Prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter and hunting dogs in Catalonia,Northeastern Spain

To compare the prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter and hunting dogs in Catalonia, Northeastern Spain, fresh faecal samples from 81 shelter dogs and 88 hunting dogs were collected and analysed by faecal flotation. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 71.6% in each population. In the shelter dog group, 67.9% of dogs were positive for intestinal protozoa and 9.8% were positive for helminths. In the hunting dog group, 20.4% of dogs were positive for intestinal protozoa and 63.6% were positive for helminths. A subset of Giardia-positive samples was evaluated by PCR; Giardia assemblages C or D were detected. These results suggest that comprehensive parasite control measures should be implemented in both shelter and hunting dogs in Catalonia.     

Prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasites in pigs in Chongqing, China

From 2007 to 2009, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was investigated in intensive and extensive pig farms in Chongqing, China. A total of 2971 samples from both sexes and five age categories (breeding boars, breeding sows, fatteners, growers and weaners) were evaluated by standard methods for the presence of helminth ova and protozoan oocysts, cysts and/or trophozoites. Of the 2971 pigs sampled, 362(12.18%) were infected with Ascaris suum, 301(10.13%) with Trichuris suis, 301(10.13%) with Oesophagostomum spp., 491(16.53%) with Eimeria spp., 149(5.02%) with Isopora suis, 677(22.79%) with Balantidium coli and 196(6.60%) with Cryptosporidium spp. Growers had the highest infection rate while breeding boars had the lowest among the five age categories. B. coli was the most common protozoan in all pig age groups. Pigs infected with multiple parasites were common. Risk factors such as management methods, seasons, ages, etc. can influence the infection rate to a certain degree. This investigation provides relevant data about risk factors for pig farmers, thus allowing them to make more appropriate antiparasitic treatments according to farm conditions and local climate in Chongqing.     

南海市沙皮犬肠道寄生虫的调查

对广东省南海市的69只沙皮犬进行了肠道寄生虫调查。采用粪便检查法，检出虫卵9种，其中绦虫2种（细粒棘球绦虫和复孔绦虫）；线虫6种（犬弓首蛔虫、犬钩虫、狮蛔虫、巴西钩口线虫、犬鞭虫和犬胃线虫）；吸虫1种（抱茎隙吸虫）。检出优势种为犬复孔绦虫，犬钩虫，犬弓首蛔虫，是驱虫的主要对象。     

Prevalence of Toxocara cati and other parasites in cats' faeces collected from the open spaces of public institutions: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Toxocarosis is a worldwide parasitic infection that affects both cats and dogs. Toxocara cati (Schrank, 1788) syn.Toxocara mystax (Zeder, 1800) prevalence was studied in faeces from stray cats collected from the open spaces of public institutions of Buenos Aires city, both building and surrounding open spaces are fenced off. Of the 465 samples obtained from March to June of 2005, 58.3% were found to have parasite eggs. The following parasites were identified from the 271 positive samples: T. cati (61.2%), Cystoisospora spp. (20.3%), Trichuris spp. (17.0%), Toxascaris leonina (15.1%), Ancylostoma spp. (14%) and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (2.6%). T. cati prevalence was 35.7% (95% confidence interval: 31.2–40.1), with a 42.2% single isolations. The most frequent combination was T. cati and Cystoisospora spp. (9%). More than half the areas studied showed over 40% prevalence. Seventy-one percent of the collected samples were fresh with a variable moist consistency and 29% were older with a dry consistency. A statistically significant association was found between sample consistency and presence of parasites (χ² = 10.81; p = 0.001) as also between sample consistency and presence of T. cati (χ² = 11.27; p = 0.0007). Moist consistencies were significantly different from the rest: consistency (wet or dry) versus parasites (z = 1.95; p = 0.02) (95% confidence interval: 0.004–0.203); consistency (wet or dry) versus T. cati (z = 3.25; p = 0.0006) (95% confidence interval: 0.075–0.254). The cat population that inhabits these public green spaces contaminates the environment, thus transforming them into dangerous spaces with a variable rate for the human population that spends time in these places.     

Intestinal parasite infections in dogs affected by multicentric lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy

Prevalence and species composition of intestinal parasites were evaluated in dogs affected by high-grade multicentric lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy and in control healthy dogs. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was 33.3%. In lymphoma dogs, the prevalence of protozoa infections (46.7%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of helminth infections (6.7%) and Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Neospora caninum, Cystoisospora ohioensis-complex, Entamoeba sp. and Spirocerca lupi were identified. In the control group, only 3/15 dogs (20%) were found positive and no statistically significant differences emerged regarding helminth (hookworms and Toxocara canis) and protozoa (G. duodenalis) infections. Results from this study may suggest a potential higher prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoa, including some potentially zoonotic species, in dogs affected by high-grade multicentric lymphoma, emphasizing the need to monitor lymphoma-affected dogs for these protozoa, especially those undergoing chemotherapy.     

江苏省苏中地区规模化猪场肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解江苏省苏中地区规模化猪场肠道寄生虫的感染情况,从该地区15个规模化养猪场随机采集了895份粪便样品,采用水洗沉淀法、饱和盐水漂浮法和卢戈氏碘液染色镜检法对样品进行了检查。结果:肠道寄生虫的总感染率为15. 08%,主要感染虫种包括球虫、食道口线虫、毛首线虫、蛔虫和结肠小袋纤毛虫。其中结肠小袋纤毛虫、蛔虫和球虫的感染率较高,分别为5. 81%、4. 47%和3. 35%。保育猪和种公猪的肠道寄生虫感染率显著高于其他生产阶段,仔猪的感染率最低。     

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs from Prague, rural areas, and shelters of the Czech Republic

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was evaluated by examination of dog faecal samples in the Prague city centre, agricultural areas, and two shelters. The overall prevalence of parasites (i.e., protozoa and helminths, mentioned below) in Prague was 17.6%. Toxocara canis was the most common parasite, and was recovered from 6.2% of dogs, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (2.4%), Cryptosporidium spp. (1.4%), Trichuris sp. (1.1%), Taenia-type (1.0%), Giardia spp. (0.1%), Toxascaris sp. (0.9%), Dipylidium sp. (0.7%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.6%), Capillaria spp. (0.6%), Neospora/Hammondia spp. (0.5%), Ancylostoma sp. (0.4%), Uncinaria sp. (0.4%), and Spirocerca sp. (0.2%). The prevalence of infections with helminths and protozoans in two animal shelters in Prague was examined at the dog's admittance ir reception to the shelters and during housing. T. canis eggs (6.5%), Cystoisospora (4.4%), and Giardia (3.3%) cysts were the most prevalent. Significant increases in the prevalence of some parasites were found after a stay in the shelter. Giardia spp. showed an 11-fold increase in prevalence of dogs placed in the shelters for a longer time; Cryptosporidium spp. had a 7-fold increase, Capillaria spp. a 5-fold, Spirocerca sp., Neospora/Hammondia spp., and Cystoisospora spp. a 4-fold increase over dogs examined at the time of admittance to the shelter (p<0.01). Dog in rural areas were infected significantly more frequently (p<0.01) than those in Prague. In 540 faecal samples from rural areas, the overall prevalence of parasites (i.e., protozoa and helminths mentioned below) was 41.7%. The prevalence of T. canis was 13.7%, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (8.0%), Taenia spp. (3.5%), Sarcocystis spp. (3.0%), Giardia spp. (2.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (2.0%), Trichuris sp. (1.7%), Toxascaris sp. (1.7%), Dipylidium sp. (1.3%), Neospora/Hammondia spp. (1.3%), Spirocerca sp. (1.1%), Uncinaria sp. (0.9%), Ancylostoma sp. (0.7%), and Capillaria spp. (0.6%). Examinations of dogs in urban and rural areas showed, with the exception of Trichuris sp. in Prague, a higher occurrence of nematode infection in autumn, notably T. canis (chi2>8.3, d.f.=3, p<0.04).     

A cross‐sectional study of intestinal parasitoses in dogs and children of the periurban area of La Plata (Buenos Aires,Argentina): Zoonotic importance and implications in public health

A cross‐sectional study was performed between school term dates 2014 and 2015 to diagnose intestinal parasites in dogs and children living with them. The socio‐environmental characteristics and hygiene practices of the children were also evaluated in terms of risk factors for parasitic infection of periurban neighbourhoods of La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Serial coproparasitological samples of 78 dogs and 211 children were analysed by means of concentration and flotation techniques. Socio‐environmental variables and hygiene practices of children were evaluated through semi‐structured questionnaires which were answered by every family. The study showed that 82.1% of dogs were parasitized. The specific richness was of 11 species; Ancylostoma caninum (69.2%), Uncinaria stenocephala (41.0%), Trichuris vulpis (28.2%) and Toxocara canis (21.8%) were the most prevalent. The study also revealed that 67.8% of children were positive. Also, 11 species were identified and the most prevalent were Blastocystis sp. (36.0%), Enterobius vermicularis (27.5%) and Giardia lamblia (21.3%). The risk for parasitosis was higher in 6‐year‐old children and older (OR = 1.9, 95% IC: 1.0–3.7) and in those who did not wash their hands or did it occasionally after playing with their pets (OR = 2.8, 95% IC: 1.4–5.5). Blastocystis sp. and Entamoeba coli infection risks were greater in children whose parents had a basic level of education (OR = 3.4, 95% IC: 1.3–8.7 and OR = 3.6, 95% IC: 0.8–15.9, respectively). In addition, the risk of infection for E. coli was higher in children who lived in floodable houses (OR = 4.4, 95% IC: 0.9–16.6). Likewise, the risk of infection for E. vermicularis was greater in children with onychophagia (OR = 1.6, 95% IC: 0.7–3.7) and in 6 year olds and older whose parents completed only primary studies (OR = 3.6, 95% IC: 1.4–9.1). The results obtained show the existence of a worrying epidemiological scenario that stresses the importance of zoonotic parasitosis as a serious problem of public health.     

Molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs,red foxes and golden jackals from Vojvodina,Serbia

Cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and other carnivores is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, while Dirofilaria repens usually causes a subcutaneous infection. The importance of red foxes and golden jackals in the epidemiology of dirofilariosis remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs, red foxes and golden jackals from the endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia, in order to determine and update data on their prevalence and provide insight into the epidemiological importance of wild canids.A total of 59 blood samples from stray dogs, 94 from red foxes and 32 from golden jackals were collected and screened by real-time PCR targeting a 115-bp fragment of the mitochondrial 12S gene of filarioids and by conventional PCR assay targeting a 484–524-bp fragment of 5.8S-ITS2-28S locus of filarioids.The cross-sectional molecular survey detected the filarioid mitochondrial 12S gene fragment in stray dogs (27.1 %), red foxes (8.5 %) and golden jackals (6.3 %) in the same endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia. Only D. immitis was detected in stray dogs, while both D. immitis and D. repens were detected in populations of red foxes and golden jackals. These results outline a possible interaction of D. immitis infection between the dog population and the wild canid populations, while D. repens was found to circulate mostly in golden jackals and red foxes populations.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs under veterinary care in Maracaibo, Venezuela

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs presented to the Veterinary Policlinic of the University of Zulia (PVU) was measured between January and December 2001. A total of 614 fecal samples were evaluated by the fecal flotation method. One or more species of parasites was identified in 218 (35.5%) dogs. The parasites most frequently detected were: Ancylostoma spp. (24.5%), Toxocara canis (11.4%) and Isospora spp. (8.1%). Single parasitic infections were present in 149 (24.3%) dogs. The age distribution of intestinal parasites in dogs less than 1 year old had a higher overall prevalence than those dogs over 12 months of age. There was no significant difference in the prevalence between male (38.9%) and female (31.7%) dogs. There was a significantly (P < 0.05) greater prevalence of parasites in mixed-breed dogs (40.3%) as compared with pure-breed dogs (30.8%). A significant difference (P < 0.05) was detected between the general prevalence of January and December compared to August.     

Comparison of direct immunofluorescence, immunoassays, and fecal flotation for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in naturally exposed cats in 4 Northern California animal shelters

BACKGROUND: Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are common intestinal protozoan parasites in domestic cats. Few studies have critically evaluated the performance characteristics of commercially available immunoassays for detection of these organisms in the cat. HYPOTHESIS: Human-based immunoassays are suboptimal for the detection of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in cats. ANIMALS: Three-hundred-and-forty-four cats with diarrheic and nondiarrheic fecal specimens at 4 northern California animal shelters. METHODS: A fecal specimen was collected from each cat in a case-controlled fashion. Fecal specimens were tested for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. by using centrifugation flotation and 5 commercially available immunoassays (SNAP Giardia, ProSpecT Giardia Microplate Assay, ProSpecT Cryptosporidium Microplate Assay, ImmunoCard STAT! Cryptosporidium/ Giardia Rapid Assay, and Xpect Giardia/Cryptosporidium). Results were compared with a reference standard, the MeriFluor direct immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Overall prevalences of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were 9.8 and 4.7%, respectively. The ProSpecT Microplate Assay had the highest sensitivities and specificities for Giardia spp. (91.2 and 99.4%) and Cryptosporidum spp. (71.4 and 96.7%), respectively. The SNAP Giardia antigen assay was easier to use and equally sensitive (85.3%) and specific (100%) to fecal flotation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Caution should be exercised when using human-based immunoassays for the diagnosis of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. in cats. Fecal flotation remains a useful method for detection of Giardia spp., can be used to detect other parasites, and has a sensitivity of 97.8% for detection of Giardia spp. when combined with the SNAP Giardia immunoassay.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs in some urban and rural areas of Hungary

A total of 490 canine faecal specimens collected in the eastern and northern regions of Hungary were examined for helminth eggs. From the results it appears that more than 50% of the dogs were infected with at least one parasite species. The prevalence of eggs (%) in the two regions was as follows: Toxocara canis (24.3-30.1); Trichuris vulpis (20.4-23.3); Ancylostomatidae (8.1-13.1); Capillaria spp. (0-7.3); Toxascaris leonina (2.1-0); Taenia-type (2.8-2.4); Dipylidium caninum (0.4-1); coccidia (3.5-3.4). Of the positive dogs, 8.5-18.1% harboured two or more species of parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infection was also evaluated according to the maintenance, feeding, and age of the animals. The significance of zoonotic diseases (echinococcosis, toxocarosis, ancylostomatidosis) caused by intestinal helminths makes it necessary to know the infection status of domestic dogs and to take measures for control.     

规模化全舍饲湖羊消化道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解规模化舍饲湖羊消化道寄生虫感染情况,本研究应用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法、饱和盐水漂浮法、卢戈氏碘液染色法、离心沉淀法和麦克马斯特氏计数法等对采自河南部分地区规模化全舍饲湖羊养殖场共计553份粪便样品进行了调查。调查结果显示：寄生虫总感染率高达97.47%,75.23%的样品混合感染,样品混合感染的寄生虫种类最多为5种;共查到球虫、隐孢子虫、贾第虫、阿米巴、鞭虫、圆线虫和绦虫7种寄生虫,感染率分别为90.42%、0.90%、4.88%、65.64%、12.48%、42.13%和4.88%;感染强度最大的为球虫,每克粪便的卵囊数（OPG）最高达652 000,其次为圆线虫,每克粪便的虫卵数（EPG）最高为7 000;湖羊消化道寄生虫感染无明显的年龄、性别差异（P>0.05）;季节流行动态显示,春、夏、秋三季的寄生虫感染率与冬季相比有较大差异。以上结果说明,湖羊消化道寄生虫感染较为普遍,应采取有效的综合防控措施,以保障羊群的健康发展。     

我国部分地区羊消化道寄生虫感染情况调查及球虫种类鉴定

为了解我国部分地区羊肠道寄生虫的感染情况,采用水洗离心沉淀法、卢戈氏碘液染色法和饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法,对来自全国8省16个地区共472份羊粪样品进行了肠道寄生虫的显微镜检查,并根据虫卵和卵囊形态进行了虫种鉴定。本次调查寄生虫总感染率为85.38%(403/472),混合感染率为46.40%(219/472),共查到球虫、阿米巴、线虫和绦虫4大类寄生虫,感染率分别为68.86%(325/472)、44.49%(210/472)、29.24%(138/472)和1.91%(9/472)。球虫种类鉴定结果显示共10种,分别为阿氏艾美耳球虫(Eimeri arloingi)、艾丽艾美耳球虫(Eimeri alijevi)、苍白艾美耳球虫(Eimeri pallida)、家山羊艾美耳球虫(Eimeri hirci)、山羊艾美耳球虫(Eimeri caprina)、阿撒他艾美耳球虫(Eimeri ahsata)、斑点艾美耳球虫(Eimeri punctata)、羊艾美耳球虫(Eimeri caprovina)、颗粒艾美耳球虫(Eimeri granulosa)和克氏艾美耳球虫(Eimeri chri...     

A survey of intestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Fresh fecal samples from 124 apparently healthy dogs and 333 random source canine fecal samples from dog walking areas were analyzed by centrifuged flotation in Sheather's solution to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fecal flotation was positive in 4.4% of samples. Roundworm species were found in 1.5% of samples, hookworm species were found in 0.4% of samples, whipworm species were found in 0.7%, Strongyloides spp. were found in 0.6%, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Alaria spp. were found in 0.4% of samples.     

宠物兔肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解宠物兔肠道寄生虫感染情况,采用卢戈氏碘液染色法和饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对1个宠物市场和2个宠物兔场的305份兔新鲜粪便样品进行检查。结果检出肠道寄生虫5种,总感染率为71.2%,其中球虫感染率最高,为47.2%,隐孢子虫、贾第虫、圆线虫和栓尾线虫感染率分别为2.0%、3.9%、29.5%和1.0%;不同采样点和不同年龄段宠物兔肠道寄生虫的感染率统计学差异均极显著(P<0.01),寄生虫感染随年龄增长呈递减趋势。数据表明宠物兔肠道寄生虫感染率较高,且存在人兽共患机会性原虫,应加强其寄生虫病的防治。     

Prevalence of dogs with intestinal parasites in Tochigi, Japan in 1979, 1991 and 2002

A total of 772 canine fecal specimens were collected in Tochigi in 1979, 1991 and 2001. The frequency of dogs that were kept indoor in 2002 (72.8%) was significantly higher than that for 1979 (21.2%, P < 0.001) and 1991 (40.6%, P < 0.01). The frequency of parasitized dogs in 2002 (18.8%) was significantly lower than that for 1979 (41.9%, P < 0.01). The findings of this study confirm the declining trend in Japan in the prevalence of helminth parasites in dogs, particularly Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis. The reduction in the frequency of dogs with helminths may be mainly a result of the improvement in the environment and the routine use of filaricides.     

我国宠物源人畜共患病流行现状与公共卫生安全

近年来,我国宠物饲养数量激增带来的宠物源人畜共患病隐患已日益增加。强化宠物源人畜共患病的防范意识,采取有效措施控制疫病发生,对于保障公共卫生安全具有十分重要的现实意义。对宠物源人畜共患病流行现状做一综述,分析人畜共患病高发的原因,并提出解决这一问题的对策建议。     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and genotyping of Giardia intestinalis in pet shop puppies in east Japan

The current study examined the prevalence of intestinal parasites and genotypes of Giardia intestinalis in puppies from nine pet shops in east Japan. Fresh fecal samples from 1794 puppies (≦3 months old) were collected on one occasion. Giardia spp. was examined for specific coproantigen using ELISA kit (SNAP^®Giardia, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., USA). Other intestinal parasites were detected microscopically using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Genotyping was determined for the random 29 stool samples identified as Giardia spp. positive using PCR and direct sequencing of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene. Overall prevalence of protozoan Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. revealed 23.4% and 11.3%, respectively. Prevalence of ascarids, Strongyloides spp. and hookworms were recorded 1.8%, 1.1% and 0.1%, respectively. Protozoan Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp., thus, represent important pathogens among pet shop puppies. All genotyped G. intestinalis isolates were belonged to assemblage C or D, identified as dog-specific genotypes. Zoonotic assemblage A and B were not demonstrated. The result suggests that the risk of zoonotic transmission of G. intestinalis from pet shops puppies to humans may be quite low in Japan.     

绵羊肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

应用离心沉淀法、卢戈氏碘液染色法、饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对采自河南省6个地市及吉林双辽、辽宁朝阳和山东东营共1109份绵羊粪便样品进行检查,结果发现9种(类)寄生虫,寄生虫总感染率为97.2%,以球虫感染率最高,达93.5%,卵囊数(OPG)最高值达652000;圆线虫和阿米巴感染率较高,分别为51.2%和71.3%,圆线虫卵数(EPG)最高值达69400;隐孢子虫、贾第虫、鞭虫、细颈线虫、莫尼茨绦虫和矛形双腔吸虫感染率分别为1.6%、5.7%、9.7%、0.3%、5.1%和2.6%;80.7%的绵羊阳性样品呈混合感染,最多可达5种。1岁以下和1岁以上绵羊寄生虫感染率分别为98.5%和87.5%;舍饲和放牧绵羊寄生虫感染率分别为97.5%和96.8%;寄生虫季节流行动态调查显示夏秋季节寄生虫感染率高于冬春季节。调查结果表明绵羊肠道寄生虫感染较为普遍,应加强其综合防控措施。