Prevalence of gastrointestinal and blood parasites, including Leptospira infections in stray dogs from Palakkad, Kerala: A study with relevance to public health

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, blood-borne parasites, and Leptospira infections in a sample population of stray dogs in Palakkad District, Kerala, focusing on their zoonotic risks. 100 faecal samples and 200 peripheral blood smears from dogs presented for the Animal Birth Control Program (ABC) at ABC Centre, Alathur were collected. Faecal samples were subjected to microscopic examination for parasite identification, while blood smears were stained with Field stain and inspected under a microscope for blood parasites.. The seroprevalence of Leptospira was studied using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) assay with twelve reference serovars. Results revealed a 43% prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, notably Ancylostoma caninum (22%), Strongyloides spp (13%), and Diphyllobothrium latum (8%). Additionally, bloodborne parasites, including microfilariae (10%) and haemo-protozoans like Babesia gibsoni (9%) and Babesia canis (0.5%), were identified. The overall serovar prevalence of Leptospira was 63.33%, with Australis being the most dominant (46.67%). This study underscores the potential public health risks posed by zoonotic parasites carried by stray dogs in this region.