Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Multiple zoonotic parasites found in dogs from rural Argentine Chaco
By Enriquez, G F et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2019·Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Polyparasitism and zoonotic parasites in dogs from a rural area of the Argentine Chaco.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs from a rural area in Argentina was found to have a high number of different parasites, many of which can also affect humans. In a study of 212 dogs, 96% were infected with multiple types of parasites, including hookworms, Toxoplasma, and Giardia. The most common parasites were linked to poor living conditions, such as lack of sanitation and clean water. Some dogs showed signs of anemia, which can be a concern for their health. This highlights the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and parasite prevention for dogs, especially in areas with limited resources.
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Abstract
Dogs play an important role as reservoirs and hosts of multiple pathogens shared with humans and wildlife, which contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Here, we assessed the occurrence of a broad range of zoonotic and non-zoonotic parasites in dogs from a rural area in the humid Chaco; determined the occurrence of polyparasitism; and explored its association with selected risk factors. In total, 212 dogs were examined serologically to determine Trypanosoma cruzi infection and 152 of them also were examined for Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia bugderfori, Anaplasma phagocitophylum, Dirofilaria immitis and Toxoplasma gondii. Fecal samples from 85 dogs were examined for intestinal parasites. Seventeen parasite species were seen, 77% of which are zoonotic. The most prevalent parasites were Ancylostoma caninum (68.2%), T. gondii (55.3%, first report for dogs in Argentina), Giardia sp. (25.9%), Cryptosporidium sp. (20.0%), T. cruzi (16.5%), trematodes (15.3%) and Toxocara canis (14.1%). Polyparasitism was found in 96% of the dogs, with up to six parasite species in a single dog, and was significantly associated with age of dog but not with host body condition or sex. The most frequent pair of parasites found together were T. gondii-A. caninum (46%), A. caninum-T. cruzi (34%) and T. gondii-T. cruzi (27%). The prevalence of anemia and leukocytosis was significantly higher in dogs showing the worst body condition. Our findings likely reflect structural poverty, poor sanitation and lack of a safe water supply. Importantly, many of the prevalent parasites seen are threats to human health. 243 words.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31027600/