|
چکیده
|
Background: Giardia duodenalis is a unicellular protozoan parasite being frequent in dogs. The infection is often asymptomatic but can cause diarrhea. Considering its zoonotic potential, the aim of this study was to determine epidemiological status of G. duodenalis in privately-owned and sheltered dogs in Hamedan city in western Iran. Methods: During four seasons of 2022, a total of 348 fecal samples (87 samples in each season) were collected from privately owned (n=158) and shelter (n=190) dogs of both sexes, different ages and breeds in Hamedan city. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and tested for G. duodenalis DNA by targeting a 261 bp fragment of glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) locus using conventional PCR. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with positivity. Results: Giardia DNA was diagnosed in 136 dogs (39.1%). Keeping condition (P 0.00001 , higher infection rate in free-ranging dogs then being kept in NGO-run shelters) and season (P = 0.000034 , highest infection rate in summer) were statistically recognized risk factors for fecal positivity. Discussion: This study provides the first information on the molecular prevalence of giardiosis in privately owned and free-ranging dogs from Hamedan. As dogs become infected with both zoonotic and non-zoonotic assemblages and genotypes of G. duodenalis, they may pose a risk to veterinary and public health in the region.
|