CALL FOR RESEARCH ABSTRACTS (Strengthening Collaboration and Knowledge Management in Livestock Research Program)
SAMPLE ORIGINAL RESEARCH ABSTRACT
Abstract Title: Prevalence and Zoonotic Potential of Ancylostomiasis in Dogs in Bumthang District, Bhutan
Author Name(s): 1Jambay Dorjee, MVPH; 1Tshering Dorji, MSc; 1Norbula, Dip. VLT; 2Jamtsho, BVSc & AH and 3RB Gurung, PhD
Affiliation(s): 1Regional Livestock Development Centre, Zhemgang, Bhutan
2District Veterinary Hospital, Dzongkhag Administration, Bumthang, Bhutan
3National Centre for Animal Health, Serbithang, Bhutan
Objective: To determine the prevalence of ancylostomiasis among dogs in Bumthang district
Study area and period: Four sub-districts under Bumthang district; 15th March 2021 to 30th April 2021
Study design: Cross-sectional study
Sample size and sampling: Faecal and whole blood samples were collected from 177 dogs (100 free-roaming and 77 pet dogs) in Bumthang. Faecal samples were processed and examined for hookworm eggs using standard parasitological methods.
Based on the total dog population in the district, probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling frame was worked out for each sub-district. Sampling was done from every tenth free-roaming (stray) dog and every fifth owned dog (pet) presented to the clinic during the entire DPM program.
Results: The overall prevalence of ancylostomiasis in Bumthang was 5.6% (95% CI; 2.25-9.05). The prevalence was highest in Chhoekhor Toed with 9.1% followed by 8.8% in Chamkhar town, 5.4% in Tang, 2.6% in Ura and none in Chumey. The prevalence was comparatively higher in pet dogs (6.5%, 95% CI; 0.73-9.27) than free-roaming dogs (5.0%, 95% CI; 0.99-11.99). However, there was no statistical significance between the prevalence in pet dogs and free-roaming dogs (p> 0.05).
Conclusions: This study indicates that dogs in Bhutan are known reservoir hosts of human hookworm infection. The finding necessitates the inclusion of dogs in any interventions to combat human hookworm infections in the country. Further, the molecular characterization of the Ancylostoma species needs to be carried out in order to understand Ancylostoma species and species-specific potential public health risks in the country.
Note** (Word count: 230 words excluding title, author(s), affiliations and section headings)
