A Study of the Prevalence of Intestinal Helminth Parasites in the Urban and Domestic Stray Dogs with Modified Methods, Sedimentation, and Flotation in the Central Part of Mazandaran Province in 2022

Intestinal helminth parasites in dogs, especially zoonotic parasites, are one of the health and economic problems of developing countries, including Iran. Toxocara canis is one of the zoonotic helminth parasites that causes serious damage to human health. According to the close relationship that humans have with dogs today, it is necessary to investigate worm parasites in these animals. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites in urban and domestic stray dogs with two modified methods of sedimentation and flotation in the central part of Mazandaran province.

The study was carried out in three regions of Mazandaran province (Sari, Qaemshahr, and Babolsar) in 2022. We examined fecal samples from 110 dogs, comprising 78 stray dogs and 32 home dogs, to determine the presence of intestinal helminth parasites. We utilized a customized concentrates technique that incorporated flotation and sedimentation. 4 cc of 10% formalin was added to the sample container for sampling. Stool samples weighing approximately 50 to 100 grams were collected using an applicator and transferred into labeled containers. In the flotation and sedimentation method, a sufficient amount of stool sample was poured into the test tube, and then 7 cc of physiological serum was added to it. After the sample is completely dissolved by the applicator, the solution is filtered to remove excess material and transferred to a new tube. The obtained solution is centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 3-5 minutes, then the upper liquid is separated. 7 cc of saturated zinc sulfate solution was added to it and centrifuged again at 1000 rpm for 2 minutes. The resulting sediment was examined with a light microscope with X10 and X40 magnification to identify parasite contamination. Traps were set in the shelters of stray dogs to collect feces samples directly from their rectums. Labeled containers with preservatives (10% formalin) were distributed to clinics and dog owners for collecting samples from domestic dogs. A questionnaire was designed to assess the gender and age of domestic dogs based on dental characteristics, location of residence, deworming practices, and knowledge of zoonotic intestinal parasite diseases in dogs among their owners. The experiment was conducted at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee under the reference number IR.MAZUMS.REC.1400.528.

Results indicated that 44 samples (40%) were contaminated with parasites, while 66 samples (60%) were free of worm infestation. The infected samples harbored parasite eggs including Hookworms, Toxocara, Taenia, and Dipylidium. The study found no significant difference in the distribution of helminth parasite infection among the three sampling areas in terms of the frequency of infected dogs. Further research in the field of parasite epidemiology and expanding the study to include more areas may help address this issue.

The research findings suggest that stray dogs are more significant in transmitting pollutants than domestic dogs. Urban stray dogs pose a potential public health danger because they are released post-treatment. Controlling and gathering these animals is crucial in managing parasite diseases that can be passed on to humans.