Canine helminthiases and associated risk factors in Kigali city, Rwanda

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Abstract Background: Canine helminthiases pose a public health risk to humans and livestock; however, the prevalence of canine helminthiases in Rwanda is unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of canine helminthiases and to identify the risk factors of such infections in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. A cross-sectional study involved 93 dogs selected across Kigali city. Faecal samples were collected from apparently healthy dogs and helminth eggs were identified and quantified under microscope using McMaster technique. Risk factors for canine helminthiases were analysed by multivariable binary logistic regression analysis.Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthiases in dogs was 39.8% ±5.08 (α=0.05). The most prevalent species was Ancylostoma spp with 32.3% ± 4.85 (30/93). About 38.7% and 3.4% (n= 31) of dogs suffering from ancylostomosis and/or toxocarosis had high egg counts per gram (EPG) of faeces (≥ 550) each. Approximately 97.3% (36/37) of dogs infected with helminths had mono-infection. Logistic regression analysis showed that dog's age (1 to 2. 5 years old and at least 5 years old) and location (Gasabo and Kicukiro) were significantly associated with the prevalence of canine helminthiases. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of dogs suffering from helminthiases was more than 61% lower in dogs dewormed once to twice a year compared to those who were never dewormed. In addition, the AOR was more than 5 times higher for dogs fed on raw animal origin supplements, leftovers from family food and restaurants compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The AOR was also more than 8 times higher for dogs that ate leftovers from household food and scavenged compared to those who ate food prepared for them. Conclusions: All the identified helminths including Ancylostoma spp, Toxocara canis, and tapeworms are zoonotic and they pose a public health risk to humans. There is an urgent need of increasing the awareness among pet owners on the role of dogs in the transmission of zoonotic helminthiases to other animals and also to humans. Moreover, it is highly relevant to inform and to take effective control measures in dog populations.

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