title: [Prevalence of intestinal helminths in dogs from Quindío Province].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.
authors.forename: María Isabel
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Giraldo
authors.forename: Nora Lizeth
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Jhon Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Castaño
mesh_terms: 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