Introduction: Dogs harbour zoonotic parasites that cause serious infections in humans, such as visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, cystic echinococcosis, and alveolar echinococcosis. Studies on dogs’ gastrointestinal parasites in different geographical locations are required to increase knowledge of the risk of canine zoonoses in human populations.Material and Methods: The presence of parasites was examined in 450 faecal samples collected from eight zones of Zanjan province, northwest Iran from June to November 2015. The samples were examined using the sedimentation concentration method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining.Results: Gastrointestinal parasites were found in 86 (19.1%) faecal samples. Sarcocystis spp. (7.3%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (5.6%), Toxocara spp. (1.8%), and Cystoisospora spp. (1.6%) were the most common parasites observed. The other detected parasites consisted of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.7%), Eimeria spp. (0.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (0.4%), Physaloptera spp. (0.4%), Giardia spp. (1.3%), and Spirocerca lupi (1.3%). The lowest parasite infection rates belonged to Trichuris vulpis and Acanthocephalans (0.2% each).Conclusion: This study provides current information on the infection rates in dog populations in Zanjan Province. Furthermore, the study shows a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections, including zoonotic ones and particularly Taenia/Echinococcus spp., potentially transmissible to humans and thus relevant to public health.

Echinococcus multilocularis, cats are less suitable than dogs as definitive hosts

Echinococcus multilocularis, dogs and cats (both exper.), efficacy of praziquantel; cats are not as suitable as experimental hosts for this parasite as are dogs

Few studies have been carried out for the prevalence of canine echinococcosis in Mongolia. This study was designed to elucidate a preliminary information of the prevalence from feces collected in the field. Sixty-seven fecal samples from dogs and 2 red foxes in Altai town were collected and examined for Echinococcus coproantigen and eggs. Coproantigen detection was performed by a sandwich ELISA using a monoclonal antibody EmA9 raised against Echinococcus multilocularis somatic antigen. Of the dog samples examined, 17 (25.4%) were positive by the ELISA. One out of two foxes was positive, too. Taeniid egg-positive feces were recognized in 12 dog feces. Only 6 samples were both coproantigen and egg positive. Eggs of Ancylostoma sp., Trichuris sp., and Capillaria sp.; were also registered.