Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog intestinal parasites in Nigeria that can infect people
By Kamani, Joshua et al.·Published in Preventive veterinary medicine·2021·National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine gastrointestinal parasites as a potential source of zoonotic infections in Nigeria: A nationwide survey.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A nationwide survey in Nigeria found that nearly 40% of dogs tested positive for gastrointestinal parasites that can infect humans, such as Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma species. Many of these dogs were not regularly dewormed and often roamed freely, increasing the risk of spreading these parasites. The study highlighted that younger dogs tended to shed more parasite eggs, and poor management practices contributed to the problem. This research emphasizes the importance of responsible dog ownership and regular veterinary care to reduce the risk of zoonotic infections.
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Abstract
Dog feces may contain zoonotic parasites that contaminate the environment and serve as a potential source of infection to animals and humans. In this study, microscopic and molecular analyses were used to estimate the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and assess the risk factors for infection in 948 dogs in three climatically distinct zones of Nigeria. Zoonotic helminths including Strongyloides stercoralis, Ancylostoma braziliense, A. caninum and Toxocara canis were detected either as single or multiple infections in 377 (39.8 %) of dogs examined. At multiple logistic regression analyses, association was found between GI parasite infection and deworming practices and dog management. Regarding A. braziliense, A. caninum and T. canis infections, intensity of egg shedding was statistically associated with the age of the dogs and not with their sex or breed. The majority of GI parasite-positive dogs did not receive regular deworming treatment (59 %) and roamed freely (56 %) thereby constituting public health risk. This is the first nationwide survey and analyses of risk factors of GI parasites of dogs using molecular methods as confirmation of their identity. The zoonotic potential of these parasites is exacerbated by the lack of both operational national policies to control the population of free-roaming dogs and to promote responsible dog ownership, and veterinary public health programs for dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34023722/