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Infections and risk factors with zoonotic intestinal helminths in puppies attending for governmental veterinary services in Libertador Municipality, Caracas, Venezuela

Abstract:

Intestinal helminths of dogs are pathogens with zoonotic potential for humans. Dogs can be effectively treated by anthelmintic drugs, but the control of parasitic diseases may be difficult in those countries that are suffering an economic crisis. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminths in puppies attending to governmental veterinary services in Libertador Municipality, Caracas, Venezuela, and the risk factors associated to the parasitic infections. A questionnaire was designed to collect information about the dog and their owner, dog management practices and to assess owners' awareness about the risks of parasites for animal and human health. Fecal samples obtained from the puppies between 1-6 months old (n = 272) were analyzed by microscopy after flotation technique with saturated sucrose solution. Associations between parasitism, host and management practices were quantified by univariate analyses and odds ratios. Helminths eggs were found in 66.3 % of the samples (180/272); Toxocara canis, Dipyllidium caninum and Ancylostoma spp. in 45.2; 11.8 and 5.5 %, respectively. Of 82.5% of the puppies restricted at home, 66.82% were parasitized. Female owner, frequency of cleaning of feces and knowledge about zoonoses caused by dog parasites constituted risk factors by univariate analysis. Due to the high level of infected puppies and that most of the owners ignore about zoonotic risks of parasites, dogs can be a major source to human infections in Libertador Municipality in Caracas.