Dogs' Gastrointestinal Parasites and their Association with Public Health in Iran.

INTRODUCTION

Dogs harbour zoonotic parasites that cause serious infections in humans, such as visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, cystic echinococcosis, and alveolar echinococcosis. Studies on dogs' gastrointestinal parasites in different geographical locations are required to increase knowledge of the risk of canine zoonoses in human populations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The presence of parasites was examined in 450 faecal samples collected from eight zones of Zanjan province, northwest Iran from June to November 2015. The samples were examined using the sedimentation concentration method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining.

RESULTS

Gastrointestinal parasites were found in 86 (19.1%) faecal samples. spp. (7.3%), spp. (5.6%), spp. (1.8%), and spp. (1.6%) were the most common parasites observed. The other detected parasites consisted of (0.7%), spp. (0.7%), spp. (0.4%), spp. (0.4%), spp. (1.3%), and (1.3%). The lowest parasite infection rates belonged to and (0.2% each).

CONCLUSION

This study provides current information on the infection rates in dog populations in Zanjan Province. Furthermore, the study shows a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections, including zoonotic ones and particularly spp., potentially transmissible to humans and thus relevant to public health.