Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) and visual characteristics of faecal samples from local breed Dogs in Ubahumonu community in Okija, Nigeria: a baseline study

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) are parasites found in the gastric (stomach) and intestinal sections of the alimentary canal (gastrointestinal tract) of humans and other animals.They cause various diseases in pet dogs, other animals and humans, with possibilities of zoonotic transmission and its related health burden. A baseline study was conducted to do a baseline test of three hypotheses that: faecal colour and form (texture) consistency in Dogs may not necessarily determine presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Secondly to determine the types of GIPs present in the analyzed stool samples and from this, design tentative measures that can support control of GIPs and zoonotic transmissions of related GIPs.

We randomly obtained faecal samples from 35 locally bred dogs in this community, comprising males and females of varying age groups, from a community in Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria. On collection, we immediately preserved them in 10% Formalin solution, and moved them to the laboratory for analysis. We had to first conduct visual inspection on faecal; samples for colour and form consistency, and presence/absence of mucous. in the dogs. Then engaged two GIPs recovery methods that are concentration based (formol ether sedimentation and zinc sulphate floatation techniques). Two slides were prepared for each faecal sample (both were mounts- either unstatined and stained in Lugol’s Iodine solution)..

Microscopy revealed presence of two Protozoan and 3 helminthic GIPs were detected- Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intetinalis (Protozoans), Ancylostoma caninum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Diphylidium caninum (helminthes). The highest prevalence was observed for Entamoeba histolytica (37.1%), while the least prevalence values were observed for Ascatis lumbrocoides and Diphylidium caninum (each at 5.7%). Visual characteristics of faecal samples indicated that a lower percentage of faecal samples (20%) had faecal colours that require pet dog owner to monitor their dog’s health..

The baseline test on our hypothesis indicated that faecal colour, form (texture) and presence/absence of mucous in faecal sample are not indicative of presence of GIPs in the pet dogs, However, they serve as guides to pet dog owners to monitor their health to have clearer clues on when to quickly consult a Veterinary clinician or visit nearest Veterinary clinic. Infection by GIPs is better confirmed when laboratory diagnosis is done, either by microscopy, molecular or immune-diagnosis.Both concentration techniques can support each other in routine examinations for GIPs, and it was possible to design measures to curtail transmission of GIPs, and possible zoonotic transmissions, based on the observed GIPs, modes of transmission and infectivity of these GIPs.