Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and foxes in the Zanjan province of Iran: With an emphasis on Echinococcus species

Canids harbor many zoonotic parasites and play an important role in the spread of parasites in the human environment. Estimation of parasitic infection among canids as definitive hosts may help competent authorities design efficient control programs. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and foxes with an emphasis on Echinococcus spp. A total of 500 fecal samples of dogs and 30 fecal samples of foxes were studied in the summer, autumn, and winter of 2021 in the Zanjan province using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, followed by multiplex PCR. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was estimated to be 19.05%. The prevalence was 24.8%, 10.2%, and 26.7% in stray, shelter dogs and foxes, respectively. No parasites were found among pet and guard dog samples. PCR results on Taenidae eggs showed that 2.4% of samples were positive for Echinococcus granulosus and none contained E. multilocularis. Noteworthy is that E. granulosus was identified only in stray dog samples. The higher prevalence of E. granulosus infection in stray dogs in this province emphasizes the importance of monitoring the food sources consumed by these animals.

Cardiac Hydatid Cyst: A Rare but Potentially Life-Threatening Presentation of Hydatid Disease

Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare and severe manifestation of hydatid disease. It is caused by parasitic infestation by the Echinococcus species and can lead to life-threatening complications. Diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms, but echocardiography is a highly sensitive diagnostic method. Albendazole treatment is effective in managing these cysts and can be an alternative to surgery. A patient with multiple cardiac hydatid cysts was successfully treated with albendazole, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.

Prevalence and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato from livestock in north-eastern Kenya

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease of cosmopolitan distribution and caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). CE occurs in the wider African continent and in Kenya, notably in the Maasailand and Turkana regions; however, recent studies demonstrate its presence in other parts of Kenya. This study determined the occurrence of CE in livestock (camels, goats, sheep and cattle) in Isiolo, Garissa and Wajir counties, and characterized the species of E. granulosus s.l. present. An abattoir survey was used to determine the presence of CE in various organs in livestock. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene was used for genotyping. A total of 1368 carcasses from 687 goats, 234 camels, 329 sheep and 118 cattle were inspected for the presence of hydatid cysts. The overall proportion of infections was 29.1% in camels, 14.4% in cattle, 9.9% in goats and 8.2% in sheep. The liver was the most infected organ, while only the lung of camels harboured fertile cysts. Of the 139 cysts genotyped, 111 (79.9%) belonged to Echinococcus canadensis (G6/7) and 20 (14.4%) to E. granulosus sensu stricto. One and two cysts were identified as Taenia saginata and unknown Taenia species, respectively. There was a significant association between county of origin and species of the animal with occurrence of CE. This study reports, for the first time, the characterization of Echinococcus species in livestock from Garissa and Wajir counties, and the current situation in Isiolo county. The fertility of cysts in camels and frequency of E. canadensis (G6/7) in all livestock species indicate that camels play an important role in the maintenance of CE in the north-eastern counties of Kenya.