Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in dogs in Nakawa and Kawempe Divisions of Kampala Capital City

Abstract

GIT parasites are common in developing countries with the high prevalence and heavy infestation often reported in such countries is attributed to the fact that dogs are rarely treated for parasitic diseases. Among these parasites are those that are of zoonotic importance. To determine the prevalence of GIT helminth infection of dogs in Nakawa and Kawempe divisions of Kampala capital city, 110 fecal samples from dogs in the two divisions were examined by floatation, sedimentation methods to identify the parasites and McMaster method to quantify the eggs in the fecal samples. This was done during the period of July to September 2022. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was 35.5%. The study revealed a 30.9% infection with A. caninum followed by Strongyloides spp (12.7%), T. canis (4.5%) and other species (2.7%). The prevalence of helminths in Nakawa division was 26.2% and in Kawempe it was 46.9%. The study also revealed a significant association in the division of residence and GIT helminth infection (p<0.05). Mixed infections with more than one parasite were observed in 13.6% and single infections were 21.8%. The study revealed a prevalence of 39.2% in males and 32.2% in females and also no significant difference in prevalence of GIT helminths between the sexes (p>0.05). The study further indicated that 12.7% of the dogs were dewormed every three months, 32.7% were dewormed every two months, 0.9% were dewormed monthly and 53.6%; the caretakers did not know about the frequency and deworming history of the dogs. The study also indicates helminths that are zoonotic importance i.e. A. caninum and T. canis. The study revealed a significant difference in the GIT parasite load. The difference is attributed to the management practices, host differences such as immunity which differ from individual to individual. The study will provide baseline knowledge about the prevalence of GIT helminths in the dogs in Nakawa and Kawempe divisions which will improve public health surveillance for the parasites with a zoonotic potential as well as to assist in targeted parasite control efforts.