Prevalence of selected zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths and associated risk factors in free roaming domestic dogs in Kyegegwa District, Uganda

Abstract

Gastrointestinal helminths remain the most important parasitic infections affecting dogs worldwide and pose a risk to animal and human health. Helminth infections are most common in free roaming domestic dogs and stray dogs due to limited veterinary care accorded to them. There is still inadequate information on these infections in most parts of Uganda yet their effective control requires area specific data. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected zoonotic GIT helminths and associated risk factors in free roaming domestic dogs in Kyegegwa district, Uganda. A cross section study was conducted, with a total of 283 faecal samples collected from dogs. Kobo collect data collection tool was used to administer a semi structured questionnaire to dog owners to collect data on the dog characteristics, dog management and household practices that may predispose dogs to helminth infections. The overall prevalence of zoonotic GIT helminths was 66.4%. Toxocara canis was the most frequently observed helminth with a prevalence of 41.7%, while prevalences of 21.9%, 21.6% and 20.1%% were obtained for Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma caninum and Taenia spp respectively. Upon Poisson regression multivariate analysis, use of dogs for herding (PR= 2.75, P=0.42 [0.01,0.90]), slaughter of animals at home (PR=2.0, P=0.042, [0.01,0.91]) and interaction of dogs with wild animals (PR=2.5, P=0.004, [1.34,4.80]) were identified as associated risk factors for Teania spp infections. Keeping dogs for the purpose hunting (PR=3.8, P=0.029, [0.08,6.65]) was identified an associated risk factor for Dipylidium caninum while keeping dogs for the purpose of companionship was identified as an associated risk factor for Toxocara canis. It can be concluded that the role or purpose for which the dog is kept has a great influence on its exposure to the different helminth species. The high prevalence of zoonotic GIT helminths in free roaming domestic dogs in Kyegegwa district indicates a potential risk to human health. Thus, veterinarians should play an important role of sensitizing dog owners about the effects of helminth infections in dogs, encourage them to regularly deworm their dogs and prevent or minimize zoonotic transmission