Prevalence of Echinococcus infection in dogs in Akola district of Maharashtra (India) by Copro- PCR.

A study on prevalence of Echinococcus infection in dogs was carried out in Akola district of Maharashtra state in India. Total 289 fresh fecal samples of dogs (stray and domesticated) from seven tahsils of Akola district were collected and were analyzed by conventional floatation method as well as by PCR. The overall prevalence of E. granulosus infection in dogs was found to be 6.57%. Numerically higher prevalence was observed by PCR method (6.57%) compared to conventional floatation methods (2.77%) indicating PCR is more specific techniques for Echinococcus infection in dog's fecal samples. The numerically higher prevalence was recorded in Akola tahsil (9.84%) followed by Akot (9.30%), Patur (8.82%), Telhara (6.25%), Barshi Takli (4%), Balapur (3.85%) and Murtijapur (2.38%). It was observed those dogs around the slaughter houses and in rural areas was more prevalent compared to domesticated and in resided in town. It is thus concluded that Echinococcal infection is prevalent in Akola district of Maharashtra.