Intestinal parasites in dogs from a high-Andean community in Peru: prevalence and associated factors in Picup (Huaraz, Áncash)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30972/vet.3719288Keywords:
Ancylostoma, Toxocara canis, helminths, One Health, zoonoses, Central AndesAbstract
Enteroparasitosis in dogs constitutes a veterinary and public health challenge in rural Andean settings. This observational, cross-sectional and analytical study assessed infection prevalence, co-infection patterns, and associated factors in 105 owned dogs sampled door-to-door in Picup during January–February 2022. Fecal samples were examined using direct smear with saline/Lugol, Sheather’s flotation, spontaneous sedimentation, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining. The prevalence of at least one parasite was 65.7% (69/105; 95% CI: 56.2–74.1). The most frequently detected parasites were Ancylostoma spp. (47.6% overall; 72.5% among positives), Toxocara canis (16.2%), Trichuris vulpis (10.5%), Dipylidium caninum (7.6%) and Cystoisospora spp. (7.6%), while Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 1.0%. Among positive dogs, monoparasitism predominated (68.1%), followed by biparasitism (26.1%) and triparasitism (5.8%). Male dogs showed a higher prevalence than females (PR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.10-2.31; p = 0.013), and reported external deworming was associated with higher prevalence of infection (PR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.01-1.90; p = 0.042). No associations were found with age, street access, cohabitation with other species, dog function, diet type, number of dogs per household, previous endoparasitic infection, or internal deworming (all p > 0.05). In the multivariable analysis, male dogs (aPR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.20-2.41; p = 0.003) and external deworming (aPR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.16-2.08; p = 0.003) were associated with a higher prevalence of enteroparasites, while vaccination showed a protective effect (aPR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54-0.91; p = 0.008). These findings indicate a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, dominated by hookworms, and highlight the need to implement One Health strategies.
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