Potentially zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Lunugala Tea estate community in Central Sri Lanka

Abstract

Coprological examination of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and their life stages in humans and dogs and in soil was carried out in a low income tea estate community in the Central Province. This community has limited access to public health facilities and veterinary services and lives in close contact with free roaming dogs. Parasites in faeces were isolated and identified morphologically and morphometrically using microscopical methods, followed by molecular confirmation of selected protozoans. Soil samples collected from the neighbourhood were analyzed for soil inhabiting parasitic stages. Of the 50 dogs examined, 86.0% was infected with one or more parasites with a significantly higher number of dogs having mixed infections than single infections. Dogs harboured 13 GI parasites, of which nine were known zoonotic species: Toxocara canis, Strongyloides sp., Entamoeba coli, hookworm, Trichuris sp., Giardia duodenalis, Spirocerca lupi, Toxascaris sp., and Taenia sp. Additionally Entamoeba histolytica, coccidia, unidentified trematodes and cestodes were also found in dogs. Six types of GI parasites were identified in humans, of these four types, E. coli, G. duodenalis, Strongyloides sp. and Blastocystis sp. were potentially acquired from animals. A total of 16 soil samples were analyzed, of which 44.4% were carrying infective nematode L 3 larvae and eggs, cysts of E. coli and eggs of T. canis all of which were zoonotic. High prevalence of zoonotic infections in dog population and in soil poses a serious health threat to the community. Results highlight the importance of regular deworming of both humans and dogs and reducing environmental contamination, a One Health approach incorporating veterinary and public health interventions in the surveillance and management of zoonoses.

Effect of Soil Temperature on Canine Soil-Transmitted Nematodes in Kandy District with the First Record of Hookworm, Ancylostoma tubaeforme from Sri Lanka

“…prevalence of nematode infections of the free-roaming dogs in Digana and Pussellawa (93.2%) was comparable to the prevalence (76-97%) recorded in previous studies (e.g., Hantana, Peradeniya and Talawakelle) in the country [15][16][17]24]. Sampled dogs were infected with both single (40.9%, n = 18 ) and mixed infections with two or more parasite species (52.3%, n = 23).…”

“…In addition, the large number of free-roaming dogs in the neighbourhoods in Sri Lanka poses a serious public health risk to the communities. Although gastrointestinal parasites in both humans [13,14] and dogs [15][16][17] have been studied in different climatic areas of the country, the effect of soil temperature on the prevalence of different STNs has not been investigated comparatively.…”

Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions Regarding Rabies Prevention Among Rural Communities in Masaka District, Central Uganda: A Qualitative Study

“…Dogs are kept under homebased tethering (chaining or in a cage) and free roaming rearing methods ( 19 ). In this study, it was noted that there are specific dogs that do not belong to any of these two major systems and are referred to as “stray dogs.” Dogs that are not under anyone's management or ownership freely mingle with the community dogs, posing a risk to animal and public health ( 20 ). Indeed, all free roaming dogs pose a potential risk for disease transmission (in case of non-vaccination status) or other harm, even if they just roam during the night.…”

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminth Infections of Stray Dogs of Public Health Significance in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

“…The eggs from these ascarids are common environmental contaminants of human habitation [10]. Higher rates of soil contamination (10-30%) with Toxocara eggs have been found globally in the vicinity where children commonly play, like backyards, playing grounds, and recreational parks, and viable eggs can survive for up to fifty-two weeks [11], [26] [45]. Mohammed [10] reported that out of 764 soil samples collected from relaxation parks in Abuja, Nigeria, helminth eggs were found in 68% of the samples studied.…”