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Identification of Toxocara spp. Eggs in Dog Hair and Associated Risk Factors


Affiliations
1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
2 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Academician of Animal Health, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
3 Department of Dermatology, Veterinary Center Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
 

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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  • Identification of Toxocara spp. Eggs in Dog Hair and Associated Risk Factors

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Authors

Tania O. Rojas
Department of Veterinary Medicine, 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, 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

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.