[Prevalence of intestinal helminths in dogs from Quindío Province].
BACKGROUND
Intestinal helminths are pathogens for domestic animals and provide a source of potential infection for humans.


OBJECTIVE
The prevalence of intestinal helminths in domestic dogs was determined in a province-wide survey in Quindío Province, Colombia.


METHODS
The sample size was calculated based upon the data of the 2003 antirabies vaccination program in Quindio. Information in the form of an epidemiological questionnaire was provided by dog owners. Fecal samples from dogs were analyzed by Ritchie's concentration method.


RESULTS
Of 324 samples, 67.6% were from purebred dog races and 32.4% were mongrels. A 22.2% prevalence for intestinal helminthes was found. Ancylostoma caninum was the most prevalent parasite (13.9%), followed by Trichuris vulpis (4.3%), Toxocara canis (2.5%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (4.0%). Multiparasite infestations were observed in 2.46% of the dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Presence of parasites was strongly correlated with age and degree of association with the open streets. Control programs are recommended for helminth surveillance in human and canine populations.
Giraldo
María Isabel
MI
Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.
García
Nora Lizeth
NL
Castaño
Jhon Carlos
JC
D000818:Animals; D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004032:Diet; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs / Q000469:parasitology*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D006374:Helminthiasis, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006376:Helminths; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires