Dynamics of intestinal parasite infections in domestic dogs in the city of Perm

Abstract

The purpose of the research is comparative analysis of the dynamics of intestinal helminth and protozoa infections in domestic dogs in Perm, and establishment of a relationship between the prevalence of infection with certain pathogens.Materials and methods. Samples of feces from domestic dogs from Perm were material for the study. Feces were examined by the combined Kotelnikov-Khrenov method and method of successive washing. The results were processed statistically using the Statistica 10.0 software.Results and discussion. The prevalence of infection with parasites over a 15-year period ranged from 15.38% in 2006 to 44.30% in 2008, and 26.54% in average. The leading position is occupied by Sarcocystis spp. (Lankester, 1882) – 5.92%, Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782) – 5.50% and Isospora canis (Nemesri, 1960) – 2.6%, while the rest of the parasites account for an insignificant amount of identified cases. Statistical analysis of the ten most common parasites among dogs in Perm by years showed a direct relationship between the lungworm Oslerus osleri (sin Filaroides osleri, Cobbold, 1876) and the heteroxenous Coccidia Sarcocystis spp. (rs = 0.572; P < 0.05), as well as a negative correlation between Cryptosporidium spp. (Tyzzer, 1907) and Isospora ohioensis (Dubey, 1975) (rs = -0.526; P < 0.05). When studying Toxocara infection in dogs in different seasons of the year, an increase in the infection prevalence was noted in February with a minimum in July-August. For isosporosis, we identified the spring (March) and more pronounced autumn (September) peaks in infection. Sarcocystosis reached minimum levels of the infection prevalence in September with peaks in May-July. Any correlation between the degree of T. canis, Sarcocystis spp. and I. canis infection in domestic dogs has not been found, which indicates an independent circulation of these pathogens in the urban environment, which does not allow for long-term forecasts of levels of infection, and this must be taken into account when organizing the work of veterinary service.

Keywords

• domestic dogs
• helminths
• protozoa
• infection rate