Prevalence of Zoonotic Parasites in Stray Dogs in Rural Communities, Tanzania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify and establish the baseline information on the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in stray dogs in Tanzania. A cross sectional study was conducted in Katavi, Arusha and Rukwa Regions in Tanzania. Intestinal parasites were analyzed from faecal samples collected from 364 dogs using modified sedimentation technique. Sixty-sixpercentage (66%) of the faecal samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasites while 7% had mixed infections, 27% were negative for the parasites. Higher proportions of the faecal samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasites in Arusha and Rukwa compared to Katavi (p< 0.0001). The prevalence of Ancylostomacaninum(49%) was higher compared to that of other parasites (p <0.0001). Prevalence of A. lumbricoideswas significantly higher compared to that of E. granulosusand S. stercoralis(p = 0.0046). There was a positive association between parasite positivity rates and collecting dog’s faecal samples near domestic animals (p < 0.00001). Parasite diversity was higher in stray dogs from Katavi and Arusha (p > 0.05). There was no association between parasite diversity and parasite positivity rates. Strategies to control the number of stray dogs should be established to minimize the potential health risks to humans, animal populations and environmental health.