Gastrointestinal Helminths and Zoonotic Importance Detected in Stray Dogs in Ağrı Province and Districts

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in stray dogs in Ağrı province and its districts and to reveal the zoonotic importance of these parasites. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from a total of 279 stray dogs in the center of Ağrı and the districts of Diyadin, Doğubayazıt, Eleşkirt, Hamur, Patnos, Taşlıçay, and Tutak. After macroscopic examination of the stool samples, they were examined microscopically by the native and multiplexing (Fulleborn flotation and Benedek sedimentation) methods. Results: Helminth eggs belonging to one or more species were detected in 80 (28.7%) of the 279 stool samples examined. In total, 31 (11.1%) T. canis, 24 (8.6%) T. leonina, 17 (6.1%) Taenia spp., 15 (5.4%) Capillaria spp., 10 (3.6%) Alaria spp., 5 (1.8%) T. vulpis, and 3 (1.1%) A. caninum egg were detected in the stool samples Conclusion: In this study, which was performed for the first time in Ağrı, it was revealed that stray dogs in Ağrı province and its districts were infected with helminths, which may consequently affect human health significantly. Therefore, necessary precautions should be taken to preserve the health of both humans and dogs. © 2022 Turkish Society for Parasitology.