Canine fecal contamination, zoonotic helminths and protozoa in Buenos Aires: Association with environmental variables

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Zoonoses caused by protozoa and helminths affect around 3.5 billion people in the world. Dogs are a source of infection and environmental contaminants of these pathologies. Although there is information on this problem in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA), the socio-environmental heterogeneity makes it necessary to analyze all its communes. The objective was to evaluate canine fecal contamination, presence and parasitic load of zoonotic helminths and protozoa in fecal matter (FM) of CABA squares, analyzing their possible association with urban-environmental variables (UEV). METHODS: A descriptive, analytical, quantitative and cross-sectional study was carried out in 40 green spaces in CABA during 2022-2023. FM quantity was counted, UEV were surveyed and 800 FM samples were collected for coproparasitological analysis and determination of parasitic load. Frequency and percentage of each taxonomic group were calculated, analyzing the possible association between fecal contamination, infestation, parasite load and UEV. RESULTS: A total of 7198 feces were counted (21% infested). The species observed were Ancylostoma caninum, Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis, Cystoisospora canis and Giardia sp. DISCUSSION: The green spaces represent an important source of environmental contamination and contagion of parasitic zoonoses. Strategies must be improved through public policies of responsible ownership and health education.