Identification of Toxocara spp. eggs in dog hair and associated risk factors

Research (Published online: 20-07-2017)

15. Identification of Toxocara spp. eggs in dog hair and associated risk factors

Tania O. Rojas, Camilo Romero, Rafael Heredia, Linda G. Bautista and Galia Sheinberg

Veterinary World, 10(7): 798-802

Tania O. Rojas: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico.

Camilo Romero: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Academician of Animal Health, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico.

Rafael Heredia: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico.

Linda G. Bautista: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Academician of Animal Health, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico.

Galia Sheinberg: Department of Dermatology, Veterinary Center Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.798-802

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Article history: Received: 06-03-2017, Accepted: 12-06-2017, Published online: 20-07-2017

Corresponding author: Camilo Romero

E-mail: cromeron@uaemex.mx

Citation: Rojas TO, Romero C, Heredia R, Bautista LG, Sheinberg G (2017) Identification of Toxocara spp. eggs in dog hair and associated risk factors, Veterinary World, 10(7): 798-802.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the presence of eggs of Toxocara spp. in dog hair and to identify any risk factors associated with this.

Materials and Methods: A total of 96 dogs were sampled collecting hair from the head, perianal and hindquarters. Epidemiologic data from each animal were recorded to identify risk factors. The samples of hair were washed with solutions of distilled water, phosphate-buffered saline and Tween 20 detergent. Microscopic analysis was subsequently performed for the identification of eggs.

Results: Out of the total dogs, 41.7% were positive for the presence of parasite egg in their hair. Toxocara eggs were found in hair from the head (14.5%), tail (20.8%), and limbs (10.4%). Dogs, younger than 12 months old, showed higher values (4.7%) of egg presence in the perianal area (p<0.05). The principal risk factors for the presence of eggs in hair were not deworming (odds ratio [OR]=3.60, p<0.004) and not brushing (OR=2.26, p<0.12).

Conclusion: These results show that in the state of Mexico there is a high percentage of dogs contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs in their hair. This should be seriously considered due to the potential problems of toxocariasis and the risk to public health.

Keywords: dog hair, public health, risk factors, Toxocara eggs.

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