The Prevalence and Assemblages of Giardia Duodenalis in Dogs: A Systematic Review in Europe

Abstract

Giardiasis is one of the most frequent causes of diarrhoeic diseases in the world. Giardia cysts are most commonly transferred via ingestion of contaminated water or food. On the basis of genetic characteristics Giardia duodenalis is classified in eight assemblages A—H. Zoonotic assemblages A and B are increasingly found in isolates from dogs which may constitute the reservoir of human giardiasis. This article presents a brief review of G. duodenalis assemblages detected in dogs that were documented in European countries.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in dogs and cats: Age-related predisposition, symptomatic, and asymptomatic cyst shedding

“…In most cases, dogs and cats are infected with species-specific isolates of G. duodenalis ; however, genotypes A and B, which are common to humans [ 3 , 4 , 17 – 19 ], are also present. Close contact with family members is likely when dogs and cats are housed [ 6 , 10 ].…”

“…Giardiasis is a parasitic disease caused by flagellate protozoans [1,2]. In both developed and developing countries, these protozoa frequently cause acute gastroenteritis in humans and many animal species worldwide [3][4][5]. Giardia duodenalis parasitizes the small intestine and disrupts parietal digestion [4].…”

“…In both developed and developing countries, these protozoa frequently cause acute gastroenteritis in humans and many animal species worldwide [3][4][5]. Giardia duodenalis parasitizes the small intestine and disrupts parietal digestion [4]. The clinical picture is diverse, with dyspeptic manifestations in the form of diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, and weight loss being the most characteristic signs [4,6].…”

“…Giardia duodenalis parasitizes the small intestine and disrupts parietal digestion [4]. The clinical picture is diverse, with dyspeptic manifestations in the form of diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, and weight loss being the most characteristic signs [4,6]. Factors such as the state of the immune system, G. duodenalis genotype, age of the animal, and the presence of concomitant gastrointestinal diseases may also influence the manifestation of the disease [2,4,[7][8][9][10][11].…”

“…The clinical picture is diverse, with dyspeptic manifestations in the form of diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, and weight loss being the most characteristic signs [4,6]. Factors such as the state of the immune system, G. duodenalis genotype, age of the animal, and the presence of concomitant gastrointestinal diseases may also influence the manifestation of the disease [2,4,[7][8][9][10][11]. In spite of its worldwide distribution, the problem of giardiasis is most acute in hot countries, where the prevalence of giardiasis depends on sociocultural and sanitary conditions [9,[12][13][14][15].…”