Intestinal parasites in canine feces contaminating urban and recreational areas in Ushuaia (Argentina)

Abstract

Wild and domestic dogs are important reservoir hosts of numerous intestinal parasites that represent potential infection sources for both humans and wild or other domestic animals. The aim of this study was to determine the presence, diversity, and contamination potential of intestinal parasites in dog feces contaminating urban and recreational areas in Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego province, Argentina). A total of 80 canine fecal samples were collected from urban (playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, squares and coastal walks) and recreational areas (winter centers for raising and training sled dogs) in 2018. Samples were preserved in 5% formalin and processed using formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and FLOTAC dual Pellet techniques. Data were analyzed using the R software. At least one parasite species was recovered in 32.5% of the total samples examined. Of the seven parasite species detected, infection by protozoan species was higher than helminth infections (28.8% versus 8.8%). Sarcocystis sp. (20.0%), Giardia sp. (8.8%) and Cystoisospora spp. (7.5%) were the most frequent species, followed by Toxocara canis (5.0%), Echinococcus spp./Taenia spp. (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis and Uncinaria sp. (1.3% for both). Single infections (69.2%) were more frequent than coinfections with two (19.2%) and three parasite species (11.5%). This study provides the first description of the diversity and frequency of intestinal parasite species in dog feces from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The unfavorable environment of Ushuaia, characterized by low temperatures and winter snowfall, is likely to reduce parasite survivability, decreasing contamination potential. Some parasite species found are potentially zoonotic and represent an important risk for the human population and a source of infection to free-roaming pets. The results of this study revealed the need to strengthen the prevention, surveillance and control of these infections in pets, as well as to implement programs for public health education, control measures for the free-roaming canine population, and responsible pet ownership in the study area.