Gastrointestinal parasites of canines and felines: a One Health question

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the canine and feline gastrointestinal parasites (GIP), domiciled and non-domiciled, in seven cities in the state of Pernambuco and, thus, to evaluate the environmental contamination and the risk of transmission of parasites with zoonotic potential. Two hundred fifty-six fecal samples from canines (n=183) and felines (n=73) were collected, which were processed by the modified Sheather flotation (with 1.3d hypersaturated sucrose solution) and the spontaneous sedimentation methods. In 86 (33.6%) samples, helminths and/or protozoa were detected. The GIP identified in dogs were: Ancylostoma sp. (42/55; 76.4%), Trichuris vulpis (9/55; 16.4%), Toxocara canis (5/55; 9.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (3/55; 5.45%), Dipylidium caninum (3/55; 5.45%) and Cystoisospora sp. (3/55; 5.45%). In cats, Toxocara. cati (5/30; 16.6%), Coccidia (19/30; 63.3%), Dipylidium caninum (3/30; 10%) and Ancylostoma sp. (3/30; 10%). Five of the eight GIP identified have zoonotic potential. These results demonstrate the importance of parasitological diagnosis based on the identification of parasites that can affect not only animal health, but also human health from environmental contamination. This study should support health education actions with tutors and continued training with veterinarians for the prevention of gastrointestinal parasites in animals and the transmission of parasitic zoonoses from the perspective of One Health, which advocates the mitigation of health risks at the interface animal-human-environment.