Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Giardia infection in dogs at an Israeli vet hospital and related risks
By Kuzi, Sharon et al.·Published in Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases·2020·Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis infection, co-morbidities and associated risk factors in dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital in Israel.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 163 dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital in Israel were tested for Giardia duodenalis, a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal (GI) issues. About 12% of the dogs tested positive, with younger dogs (under 1 year) and those with parvovirus infection being more likely to have the parasite. Interestingly, the study found no link between Giardia infection and other GI symptoms or health problems. While the overall prevalence was low, it suggests that young dogs and those with certain infections should be screened for Giardia to ensure proper treatment.
People also search for: dog diarrhea Giardia treatment · puppy gastrointestinal issues · parvovirus and Giardia in dogs
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis causes gastro-intestinal (GI) disease and carries a zoonotic risk. The risk for infection depends on local prevalence and individual immunity, but clinical signs are inconsistent and the role of G. duodenalis in other GI diseases is unknown. The current study aims were to evaluate the prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs presented to a university veterinary teaching hospital in Israel, investigate risk factors for infection and its associations with other diseases. Fecal samples from 163 dogs were tested for G. duodenalis by an antigen assay (FASTest® Giardia strip). Prevalence of G. duodenalis infection was 11.9 %. It was significantly associated with young age (≤1year) and canine parvoviral enteritis. Housing conditions, signs of GI disease or other systemic diseases were unassociated with infection. In conclusion, G. duodenalis infection prevalence is relatively low in the study population. Young age and diagnosis of co-infections are common, warranting screening for G. duodenalis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31837597/