PREVALENCE AND ZOONOTIC POTENTIAL OF ANCYLOSTOMIASIS IN DOGS IN BUMTHANG DISTRICT, BHUTAN

Abstract

Canine hookworm infection is endemic in Southeast Asian countries. Canine hookworms include Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Uncinaria stenocephala which represent a potential public health concern. In human, canine hookworms can cause patent enteric infections and cutaneous larval migrans. However, there are limited data available on the prevalence of canine hookworms in Bhutan. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ancylostomiasis among dogs in Bumthang district. 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. 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). 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.