Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Domestic Dogs in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria: A Faecal Examination Survey Study

Oluyomi A Sowemimo and Oluyomi A Ayanniyi

Toxocariasis remain the most important parasitic infections affecting companion animals worldwide and pose a risk to animal and human health. There is still inadequate information on these infections in dogs in some parts of Nigeria. A cross sectional study was undertaken between August and December, 2015 to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helmiths of domestic dogs in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 174 faecal samples collected randomly from dogs were processed and examined for helminth eggs using modified Kato-Katz technique. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth was 41.7%. T. canis was the most frequently observed helminth parasites with a prevalence of 30.5%, while prevalence of 28.2% and 9.8% were obtained for A. caninum and D. caninum respectively. Prevalence patterns in T. canis were age dependent showing a decreasing prevalence with age of host. There was a significantly (p<0.05) greater prevalence and intensity in dogs that roam freely (39.8%; 118.2 ± 25.7 epg) as compared with kenneled dogs (10.7%; 19.3 ± 11.2 epg). T. canis, A. caninum and D. caninum were the zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths prevalent in dogs in the study area. Interventions should include establishment of a program focusing on zoonotic diseases.