Prevalence of Potentially Zoonotic Endoparasites in Domestic Dog Puppies

Abstract

Despite the existence of therapeutic and prophylactic measures, gastrointestinal parasites are common in pets. Due to the zoonotic potential of some species, parasitic protozoa and helminths are of great importance to public health. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of the main gastrointestinal parasites in domestic dog puppies in the city of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. One hundred fecal samples were collected from dogs up to six months of age. Parasites were diagnosed using Willis', Faust's and malachite green coproparasitological techniques. Parasite prevalence as determined by Willis and/or Faust diagnostic techniques was as follows: <i>Toxocara</i> spp. 34%, <i>Cystoisospora</i> spp. 28%, Ancylostomatidae 22% and <i>Giardia</i> spp. 8%. These prevalence rates were calculated by considering an animal to be positive if Willis' or Faust's or both tests returned a positive result. <i>Cryptosporidium</i> diagnosis with malachite green was negative for all samples. Infection with <i>Toxocara</i> spp., the most prevalent pathogen in this survey, was not limited to dogs with abnormal fecal consistency. The occurrence of asymptomatic parasitized dogs increases the risk of zoonotic transmission.