Open Access
Research (Published online: 11-11-2023)
10. Fecal prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in house dogs in Lebanon: A pilot study
Ghassan Ghssein, Rana Barakat, Nada Nehme, Rana Awada, and Hussein F. Hassan
Veterinary World, 16(11): 2250-2255

Ghassan Ghssein: Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Islamic University of Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon.
Rana Barakat: Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Islamic University of Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon.
Nada Nehme: Department of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Medicine, Lebanese University, Dekwaneh, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon.
Rana Awada: Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Hussein F. Hassan: Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2250-2255

Article history: Received: 29-07-2023, Accepted: 12-10-2023, Published online: 11-11-2023

Corresponding author: Hussein F. Hassan and Rana Awada

E-mail: Hussein.hassan@lau.edu.lb and awada-rana@hotmail.com

Citation: Ghssein G, Barakat R, Nehme N, Awada R, and Hassan HF (2023) Fecal prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in house dogs in Lebanon: A pilot study, Veterinary World, 16(11): 2250–2255.
Abstract

Background and Aim: Campylobacter spp. are Gram-negative bacilli that are widely recognized as a primary cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Campylobacteriosis is the disease caused by this pathogen. Recently, greater attention has been given to the prevalence of campylobacteriosis in different animals, including pets. These animals are considered to be significant reservoirs for this zoonosis. In Lebanon, the occurrence of Campylobacter infection is high. Our first-of-its-kind pilot study in Lebanon aimed to estimate the fecal prevalence of Campylobacter species in house dogs.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-five rectal swabs were collected from male and female house dogs of different ages, both with or without diarrhea. Samples obtained from the dogs were subjected to qualitative microbiological culture testing and molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction assays after bacterial DNA extraction.

Results: Fecal prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in house dogs in this study was 17%. There was a relatively higher prevalence among young females and a significant difference between healthy dogs and those suffering from diarrhea.

Conclusion: Campylobacteriosis was found to be prevalent among house dogs in Lebanon, making them potential carriers of Campylobacter species.

Keywords: Campylobacter, fecal prevalence, house dogs, Lebanon, polymerase chain reaction.