Canine Fecal Contamination in a Metropolitan Area (Milan, North-Western Italy): Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Evaluation of Health Risks

Abstract

Intestinal parasites of dogs represent a serious threat to human health due to their zoonotic potential. Thus, metropolitan areas presenting high concentrations of pets and urban fecal contamination on public areas are at sanitary risk. Major aim of this survey was to determine prevalence of zoonotic parasites in dog fecal samples collected from public soil of Milan (north-western Italy). Differences in parasites prevalence distribution were explored by a geographical information system- (GIS-) based approach, and risk factors (human density, sizes of green parks, and dog areas) were considered. The metropolitan area was divided into 157 rectangular subareas and sampling was performed following a 1-kilometer straight transect. A total of 463 fecal samples were analyzed using centrifugation-flotation technique and ELISA to detectGiardiaandCryptosporidiumcoproantigens. A widespread fecal contamination of soil was highlighted, being fecal samples found in 86.8% of the subareas considered. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 16.63%. Zoonotic parasites were found, such asTrichuris vulpis(3.67%),Toxocara canis(1.72%),Strongyloides stercoralis(0.86%), Ancylostomatidae (0.43%), andDipylidium caninum(0.43%).Giardia duodenaliswas the most prevalent zoonotic protozoa (11.06%), followed byCryptosporidium(1.10%). Faeces from subareas characterized by broad green areas showed to be particularly prone to infection.