was proposed, aiming to reduce soil contamination and accidental intake by the incarcerated population. A total of 40 feral cats were trapped, 20 males and 20 females, mostly adults. After trapping, 36 cats were neutered, treated, and microchipped in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Federal University of Paraná. Five trapped feral cats were euthanized, four diagnosed with advanced sporotrichosis, and one already neutered cat (not herein) with complications due to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Female inmates presented higher seroprevalence for Toxocara spp. antibodies when compared to correctional officers, significantly associated with age, self-declared ethnicity (non-white), and lack of formal education. Despite the non-natural scenario of a state penitentiary, the One Health approach of Toxocara spp. has highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the study and its relevance in understanding the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental factors, particularly impacting female inmates. Further studies should establish the rate of inmate infection over time while deprived of liberty.

Dog and Cat Contact as Risk Factor for Human Toxocariasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Toxocariasis, a neglected parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution, has been reportedly associated to different risk factors in several epidemiological and meta-analysis studies. However, dog and cat contact (environmental and animal exposure) as isolated associated risk factor for children and adults remains to be fully established. Accordingly, the present meta-analysis has aimed to directly assess dog and cat contact for toxocariasis seropositivity in under-18 and adult persons, using a survey strategy of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus and Scielo Databases, from January 2009 to December 2021. A meta-analysis model of random effects was applied to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the Cochran Q-Test and I² values. A total of 41 transversal studies (n = 20.515 individuals) from different geographic regions (classified by the World Health Organization) were included herein. In overall, 1,882/13,496 (13.95%; 95% IC = 13.4–14.5) youngers and 513/7.019 (7.3%; 95% CI = 6.7–7.9) adults in contact with dogs or cats were serologically reagent for anti-Toxocara antibodies. Association of dog and cat contact was observed only in youngers, with both dogs (OR = 1.53; p < 0.0001) and cats (OR = 1.64; p = 0.0001). In addition, association of dog and contact and serology was statistically significant in populations of Americas (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.1–1.7), Middle East (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6–5.1) and West Pacific (OR = 1.6; 95% IC = 1.3–1.9). In conclusion, contact with dogs and cats, particularly by younger individuals and in regions such as Americas, Middle East, and West Pacific, should be always a public health concern for toxocariasis. Moreover, dogs and cats should be periodically dewormed, washed and hair cleaned prior to contact with youngers. Finally, robust statistical results herein may serve as basis for future strategies and preventive measures for safer dog and cat contact.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara cati Among Stray and Household Cats and Cat Owners in Tehran, Iran

Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. are the most critical parasites common between humans and cats. The close association of cats with humans in urban areas persuaded us to investigate the prevalence of these parasites in stray and household cats and their possible role in the owners' infection. Herein, 132 and 33 fecal samples of stray and household cats, respectively, and 33 blood samples of their owners were collected in Tehran, Iran. The prevalence of T. gondii was determined by targeting the B1 gene in the feces of stray and household cats and the blood of cat owners. Furthermore, genotypes of T. gondii were identified based on the multilocus genotyping of BTUB, GRA6, SAG3, and APICO loci. Toxocara spp. were detected by targeting the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of the ribosomal DNA of these parasites in the cats' feces and the humans' blood. Also, Toxocara IgG was assessed in the human serum samples. The B1 gene amplification showed that 15.2% of stray cats, 18.2% of household cats, and 51.5% of cat owners were infected with T. gondii. The multilocus sequence analysis revealed the predominance of genotype I of T. gondii in stray cats and genotype II of T. gondii in household cats and cat owners. The amplifying of ITS-2 revealed a high prevalence of T. cati infection (47.0%) in stray cats, whereas no infection was found in the feces of household cats or the serum of cat owners. Likewise, Toxocara IgG was not detected in the serum of humans. The lower prevalence of T. gondii in stray/household cats than in the cat owners indicates the limited impact of close contact with infected cats in human toxoplasmosis. However, the high prevalence of T. cati infection in stray cats can cause contamination of the environment by excreting eggs that may lead to infecting humans through soil or water. Therefore, public health education in urban management planning is necessary for routine urban cat deworming programs and for training the healthcare workers to prevent, control, and treat these infections.

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.

Comparison of the Detection of Toxocara Spp. in the Soils of Public Parks of Ahvaz (Southwest of Iran) by PCR and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)

INTRODUCTION

The infections caused by Toxocara spp. are considered as one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world, especially in developing countries. Human toxocariasis, particularly in children, is acquired by playing in public parks. Hence, the aim of the current study was to detect Toxocara spp. in the soils of public parks of the city of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, using the PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) methods.

METHODS

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 260 soil samples were randomly collected from the different public parks of the city of Ahvaz. After performing zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) flotation technique, the DNA samples were extracted from the isolated Toxocara spp. eggs. Lastly, the extracted DNA was used for PCR and LAMP-based molecular detection.

RESULTS

Out of 260 specimens, 57 (21.9%) samples were found positive for Toxocara spp., using the PCR method, out of that 38 (14.6%) samples were positive for T. canis and 19 (7.3%) samples were positive for T. cati. Also, out of 260 specimens, 81 (31.1%) cases were positive for Toxocara species, using the LAMP method, among them 51 (19.6%) samples were found positive for T. canis and 30 (11.5%) samples were positive for T. cati. Kappa (κ) coefficient between PCR and LAMP showed a strong agreement (0.766, P-value=0.002).

CONCLUSION

The obtained data showed a relatively high outbreak of Toxocara spp. in the public parks' soils of the city, using the PCR and LAMP methods. Since the parasite can cause human toxocariasis, particularly in children; thus, the health authorities of the city of Ahvaz and other similar cities, especially in developing countries, must pay more attention to the hygiene of the public parks' soils.

Molecular evaluation of Toxocara species in stray cats using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (lamp) technique as a rapid, sensitive and simple screening assay

Toxocara species are parasitic nematodes of dogs and cats with a worldwide distribution. The adult worm lives in the intestine, and horizontal transmission of the infection occurs through eating paratenic host or embryonated eggs. This study aimed to estimate the molecular prevalence of Toxocara species in stray cats using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. A total of 95 stool samples were randomly collected from stray cats in Khorramabad city in western Iran. Microscopic examination was performed after the separation and extraction of supernatants. The LAMP reaction was performed using the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene primers of Toxocara species and the appropriate master mix. The overall prevalence of Toxocara spp. in stray cats was 20% (19/95, CI 95%: 0.2 ± 0.08) by parasitological and molecular assessments. The microscopic examination of stool samples revealed that 19 samples were positive for Toxocara. The same 19 positive samples were also positive by the LAMP technique. Interestingly, based on the results of the LAMP assay, out of 95 studied samples, 18 (18.94%; CI 95%: 0.19 ± 0.08) specimens were Toxocara canis, while only 1 (1.05%; CI 95%: 0.005 ± 0.01) sample was diagnosed as Toxocara cati. The relatively high prevalence of Toxocara species in the studied cats shows the role of this species in spreading the parasite and the role of the cats in transmitting this zoonotic parasite. Preventive measures including the control of stray cat's population by castration and protection of public gardens where children play are recommended. The easy, highly sensitive and specific LAMP method is proposed for the differential detection of Toxocara species in animals and humans.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Toxocariasis in Iran: Is it Time to Take it Seriously?

BACKGROUND

Toxocariasis is one of the neglected zoonosis with considerable public health importance around the world. The current study aimed to elucidate the overall prevalence of Toxocara infection in human and definitive hosts and also the contamination of soil and raw vegetables with the ova of these parasites, in Iran, using systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Six English and Persian databases were explored from 2000 to 2017 using the terms toxocariasis, Toxocara spp., visceral larva migrans, Iran, epidemiology, and prevalence. This meta-analysis conducted using STATA, and for all statistical tests, a p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The random-effects model was used to the report of the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of toxocariasis in human was calculated as 11% (95% CI 8-13%). In terms of definitive hosts, the pooled prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs and cats were calculated as 17% (95% CI 14-20%) and 37% (95% CI 26-48%), respectively. Also, the pooled prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in the soil and raw vegetable samples were calculated as 18% (95% CI 13-23%) and 2% (95% CI 1-3%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of current study demonstrate that toxocariasis should be taken more seriously by health authorities. Implementing an appropriate control program is necessary to reduce the incidence of this disease in Iran.

Sources of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp.: An omnipresent parasite

Embryonated Toxocara eggs in the environment are considered to be the most important source of human toxocariasis. These eggs, however, are also a source of infection for the definitive and paratenic hosts. Most available literature focuses on Toxocara canis in dogs, or other canids. There are, however, other Toxocara species with their accompanying definitive hosts. Results from studies that modelled patent infections in dogs, cats and foxes show that although dogs are a very important source for environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs, other sources cannot be ignored. For a good understanding of the relative contributions of different definitive hosts to environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs, computational models should be built and fed with data from different fields of expertise as is discussed in this paper.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara canis Among Myositis Patients in the Southwest of Iran

INTRODUCTION

Parasitic myositis is caused by some parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii) T. gondii (and Toxocara canis (T. canis). So, the aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence T. gondii and T. canis in patients with myositis and healthy individuals.

METHODS

A total of 108 samples were randomly selected as the control (54 healthy individuals) and test (54 myositis patients) groups. IgG and IgM antibodies (Ab) against T. gondii and IgG Ab against T. canis were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The detection of chronic and acute toxoplasmosis was performed by the ELISA IgG avidity. The presence of T. gondii in the blood was evaluated using the nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR).

RESULTS

Of 108, 33 (30.6%) cases were positive for IgG against T. gondii that 19 (35.2%) and 14 (25.9%) were observed in myositis patients and healthy individuals, respectively (P=0.296). Of 19 positive cases, 12 (63.2%) and 7 (36.8%) cases were detected as chronic and acute toxoplasmosis, respectively, while, all positive cases in the control group had chronic toxoplasmosis (P=0.013). One (1.9%) sample was positive for anti- T. gondii IgM and two (3.7%) samples were positive for IgG against T. canis by the ELISA that these positive cases were observed only in myositis patients (P=1.000 P=0.495, respectively). B1 T. gondii gene was amplified in 12 (63.2%) and 1 (7.1%) in myositis patients and healthy subjects (P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that there was a relatively high prevalence of acute toxoplasmosis in myositis patients in comparison with the control subjects in the Southwest of Iran.

Detection of helminths by loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay: a review of updated technology and future outlook

BACKGROUND

Helminths are endemic in more than half of the world's countries, raising serious public health concerns. Accurate diagnosis of helminth infection is crucial to control strategies. Traditional parasitological methods, serological tests and PCR-based assays are the major means of the diagnosis of helminth infection, but they are time-consuming and/or expensive, and sometimes provide inaccurate results. Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, a sensitive, simple and rapid method was therefore developed for detection of helminths. This study aims to discuss the current status of application of LAMP on helminths detection and to make a comprehensive evaluation about this updated technology and its future outlook by comparing with several other diagnostic methods.

MAIN BODY

This review summarizes LAMP assay applied for helminth detection and helminthiasis surveillance. The basic principle of LAMP is introduced to help better understand its characteristics and each reported assay is assessed mainly based on its detection sensitivity, specificity and limitations, in comparison with other common diagnostic tests. Moreover, we discuss the limitations of the assays so as to clarify some potential ways of improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we summarize and discuss the advantages, disadvantages and promising future of LAMP in heliminth detection, which is expected to help update current knowledge and future perspectives of LAMP in highly sensitive and specific diagnosis and surveillance of helminthiasis and other parasitic diseases, and can contribute to the elimination of the diseases from endemic areas.

Assessment of the global pattern of genetic diversity in Echinococcus multilocularis inferred by mitochondrial DNA sequences

The aim of this review was to assess our current knowledge on phylogeography and global genetic structure of Echinococcus multilocularis populations originating from rodents, wild canid hosts, and human. Six bibliographic databases were searched from 1990 to 2017, identifying a total of 110 publications. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and cytochrome b (cytb) sequences of E. multilocularis from Asia, Europe, and North Americas were analyzed to estimate the diversity and neutrality indices, and genetic differentiation. A total of 69 (cox1, 36.7%) and 16 haplotypes (cytb, 19.2%) were grouped into various geographical clades. A parsimonious haplotype network demonstrated a star-like feature with haplo-groups Em2 (Asia: 36%), Em105 (Eastern Tibetan plateau: 4.8%), Em46 (Europe: 9.1%), Em73, (Europe: 2.7%) and Em92 (North Americas: 4.3%) as the most common haplotypes. A relatively high level of genetic diversity was detected in rodent-derived E. multilocularis isolates (Haplotype diversity: 0.944), wild canids (Hd: 0.912), and human origin (Hd: 0.704). The highest number of haplotypes (n = 59) and the highest haplotype diversity (0.969) were identified in the Asian and European populations, respectively. Cladistic phylogenetic tree indicated the European clade has a sister relationship with the Asian clade. However, some North American haplotypes were assigned to the European clade together with haplotypes from Poland. The statistically significant Fst values indicated that E. multilocularis populations of Asian-European, Asian-North American, and European-North American origins were genetically differentiated (Fst: 0.22624 to 0.43059). An occurrence of distinct parasite populations suggests that E. multilocularis derived from glacial refugia have been plausibly sustained by indigenous hosts during the Pleistocene Epoch.

Development of nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Ascaris suum contamination in meat and organ meats

Ascarid Larva Migrans Syndrome (ascarid LMS) is a clinical syndrome in humans, caused by the migration of animal roundworm larvae such as Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Ascaris suum. Humans may acquire infection by ingesting embryonated eggs, or infective larvae of these parasites in contaminated meat and organ meats. To detect these pathogenic contaminations, a novel nested multiplex PCR system was developed. Our novel nested multiplex PCR assay showed specific amplification of T. canis, T. cati and Ascaris spp. Detection limit of the nested multiplex PCR was tested with serial dilution of T. canis, T. cati or A. suum genomic DNA (gDNA) from 100 pg to 100 ag and found to be 10 fg, 1 fg and 100 fg, respectively. When larvae were spiked into chicken liver tissue, DNA of T. canis and A. suum was detected from the liver spiked with a single larva, while the assay required at least 2 larvae of T. cati. Moreover, the ascarid DNA was detected from the liver of mice infected with 100 and 300 eggs of T. canis, T. cati or A. suum. This nested multiplex PCR assay could be useful for the detection of contamination with ascarid larvae in meat and organ meats.

Molecular characterization of Toxocara spp. eggs isolated from public parks and playgrounds in Shiraz, Iran

Human toxocariasis, a worldwide parasitic disease, is caused by the larval stage of intestinal nematodes of dogs and cats, namely Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Human infection occurs by the accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs present in the soil, vegetables or on other contaminated surfaces, as well as via consumption of uncooked paratenic hosts, such as bird meat and giblets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contamination of soil in public parks and playgrounds in Shiraz using microscopy and molecular methods. A total of 150 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in various areas of Shiraz, southern Iran. The samples were treated with saturated zinc sulphate solution, and Toxocara spp. eggs were detected by microscopic observation followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To differentiate T. canis and T. cati eggs from each other, PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-rDNA region by SalI endonuclease enzyme was used. PCR-sequencing was performed to confirm the results of the PCR-RFLP method. Based on the flotation results of the 150 soil samples, six (4%) were found to be positive for Toxocara spp. eggs, whereas nested-PCR showed 24 samples to be positive (16%). Based on the PCR-RFLP method and the sequence of the ITS-rDNA region, a total of 23 out of 24 isolates were confirmed as T. cati and one out of 24 as T. canis. The results showed a higher number of soil samples to be positive for Toxocara by the molecular method than microscopy, and higher T. cati infection in soil samples, which could have an important role in human infection with toxocariasis in this region.

Variations in the Rate of Infestations of Dogs with Zoonotic Nematodes and the Contamination of Soil in Different Environments

Companion animals are an important aspect in human life. However, they may also be considered a source of pathogens. An example of zoonotic parasitoses is toxocarosis or cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). The aim of the study was to detect zoonotic nematodes of dogs living in different areas and the intensity of contamination in parasite polluted environments that are hazardous to human health. The fecal samples were examined using standard flotation and decantation methods as well as McMaster's quantitative technique. The soil samples in urban and rural areas were examined using a modified flotation method as described by Quinn et al. Statistical analyses were performed by IBM SPSS Statistics Version 23. The overall prevalence of parasites in dogs was 38%, 17.02% and 56.60% from urban and rural areas, respectively. The percentage values of nematodes important for human health (Toxocaracanis, Ancylostomatidae, Trichurisvulpis) remained at the same level (16%). The infected dogs were dominated by a single parasite species, the main was T.canis (28.95%). In total, 54.30% of the soil samples were contaminated with parasite eggs. The contamination of urban and rural sandpits was 40% and 60%, respectively. The molecular examinations of soil samples using LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) confirmed the presence of nematode eggs of the species T.canis in all samples previously classified as positive.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification as a reliable assay for Toxocara canis infection in pet dogs

Keeping of infected dogs as pet results in the potential transmission risk factors for shedding helminthic infections such as toxocariasis. Lack of accurate identification of Toxocara canis eggs in non-dewormed infected pet dogs remains a diagnostic concern among researchers. In this study, dog owners were asked to fill up a questionnaire regarding their pets and their attitude towards the deworming regimen. One hundred faecal samples were collected from pet dogs (Northwest Iran) and were subsequently identified by the ZnSo4 flotation technique, PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. The DNA of the recovered T. canis eggs was then extracted and amplified by LAMP and PCR. Furthermore, ITS2 amplicons were sequenced for appraisal of the phylogenetic analysis. Nine, 5 and 11% of T. canis infections were identified by microscopy, PCR and LAMP, respectively. It was detected that LAMP was 10 times (10^-10to 10^-13 g/μl) more sensitive than PCR (10^-10to 10^-12 g/μl). The kappa value between LAMP and PCR indicated a faint concurrence (0.463). The kappa coefficient between LAMP and flotation technique indicated a strong agreement (0.667). The highest infection rate (n = 11) was detected in non-dewormed pet dogs, particularly those less than 3 months old (P < 0.05). None of the infected dogs had a history of walking and kennelled behaviours in public places. The LAMP assay can address as a simple, rapid and highly sensitive technique for detecting low burden of T. canis eggs in infected pet dogs. It was proposed that the dog holder's awareness is insufficient to implement regular deworming schedules. Additionally, regional policymakers should broadly revise anthelmintic treatment guidelines.