Canine Gastrointestinal Nematodiases and Associated Risk Factors in Kigali City, Rwanda

Abstract

Canine nematodes pose a public health risk to humans and livestock; however, the prevalence of canine nematodiases in Rwanda is unknown. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of canine nematodiases and identifying the risk factors for such infections in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. A cross-sectional study involved 93 dogs selected across Kigali city. Faecal samples were collected from apparently healthy dogs, and nematode eggs were identified and quantified using the McMaster technique. Risk factors for canine nematodiases were analysed by a multivariable binary logistic regression model. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodiases in dogs was 33.3% (95% CI: 23.8–42.9). The most prevalent species was Ancylostoma spp with 32.3% (95% CI: 22.8–41.8). Nearly 38.7% and 3.2% of the dogs infected with Ancylostoma spp and Toxocara canis had high egg counts per gram (EPG) of faeces (≥550), respectively. Approximately 96.8% of dogs infected with nematodes had monoinfection. Logistic regression analysis showed that dog’s age (1 to 2.5 years old), location (Gasabo and Kicukiro districts), and feeding practices were significantly associated with prevalence of canine nematodiases. In particular, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was more than 5 times higher for dogs fed on uncooked animal products and leftovers from households and restaurants compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The AOR was also about 16 times higher for dogs that scavenged and ate leftovers from households compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of GI nematodes in domestic dogs in Kigali city, Rwanda, was 33.3% (95% CI: 23.8–42.9). The identified nematodes, namely, Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara canis, are zoonotic, and dogs and humans are at risk of contracting these nematodes. The factors associated with canine GI nematodes in Kigali city include feeding practices and the dog’s age and location (district). Dog owners need to rethink procedures for deworming and feeding their dogs. Again, the public should be made aware of the role of dogs in transmitting zoonotic nematodes to humans.

Perceptions, attitudes and practices regarding canine zoonotic helminthiases among dog owners in Nyagatare district, Rwanda

“…Such circumstances would predispose dog owners and farmers towards sourcing animal health information from their peers rather than veterinarians. The 61.6% of our respondents who acquired information on canine zoonotic helminths from colleagues and friends was higher than 48% found in Ethiopia (Kiflu et al., 2016). Again, 14.3% of those who sourced it from professionals, including veterinarians, was lower than 18.6% (Kiflu et al., 2016).…”

“…In a study conducted in dogs in Rwanda, the prevalence of Ancylostoma spp was 32.3% while that of Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma spp coinfection represented 1.1% (Ntampaka et al, 2021). Another study conducted in school children in Rwanda reported the prevalence of hookworms of 1.9% (Kabatende et al, 2020).…”

“…The same study also reported that 24% knew that dogs could spread zoonotic parasites to humans and that 13% adopted appropriate practices of dog feeding (feeding them in a bowl) while 46% never dewormed their dogs. Previous studies reported a level of awareness of transmission of zoonotic parasites from dogs to humans that varied between 4.6%−10% (Kiflu et al., 2016; Panigrahi et al., 2014). Therefore, this study aimed to understand the perceptions, attitudes and practices regarding CZH among dog owners in Nyagatare district, Rwanda.…”

Prevalence of Canine Helminthosis and Anthelminthic Usage Pattern at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

“…On the other hand, retrospective/ prospective studies conducted by Idika et al [24] in Nigeria, reported that dogs aged above 1 year had significantly (p < 0.05) higher prevalence (30.8%) than younger ones (20.9%). In Rwanda, the prevalence reported was 33.3% and dog's age, location, and feeding habits were associated risk factors [37]. The higher prevalence rate in young dogs, as seen in this study, might be due to their low innate immunity as well as transplacental and transmammary passage of larvae to them [38].…”

Incidence Proportion, Risk Factors and Blood Hematological Profile of Dogs with a Diagnosis of Helminthiasis in Gunung Kidul Regency

“…Factors can affect the proportion of helminthiasis in dogs such as age, sex, dog breed, food, environment, accuracy of sample examination, deworming, and geographic location (8). Knowing the epidemiological pattern of helminthiasis in different areas will provide a basic strategy for controlling helminthiasis.…”