Intestinal parasites in dogs from a Guarani indigenous village in Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

Animals can serve as reservoirs for various zoonotic diseases, with domestic animals standing out as potential sources of contamination and the spread of parasite eggs and cysts due to their close and constant contact with humans. Indigenous populations culturally keep canines in their homes, as they are seen as "man's best friend" and guardians against nocturnal creatures, symbolizing security and companionship. However, canines frequently become infected with intestinal protozoa and helminth parasites, therefore, the objective of this research was to establish the parasitological profile of canines in the Guarani indigenous population, specifically in the Santa Rosa do Ocoy Village in western Paraná, and correlate with human population risk of infection. Fresh fecal samples were collected, which the animals defecated spontaneously without the need for direct contact. Macroscopic analyses were performed, and then the samples were subjected to parasitological analysis using the ether-formaline centrifugal-flotation and the flotation in zinc sulfate. It was observed that more prevalente was Ancylostomatides and Toxocara canis, Giardia duodenalis, Coccidia, Amoebas, and Trichuris was too observed. In addition to the high prevalence of parasites of the genus Toxocara and hookworms, which can penetrate the human skin and cause cutaneous larva migrans (creeping eruption), the presence of protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis, an importante diarrea infectious agente in humans, was also identified.