Epizootiology of endoparasitic infections in pet dogs and cats presented to a veterinary teaching hospital

Prevalences of, and risk factors associated with, protozoan and helminth parasite infections were determined for pet dogs and cats presented to the teaching hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Of 2294 canine fecal specimens, 34.8% were found to contain one or more kinds of parasite, consisting of: hookworms (14.4%); Trichuris vulpis (12.3%); Giardia (7.2%); ascarids (5.5%); coccidia (2.7%); cestodes (1.6%). The following risk factors were identified with infection in dogs: age less than 2 years; urban locality; male sex. Gonadectomy was associated with decreased parasite prevalences in both male and female dogs. Significant seasonal variations in prevalences of hookworm, ascarid and Giardia infections were found in dogs. Of 452 feline fecal specimens tested, 24.6% were positive for parasites, including: ascarids (16.4%); Giardia (3.5%); coccidia (2.9%); cestodes (2.4%); hookworm (1.1%). Host age of less than 2 years was a significant risk factor associated with parasitism in cats. Of 1571 dogs tested for Dirofilaria immitis microfilaremia, 3.7% were positive. Non-urban locality was a significant risk factor for D. immitis infection in dogs.     

Survey of parasites and bacterial pathogens from free-living waterfowl in zoological settings

To determine if free-living waterfowl residing in a zoological setting pose health risks for its animal collections, visitors, and employees, 450 fecal samples were collected and cultured for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Pasteurella multocida. A survey of endoparasites infecting the waterfowl was also conducted. Sixty-seven percent, 42%, and 1.7% of the samples tested positive for E. coli, C. jejuni, and Salmonella spp., respectively. No P. multocida was isolated from the sampled population. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for the bacterial isolates demonstrated that a majority of the isolates were susceptible to the antibiotics tested. A survey for parasites revealed 16% of the samples had coccidia oocytes; 8% of the sample had spirurid ova; and 17% of the sample had strongylate-type nematode ova. Ascaris spp. ova, Capillaria spp. ova, oxyurid ova, and mites were also noted in some fecal samples.     

Prevalence of selected zoonotic and vector-borne agents in dogs and cats in Costa Rica

To estimate the prevalence of enteric parasites and selected vector-borne agents of dogs and cats in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica, fecal and serum samples were collected from animals voluntarily undergoing sterilization. Each fecal sample was examined for parasites by microscopic examination after fecal flotation and for Giardia and Cryptosporidium using an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Giardia and Cryptosporidium IFA positive samples were genotyped after PCR amplification of specific DNA if possible. The seroprevalence rates for the vector-borne agents (Dirofilaria immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) were estimated based on results from a commercially available ELISA. Enteric parasites were detected in samples from 75% of the dogs; Ancylostoma caninum, Trichuris vulpis, Giardia, and Toxocara canis were detected. Of the cats, 67.5% harbored Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Ancylostoma tubaeforme, or Toxocara cati. Both Cryptosporidium spp. isolates that could be sequenced were Cryptosporidium parvum (one dog isolate and one cat isolate). Of the Giardia spp. isolates that were successfully sequenced, the 2 cat isolates were assemblage A and the 2 dog isolates were assemblage D. D. immitis antigen and E. canis antibodies were identified in 2.3% and 3.5% of the serum samples, respectively. The prevalence of enteric zoonotic parasites in San Isidro de El General in Costa Rica is high in companion animals and this information should be used to mitigate public health risks.     

Dirofilaria immitis and its potential mosquito vectors in central New York State.

Screening of 25,822 dog blood samples indicated approximately a 1% infection rate with Dirofilaria immitis. Dipetalonema reconditum microfilariae were found in approximately 2% of 1,876 feral dogs examined. Laboratory experimentation indicated that 6 of 10 local mosquito species examined allowed successful extrinsic incubation of D immitis. Indices of experimental infection indicated Aedes triseriatus and Anopheles quadrimaculatus were excellent hosts for D immitis, but other factors considered, Aedes vexans probably served as the primary vector of D immitis. Coquillettidia perturbans and Culex pipiens-restuans group were considered unsuitable hosts and thus unlikely vectors of canine heartworm. Natural filarial infections were found in An quadrimaculatus and Ae vexans.     

Survey of Fascioloides magna in farmed wapiti in Alberta

The formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation procedure was used to detect ova of the giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, in feces of farmed wapiti in Alberta. Twenty (3.2%) of the 629 fecal samples examined contained ova of F. magna. Thirteen (33.3%) of the 39 farms surveyed had wapiti positive for F. magna. The presence of F. magna in farmed wapiti north of the North Saskatchewan River is confirmed, and 3 areas where the infection has become endemic are identified.     

Helminth parasites of dogs from two resource-limited communities in South Africa

Biological samples were collected from dogs in resource-limited communities in the North-West and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa to assess the prevalence of helminth parasitism. These samples included adhesive tape peri-anal skin swabs and fresh faecal samples for helminth examination, and thick and thin blood films (smears) and whole-blood samples in anticoagulant for examination of filarial nematode microfilariae and haemoprotozoa. The eggs of Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Dipylidium caninum and taeniids were identified. None of the blood samples and smears tested positive for microfilariae of Dirofilaria immitis or Dipetalonema spp. or for haemoprotozoa. The adhesive tape swabs were negative for cestode eggs and segments. Most of the helminth parasites identified in this study are zoonotic and consequently are regarded as a public health hazard.     

内蒙古某牲畜交易市场绵羊肠道蠕虫感染情况调查

[目的] 掌握内蒙古某大型牲畜交易市场绵羊肠道蠕虫的感染情况。[方法] 2020年7月—2021年6月逐月收集该市场绵羊粪便样本12次,共1 082份,采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法进行虫卵检查,对绵羊感染的肠道蠕虫卵进行形态学鉴定。采用统计学方法比较不同月份、年龄、性别绵羊肠道蠕虫感染率差异。[结果] 282份粪便样本呈蠕虫卵阳性,感染率为26.1%（282/1 082）。鉴定出6种蠕虫,以圆线虫为主要感染虫种,感染率为16.5%（179/1 082）;鞭虫、莫尼茨绦虫、细颈线虫、蛲虫和钩虫的感染率分别为7.8%（84/1 082）、3.2%（35/1 082）、1.9%（21/1 082）、0.6%（7/1 082）和0.1%（1/1 082）。10月和11月绵羊的肠道蠕虫感染率较高,分别为47.4%（45/95）和43.7%（38/87）;1月和2月绵羊的肠道蠕虫感染率较低,分别为13.0%（12/92）和12.2%（11/90）;不同采样月绵羊肠道蠕虫感染率统计学差异极显著（χ²=63.957,df=11,P<0.01）。≤6月龄、7~12月龄和>1岁的绵羊肠道蠕虫感染率分别为14.5%（56/385）、31.1%（161/517）和36.1%（65/180）,不同年龄段绵羊肠道蠕虫的感染率统计学差异极显著（χ²=42.853,df=2,P<0.01）。公羊和母羊的肠道蠕虫感染率分别为24.3%（102/420）和27.2%（180/662）,无统计学差异（P>0.05）。[结论] 该牲畜交易市场绵羊肠道蠕虫感染与季节、年龄有关,应针对性确定防治方案。     

Helminths of goats in Mongolia

Post-mortem examinations of 236 goats from all provinces in Mongolia were performed for the study of helminths in goats. Thirty-nine helminth species belonging to three classes, 14 families and 23 genera were found. Trichocephalus spiralis and Avitellina centripunctata are reported for the first time in goats in Mongolia. The prevalence and intensity of helminth infections are reported for three age groups of goats in four seasons and three geographic zones in Mongolia. Common helminth infections of goats in all zones of Mongolia were infections of Ostertagia, Marshallagia and Nematodirus. In addition, fecal samples of 15 kids, 15 yearlings and 15 adult goats were examined monthly for eggs. The highest number of eggs per gram (EPG) of feces was counted in March (average 1335.3+/-405.3) and the lowest count was in November (54+/-18.6).     

哈尔滨北方森林动物园观赏肉食目动物寄生蠕虫感染情况调查

为了解哈尔滨北方森林动物园观赏肉食目动物寄生蠕虫的感染状况，于2009年3～5月采用饱和盐水漂浮法和水洗沉淀法对犬、猫、熊和浣熊4科的67只观赏肉食目动物粪便进行了蠕虫虫卵检查。结果有19只检出虫卵，感染率为28．4％。其中猫科、熊科、浣熊科、犬科的感染率分别为63．6％、16．7％、14．3％和5．0％，在检出的虫卵中，各种蛔虫卵占优势。该调查为动物园制定肉食目动物驱虫方案奠定了基础。     

The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in South Australia

Heart, lung and samples of blood from 230 dogs were examined for infections of filarial parasites. Dirofilaria immitis worms and microfilariae were detected in one dog. Blood samples from a further 1428 dogs were examined for microfilariae and 22 were found to be infected. Eighteen dogs were infected with D immitis microfilariae and four with Dipetolonema reconditum microfilariae. The histories were available for 18 of the dogs infected with heartworm and only seven dogs had not travelled outside South Australia. It was concluded that heartworm infection was endemic in South Australia but the apparent prevalence was only about 1%.     

Prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminths found in free-ranging golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia, Primates, Callitrichidae) from Brazilian Atlantic forest

Helminth identification and egg counts were performed in 316 fecal samples during 4 years in 199 golden lion tamarins (GLTs), Leontopithecus rosalia, from two Brazilian conservation units. Tamarin sex and age, area of occurrence and helminth co-infection were tested as potential factors that could affect helminth prevalence and egg shedding in host individuals. Three nematodes species were found at low prevalences but not in both conservation units: Ancylostomatidae (12%), Ascarididae (1%) and Tripanoxyuris minutus, an Oxyuridae (4%). Three other species had high prevalences and were found in both conservation units: one acanthocephalan, Oncicola sp. (30%), and two nematodes, Spiruridae (24%), and Trichostrongylidae (31%). These three latter helminths had distinct prevalences between the conservation units, probably due to differences in availability of helminth infective stages in each area. Prevalences were greater in females for all helminth species; this was especially the case for Oncicola sp. Sex and age differences in helminth prevalence may be associated with changes in sexual steroid levels that accompany age and reproductive status. Frequency of simultaneous infections by the two helminths considered most pathogenic (Oncicola and Trichostrongylidae) were statistically lower than expected; this may be related to: (i) higher tamarin death rate caused by the association; (ii) differences in exposure to helminth infective stages in the various areas of occurrence; (iii) and competition between these helminth species. All helminth species followed a negative binomial distribution, with stronger clumping occurring in Trichostrongylidae and in female GLTs. Distinct transmission strategies of Oncicola sp. and Spiruridae, in contrast with Trichostrongylidae, may partially explain the different clumping levels of these helminths in GLTs. Mean fecal egg counts of all helminths were not different between GLT sexes, ages or areas of occurrence. The three most common helminth species may be a threat to isolated or dense GLT populations.     

Occurrence of hydatidosis in slaughter buffaloes (Bos bubalis) and helminths in stray dogs in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

The study aimed at identifying the occurrence of hydatidosis in slaughter buffaloes and helminth eggs, particularly Taenia spp. eggs in stray dogs' fecal samples in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The study period was from November, 2004 to April, 2005. A total of 500 buffalo carcasses in a slaughterhouse, at the riversides and individual butchers'sites were examined for the presence of hydatid cysts. The cyst fluid was collected and microscopically examined to determine if it was fertile or not. Of the 500 carcasses examined, 10.6% had hydatid cysts. Specifically, the slaughterhouse carcasses had a 6.7% occurrence of hydatid cysts, whereas those examined at riversides and individual butcher places had 10.0% and 12.7%, respectively. Distributions of the hydatid cysts by specific organs showed single occurrence of 6.4% in lungs, 2.4% in livers and 1.8% in both, livers and lungs. In a total of 53 infected buffaloes, 58.5% were fertile and 41.5% sterile cysts. Overall, 366 faecal samples from stray dogs were collected around buffaloes slaughtering areas (slaughterhouse and individual butcher places), riversides, garbage sites and temple sites. These samples were examined by formalin-ether concentration technique to investigate the presence of different helminth eggs. The total prevalence of Taenia, hookworms, Trichuris/Capillaria,Toxocara, Spirometra and Physaloptera eggs were 12.8%, 18.3%, 19.1%, 12.8%, 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively.     

江苏省规模化猪场蠕虫感染情况调查

为了解江苏省规模化猪场蠕虫的感染情况，笔者从徐州、泰州、宿迁、盐城、扬州和南通6个地区的12个规模化养猪场随机采集937份粪便样品，采用离心沉淀法、饱和氯化钠漂浮法和饱和硫酸镁漂浮法对粪便样品进行了检查。结果显示，在12个养殖场均发现寄生虫感染，粪便样品中蠕虫虫卵的检出率为7.6%。徐州地区的两个猪场感染率最高，合计达20.7%；泰州地区的两个猪场感染率最低，仅有1.7%。宿迁、盐城、扬州和南通地区的调查猪场感染率分别为6.5%、8.2%、5.4%和5.4%。调查显示，感染虫种包括蛔虫、鞭虫、后圆线虫、食道口线虫和类圆线虫，其中蛔虫和食道口线虫的感染率较高，分别为5.2%和3.6%。徐州、宿迁、盐城、扬州和南通5个地区的猪场内存在蛔虫和鞭虫、蛔虫和食道口线虫，以及蛔虫和后圆线虫混合感染的情况。经比较发现，妊娠母猪和哺乳母猪的肠道寄生虫感染率高于其他生产阶段，仔猪感染率最低。检查中未见绦虫、吸虫和棘头虫等虫卵。本研究结果表明，江苏地区的规模化猪场普遍存在线虫感染的情况，蛔虫、食道口线虫和鞭虫感染强度较高，定期驱虫有助于规模化猪场线虫病的防控。     

A survey on environmental contamination of suburban parks and playgrounds in Harare, Zimbabwe, with canine helminths of zoonotic significance

In an attempt to assess the possible risk to humans of soil-transmitted canine helminths of of zoonotic significance, 161 faecal samples and 81 soil samples were collected from 6 public parks and playgrounds in Harare between March and June 1998 and examined for nematode ova. Of the 161 faecal samples collected, 17.4% were positive for Ancylostoma sp. ova and 5.6% were positive for T. canis ova. No other nematode species ova were found. Over 50% of the faecal samples positive for Ancylostoma sp. ova were 'moist', and this suggests that the moisture content of faeces contributes to the development and survival of this parasite in the environment. Only 3 of the 81 soil samples collected were positive for T. canis. The low levels of contamination of public playgrounds and parks with T. canis ova suggests that environmental contamination might not be important in the aetiology of human toxocarosis in Harare.     

Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis and Dipetalonema reconditum in greyhounds

Blood samples from 331 greyhounds in the Hunter Valley and nearby coastal areas of New South Wales were examined for microfilariae using a filtration technique. Species were identified by histochemical staining; 10.9% of the greyhounds were infected with Dirofilaria immitis and 3.6% with Dipetalonema reconditum. The prevalence of infection of both species was significantly greater in summer than in winter (p = less than 0.05). Infection with D. immitis was correlated with differences in age, sex, bodyweight and coat colour, and a reported lack of stamina and the presence of a cough. No significant association was found. Diethylcarbamazine citrate was used for prophylaxis in 8.8% of all the greyhounds examined.     

Prevalence of fecal contamination in sandpits in public parks in Sapporo City, Japan

A total of 107 sandpits in public parks in Sapporo City were examined, 9 and 73 were contaminated with helminth eggs and fecal coliforms, respectively. Of the nine in which eggs were detected, eight were contaminated with Toxocara spp. and one with Capillaria spp. eggs. The contamination rate of sandpits of more than 30 m2 ranged from 43 to 50%, while in those 30 m2 or less it was between 73 and 92%. Although helminth eggs were evenly distributed throughout all layers of the sandpits, fecal coliforms were localized on the sandpit surfaces. Recovered Toxocara eggs were identified according to their size and surface structures, and almost all eggs were T. cati. Based on these results, and given the inherent habits of cats, measures to prevent their defecation in sandpits are needed, especially ones of smaller size.     

Heterobilharzia americana infection in a dog

A 7-year-old castrated male Golden Retriever cross was evaluated because of intermittent blood-tinged diarrhea, severe weight loss, anorexia, and lethargy of 2 months' duration; the dog was unresponsive to antimicrobial and standard anthelmintic treatment. Results of fecal flotations for parasite ova were negative. Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase activities and total protein and globulin conentrations were greater than reference ranges. Biopsy specimens were obtained during laparotomy and examination revealed multiple granulomatous lesions with helminth ova nidi in the intestine, pancreas, liver, and mesenteric lymph node. Saline solution direct smear and saline solution sedimentation of feces yielded trematode ova that were morphologically consistent with Heterobilharzia americana. Identification was confirmed when miracidia were hatched from these ova and produced characteristic cercariae from infected snails. An antigen capture ELISA, typically used for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in humans, was performed, and schistosome circulating anodic antigen was detected. Treatment with 30 mg of praziquantel/kg (14 mg/lb) of body weight stopped ova shedding, removed detectable circulating antigens, and caused the dog's body weight and attitude to return to normal. Although this is the first report of canine heterobilharziasis in North Carolina, it suggests that heterobilharziasis is underdiagnosed in dogs that have contact with water frequented by raccoons. Inappropriate diagnostic procedures can foil accurate detection of this parasitic disease.     

Prevalence of the Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection, and to examine the relationship between host factors (gender, age and breed) and D. immitis infection in dogs. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. A total of 676 dogs were examined for D. immitis infection. Adult worms (necropsy) and blood samples were collected from all animals for diagnosis of D. immitis. Blood samples were examined using a modified Knott's and thick drop techniques. Fifty-six of 676 dogs were diagnosed infected with D. immitis. The odds of infection were 2.85 times higher in female dogs, compared to male dogs (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.5-5.5, P = 0.01). In addition, the odds of infection were 2.11 times higher in > or =3 years old dogs, compared with younger dogs (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.1-4.2, P = 0.03). This information is important for a better understanding of the epidemiology of D. immitis in dogs in Yucatan, Mexico.     

圈养大熊猫蠕虫病感染情况调查

为了解圈养大熊猫蠕虫病感染情况,采用饱和硫酸镁离心漂浮法对从四川地区采集的210份圈养大熊猫粪便样品进行了蠕虫虫卵的检测,结果只检出了西氏贝蛔虫(Baylisascaris schroederi)虫卵,粪样蛔虫卵阳性率为25.71%(54/210)。在不同饲养单位以及不同月份,大熊猫西氏贝蛔虫的感染率存在显著差异(P0.05),但不同年龄和性别的大熊猫西氏贝蛔虫感染率差异不显著(P0.05)。     

望江县长江江滩放牧牛蠕虫感染状况调查

为了解安徽省望江县江滩放牧牛寄生蠕虫的感染情况,本研究采用饱和盐水漂浮法、沉淀法、贝尔曼法对此地区的115头放牧牛的新鲜粪便进行检查,同时对虫种感染率以及不同品种、性别、年龄牛感染率进行了统计分析。调查结果显示,当地放牧牛感染的蠕虫有夏伯特线虫、捻转血矛线虫、奥斯特线虫、肝片吸虫以及肺线虫,总感染率达到90.4%(104/115)。其中捻转血矛线虫为感染优势虫种,感染率达70.4%;捻转血矛线虫、夏伯特线虫在雄牛和雌牛中感染率的差异具有显著性统计学意义。调查结果对长江流域江滩放牧牛蠕虫病防治工作以及了解蠕虫与宿主的相互关系具有一定参考意义。