Human health importance zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths and ectoparasites among stray dogs in Galle District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A notably high stray and semi domesticated dog population exist in close proximity to humans in Sri Lanka. However, the prevalence of gastrointestinal and ecto-parasites among these stray dog population has been limitedly studied. Therefore, the present investigation focused on zoonotic potential among stray dog community in Sri Lanka. METHODS: A total of 110 stray dogs randomly captured from the Galle District of Sri Lanka during May to July 2018 was considered for the study. Freshly voided fecal samples were obtained. Ectoparasites were collected using a lose comb and stored in an alcohol solution. Presence of major gastrointestinal and ectoparasitic species were investigated using standard microscopic methods. The Chi-square test of independence was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The highest egg count as Eggs per Gram (EPG) were detected from A. caninum (264.65 + 86.02 EPG), followed by T. canis (58.38 + 7.22 EPG) and E. vermicularis (22.70 + 5.70 EPG). Approximately one third of the stray dog population (29.1%; n= 32) indicated ectoparasitic infestations, dominated by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (40.9%; n=45), Ctenocephalides canis (23.6%; n=26) and Ixodes scapularis (19.1%; n=21). The results of the Chi-square test of independence denoted that there was a significant difference on the prevalence of helminthic parasites, among male and female stray dog populations (χ2= 15.19, df = 7, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed the potential risk on human health by intestinal helminthic and ectoparasites among stray dog populations. Hence, better understanding of such diseases and their control is essential.