Authors

AI Alonte¹; EU Ancayan¹; TB Prado¹; SR Escurel¹; KM Flamiano¹; FV Agudo¹; M Betson²; BP Divina³; VG Paller¹;  ¹ Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines;  ² University of Surrey, UK;  ³ University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Philippines

Discussion

The growing population of companion animals as well as their close interaction with humans contributes to zoonotic transmission and persisting endemicity of intestinal helminths in poor and developing countries, such as the Philippines. Thus, this research focused on the role of dogs and cats as reservoirs and sentinels of intestinal helminths in selected communities in Mindanao, the Philippines. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report intestinal parasitism in dogs and cats in the region, practically serving as baseline data providing a foundation for research-based policy recommendations for responsible animal ownership and integrated control and elimination of parasitic diseases in endemic rural communities.  A total of 135 dog and 33 cat fecal samples from 120 households were collected and processed using the simple sedimentation and modified McMaster techniques as well as multiplex real-time PCR. Surveys were also conducted to document animal care practices of companion animal owners. The results of the study showed high prevalence of diverse helminth species and evidence of multiple infection among companion animals in the selected study sites, confirming that they are important reservoir hosts of intestinal helminths. Among these, hookworms were found to have the highest prevalence with rates reaching up to 70.6% followed by Toxocara spp. at 33.3%. Furthermore, results of the multiplex real-time PCR allowed species identification of the zoonotic helminths showing possible cross transmission of parasites to non-native host. As seen in the case of N. americanus, where it was detected among dogs although it is widely known that humans are its definitive host, T. canis, an ascarid of dog, was also seen in cat; while T. cati, an ascarid of cat, was seen in dog.  Findings of the study also suggested low awareness of owners in the role of animals in the continuing endemicity of intestinal helminths. This is evident in the animal care practices of the owner. The findings of the study showed the importance of dogs and cats as reservoirs and sentinels for a wide range of intestinal parasites, suggesting their major role in the zoonotic transmission of intestinal parasites. It also highlights the need for veterinary public health measures in the country to address the gaps in intestinal helminth control. The status of intestinal helminthiasis in companion animals stresses the need for an integrated approach to accelerate control and elimination of intestinal helminthiasis in the Philippines.