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Gastrointestinal parasites in rural dogs and cats in Selangor and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia

Ngui R, Lee SC, Yap NJ, Tan TK, Aidil RM, Chua KH, et al.

Acta Parasitol, 2014 Oct;59(4):737-44.
PMID: 25236287 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-014-0306-3

To estimate the current prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in dogs and cats, a total of 105 fresh faecal samples were collected from rural areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Each faecal sample was examined for the presence of GI parasites by microscopic examination after formalin-ether concentration technique and for protozoa, trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen staining were employed. The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infection was 88.6% (95% CI = 82.5-94.7) in which 88.3% of dogs and 89.3% of cats were infected with at least one parasites species, respectively. There were 14 different GI parasites species (nematodes, cestodes and protozoa) detected, including Ancylostoma spp. (62.9%), Toxocara spp. (32.4%), Trichuris vulpis (21.0%), Spirometra spp. (9.5%), Toxascaris leonina (5.7%), Dipylidium caninum (4.8%), Ascaris spp. (2.9%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.0%) and others. General prevalence of GI parasites showed a significant difference between helminth (84.4%) and protozoa (34.3%) infections. Monoparasitism (38.1%) was less frequent than polyparasitism (46.7%). As several of these GI parasites are recognized as zoonotic agents, the results of this investigation revealed that local populations may be exposed to a broad spectrum of zoonotic agents by means of environmental contamination with dogs and cats faeces and this information should be used to mitigate public health risks. Prevention and control measures have to be taken in order to reduce the prevalence rates especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities where animals live in close proximity to people, poor levels of hygiene and overcrowding together with a lack in veterinary attention and zoonotic awareness.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology
Copro-molecular study of Entamoeba infection among the indigenous community in Malaysia: A first report on the species-specific prevalence of Entamoeba in dogs

Ngui R, Hassan NA, Nordin NMS, Mohd-Shaharuddin N, Chang LY, Teh CSJ, et al.

Acta Trop, 2020 Apr;204:105334.
PMID: 31926914 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105334

BACKGROUND: Entamoeba is a free-living protozoan parasitic species that infect a variety of hosts. In humans, Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis. Entamoeba species has also been reported in dogs. However, little is known about the molecular epidemiology and the specific species of this parasite in dogs globally, including Malaysia. As dogs are important companion animals for the indigenous community, and close contact with dogs is part of the natural living conditions for this community, this study aims to determine the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba species in human and dogs in Malaysia.
METHOD: The presence of Entamoeba species was examined in 504 fresh fecal samples, collected randomly from 411 humans and 93 dogs using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying 16 s ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical analysis.
RESULTS: The microscopy data showed an overall occurrence of Entamoeba species of 26.3% (108/411) and 36.6% (34/93) in humans and dogs respectively. In humans, the most common species was a single infection of E. dispar (26.5%; 13/49), followed by E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii, (20.4% for each species respectively). Double infection of E. dispar + E. moshkovskii was detected at 10.2%, followed by E. dispar + E. histolytica (8.2%) and E. moshkovskii and E. histolytica (6.1%). 8.2% of the samples had triple infection with all three species. In animals, E. moshkovskii (46.7%) was the most common species detected, followed by E. histolytica, and E. dispar, at 20.0% and 13.3% respectively. Double infection with E. moshkovskii + E. histolytica and a triple infection were found in 2 samples (13.3%) and 1 (6.7%) sample respectively. Risk factor analysis showed that members of the community who used untreated water were more prone to be infected with Entamoeba.
CONCLUSION: This study provides information on the species-specific occurrence of Entamoeba infection, the potential risk factors and their zoonotic potential to humans. This is the first report to describe the molecular occurrence of Entamoeba species in dogs in Malaysia. The presence of pathogenic Entamoeba species implies that dogs could be a reservoir or mechanical host for human amoebiasis. Further studies need to be conducted to better understand the transmission dynamics and public health significance of Entamoeba species in human and animal hosts.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Standards for docking tails of pups

Aust. Vet. J., 1970 Aug;46(8):403.
PMID: 5536136
Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Molecular detection of tick-borne haemopathogens in shelter dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks from Peninsular Malaysia

Sipin Q, Mustaffa Kamal F, Watanabe M, Megat Abdul Rani PA, Low VL, Abdul Aziz NA

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 2020 Dec;73:101563.
PMID: 33120297 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101563

Ticks are important vectors in transmitting various pathogens and they could jeopardize the health and welfare of humans and animals worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of important tick-borne haemopathogens (TBH) in dogs and ticks via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. A total of 220 blood samples and 140 ticks were collected from 10 animal shelters in Peninsular Malaysia. Of 220 blood samples, 77 (35 %) were positive to TBH, of which 20 % were E. canis, 12 % were A. platys, 7 % were B. gibsoni and 7 % were B. vogeli. All ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus with five samples (3.57 %) positive with TBH. Co-infections of TBH (0.45-9.55 %) in dogs were also observed in this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology
Fulltext Nipah virus infection in dogs, Malaysia, 1999

Mills JN, Alim AN, Bunning ML, Lee OB, Wagoner KD, Amman BR, et al.

Emerg Infect Dis, 2009 Jun;15(6):950-2.
PMID: 19523300 DOI: 10.3201/eid1506.080453

The 1999 outbreak of Nipah virus encephalitis in humans and pigs in Peninsular Malaysia ended with the evacuation of humans and culling of pigs in the epidemic area. Serologic screening showed that, in the absence of infected pigs, dogs were not a secondary reservoir for Nipah virus.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Babesia gibsoni in dogs in Bangladesh

Terao M, Akter S, Yasin MG, Nakao R, Kato H, Alam MZ, et al.

Infect Genet Evol, 2015 Apr;31:53-60.
PMID: 25620376 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.01.011

Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasite of dogs that often causes fever and hemolytic illness. Detection of B. gibsoni has been predominantly reported in Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India. The present study shows the first molecular characterization of B. gibsoni detected from dogs in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected on FTA® Elute cards from 50 stray dogs in Mymensingh District in Bangladesh. DNA eluted from the cards was subjected to nested PCR for the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia species. Approximately 800bp PCR products were detected in 15 of 50 dogs (30%). Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and direct sequencing of the PCR products, all parasite isolates were identified as B. gibsoni. Furthermore, the BgTRAP (B. gibsoni thrombospondin-related adhesive protein) gene fragments were detected in 13 of 15 18S rRNA gene PCR positive blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the BgTRAP gene revealed that B. gibsoni parasites in Bangladesh formed a cluster, which was genetically different from other Asian B. gibsoni isolates. In addition, tandem repeat analysis of the BgTRAP gene clearly showed considerable genetic variation among Bangladeshi isolates. These results suggested that B. gibsoni parasites in a different genetic clade are endemic in dogs in Bangladesh. Further studies are required to elucidate the origin, distribution, vector and pathogenesis of B. gibsoni parasites circulating in dogs in Bangladesh.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology
Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Babesia gibsoni in dogs in India

Singh MN, Raina OK, Sankar M, Rialch A, Tigga MN, Kumar GR, et al.

Infect Genet Evol, 2016 07;41:100-106.
PMID: 27020545 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.03.025

Babesia gibsoni is a tick borne intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite causing piroplasmosis in dogs and has been predominantly reported in Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India. The present communication is the first evidence on the genetic diversity of B. gibsoni of dogs in India. Blood samples were collected from 164 dogs in north and northeast states of India and 13 dogs (7.9%) were found positive for B. gibsoni infection by microscopic examination of blood smears. Molecular confirmation of these microscopic positive cases for B. gibsoni was carried out by 18S rRNA nested-PCR, followed by sequencing. Nested-PCR for the 18S rRNA gene was also carried out on microscopically B. gibsoni negative samples that detected a higher percentage of dogs (28.6%) infected with B. gibsoni. Genetic diversity in B. gibsoni in India was determined by studying B. gibsoni thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (BgTRAP) gene fragments (855bp) in 19 isolates from four north and northeast states of India. Phylogenetic analysis of the BgTRAP gene revealed that B. gibsoni parasite in India and Bangladesh formed a distinct cluster away from other Asian B. gibsoni isolates available from Japan, Taiwan and Korea. In addition, tandem repeat analysis of the BgTRAP gene clearly showed considerable genetic variation among Indian isolates that was shared by B. gibsoni isolates of Bangladesh. These results suggested that B. gibsoni parasites in a different genetic clade are endemic in dogs in India and Bangladesh. Further studies are required for better understanding of the genetic diversity of B. gibsoni prevalent in India and in its neighbouring countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Fulltext Risk Factors and Prediction of Leptospiral Seropositivity Among Dogs and Dog Handlers in Malaysia

Goh SH, Ismail R, Lau SF, Megat Abdul Rani PA, Mohd Mohidin TB, Daud F, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 04 28;16(9).
PMID: 31035316 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091499

This study determined the potential risk factors that may contribute to seropositivity among dogs and dog handlers from working dog and dog shelter institutions. Data was collected from dogs (n = 266) and dog handlers (n = 161) using a standardised guided questionnaire. Serum obtained from the dogs and dog handlers was tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). A logistic regression analysis was used to predict leptospiral seropositivity of dogs and dog handlers based on potential risk factors. A total of 22.2% of dogs and 21.7% of dog handlers were seropositive. The significant predictors for the dogs' seropositivity were presence of rats (OR = 4.61 (95% CI: 1.05, 20.33), p = 0.043) and shared common area (OR = 5.12 (95% CI: 1.94, 13.46), p = 0.001) within the organisation. Significant predictor for dog handler seropositivity was contact time with the dogs of more than six hours/day (OR = 3.28 (95% CI: 1.28, 8.40), p = 0.013) after controlling for the effect of other risk factors such as small mammal contact, rat infestation at home, flooding at housing area (within three months) and urban locality. The exposure to various disease sources identified poses risk to dogs and dog handlers. Risk could be reduced with adequate application of protection at work while handling dogs and thus limiting contact with these sources and reducing exposure to infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Molecular epidemiology of rabies virus in Vietnam (2006-2009)

Nguyen AK, Nguyen DV, Ngo GC, Nguyen TT, Inoue S, Yamada A, et al.

Jpn J Infect Dis, 2011;64(5):391-6.
PMID: 21937820

This study was aimed at determining the molecular epidemiology of rabies virus (RABV) circulating in Vietnam. Intra vitam samples (saliva and cerebrospinal fluid) were collected from 31 patients who were believed to have rabies and were admitted to hospitals in northern provinces of Vietnam. Brain samples were collected from 176 sick or furious rabid dogs from all over the country. The human and canine samples were subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. The findings showed that 23 patients tested positive for RABV. Interestingly, 5 rabies patients did not have any history of dog or cat bites, but they had an experience of butchering dogs or cats, or consuming their meat. RABV was also detected in 2 of the 100 sick dogs from slaughterhouses. Molecular epidemiological analysis of 27 RABV strains showed that these viruses could be classified into two groups. The RABVs classified into Group 1 were distributed throughout Vietnam and had sequence similarity with the strains from China, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. However, the RABVs classified into Group 2 were only found in the northern provinces of Vietnam and showed high sequence similarity with the strain from southern China. This finding suggested the recent influx of Group 2 RABVs between Vietnam and China across the border. Although the incidence of rabies due to circulating RABVs in slaughterhouses is less common than that due to dog bite, the national program for rabies control and prevention in Vietnam should include monitoring of the health of dogs meant for human consumption and vaccination for workers at dog slaughterhouses. Further, monitoring of and research on the circulating RABVs in dog markets may help to determine the cause of rabies and control the spread of rabies in slaughterhouses in Vietnam.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology
Molecular epidemiology of rabies in Vietnam

Yamagata J, Ahmed K, Khawplod P, Mannen K, Xuyen DK, Loi HH, et al.

Microbiol. Immunol., 2007;51(9):833-40.
PMID: 17895600

The present study was done to determine the molecular epidemiology of rabies virus (RV) in Vietnam. The nucleoprotein (N) and glycoprotein (G) genes of RVs were amplified from the brains of ten rabid dogs of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The nucleotide sequences of these genes were compared with those of other Asian strains to find the possible relationship among them. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Asian N gene segregated into three main branches, namely South-East Asia 1 (SEA 1), South-East Asia 2 (SEA 2) and Indian subcontinent (ISC) genotypes. The SEA 1 genotype comprised RVs from Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. The SEA 2 genotype contained strains from the Philippines, and the ISC genotype comprised strains from Sri Lanka and India. Phylogenetically G genes of RVs from Vietnam and Thailand were clustered together. Our study suggests that Vietnamese and Thai RVs are closely related and might have originated from a common ancestor.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Fulltext Molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis in dogs in Malaysia

Nazari M, Lim SY, Watanabe M, Sharma RS, Cheng NA, Watanabe M

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2013;7(1):e1982.
PMID: 23301114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001982

An epidemiological study of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs in Peninsular Malaysia was carried out using molecular detection techniques. A total of 500 canine blood samples were collected from veterinary clinics and dog shelters. Molecular screening by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using genus-specific primers followed by PCR using E. canis species-specific primers. Ten out of 500 dogs were positive for E. canis. A phylogenetic analysis of the E. canis Malaysia strain showed that it was grouped tightly with other E. canis strains from different geographic regions. The present study revealed for the first time, the presence of genetically confirmed E. canis with a prevalence rate of 2.0% in naturally infected dogs in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Fulltext Armigeres subalbatus incriminated as a vector of zoonotic Brugia pahangi filariasis in suburban Kuala Lumpur, Peninsular Malaysia

Muslim A, Fong MY, Mahmud R, Lau YL, Sivanandam S

Parasit Vectors, 2013;6:219.
PMID: 23898840 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-219

In 2011, we reported occurrence of natural human infections with Brugia pahangi, a filarial worm of dogs and cats, in a surburb of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. Our preliminary entomological survey at that time suggested the mosquito species Armigeres subalbatus as the vector of the zoonotic infections. In this present report, we provide biological evidence to confirm our preliminary finding.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Fulltext Prevalence and zoonotic potential of canine hookworms in Malaysia

Mahdy MA, Lim YA, Ngui R, Siti Fatimah MR, Choy SH, Yap NJ, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2012;5:88.
PMID: 22564445 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-88

Canine hookworm infection is endemic in Southeast Asian countries with a prevalence ranging from 70% to 100%, with zoonotic transmission representing a potentially significant public health concern. However, there are limited data available on the prevalence of canine hookworms in Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hookworm and Ancylostoma species among dogs in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology
Ectoparasite infestation patterns of domestic dogs in suburban and rural areas in Borneo

Wells K, Beaucournu JC, Durden LA, Petney TN, Lakim MB, O'Hara RB

Parasitol Res, 2012 Aug;111(2):909-19.
PMID: 22526293 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2917-7

Domestic dogs, Canis lupus, have been one of the longest companions of humans and have introduced their own menagerie of parasites and pathogens into this relationship. Here, we investigate the parasitic load of 212 domestic dogs with fleas (Siphonaptera) chewing lice (Phthiraptera), and ticks (Acarina) along a gradient from rural areas with near-natural forest cover to suburban areas in Northern Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia). We used a spatially-explicit hierarchical Bayesian model that allowed us to impute missing data and to consider spatial structure in modelling dog infestation probability and parasite density. We collected a total of 1,968 fleas of two species, Ctenocephalides orientis and Ctenocephalides felis felis, from 195 dogs (prevalence, 92 %). Flea density was higher on dogs residing in houses made of bamboo or corrugated metal (increase of 40 % from the average) compared to timber or stone/compound houses. Host-dependent and landscape-level environmental variables and spatial structure only had a weak explanatory power. We found adults of the invasive chewing louse Heterodoxus spiniger on 42 dogs (20 %). The effect of housing conditions was opposite to those for fleas; lice were only found on dogs residing in stone or timber houses. We found ticks of the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus as well as Haemaphysalis bispinosa gp., Haemaphysalis cornigera, Haemaphysalis koenigsbergi, and Haemaphysalis semermis on 36 dogs (17 %). The most common tick species was R. sanguineus, recorded from 23 dogs. Tick infestations were highest on dogs using both plantation and forest areas (282 % increase in overall tick density of dogs using all habitat types). The infestation probability of dogs with lice and ticks decreased with elevation, most infestations occurred below 800 m above sea level. However, the density of lice and ticks revealed no spatial structure; infestation probability of dogs with these two groups revealed considerable autocorrelation. Our study shows that environmental conditions on the house level appeared to be more influential on flea and lice density whereas tick density was also influenced by habitat use. Infestation of dogs with Haemaphysalis ticks identified an important link between dogs and forest wildlife for potential pathogen transmission.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
The occurrence of Toxocara malaysiensis in cats in China, confirmed by sequence-based analyses of ribosomal DNA

Li MW, Zhu XQ, Gasser RB, Lin RQ, Sani RA, Lun ZR, et al.

Parasitol Res, 2006 Oct;99(5):554-7.
PMID: 16636846

Non-isotopic polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequence analyses of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were utilized to genetically characterise ascaridoids from dogs and cats from China by comparison with those from other countries. The study showed that Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, and Toxascaris leonina from China were genetically the same as those from other geographical origins. Specimens from cats from Guangzhou, China, which were morphologically consistent with Toxocara malaysiensis, were the same genetically as those from Malaysia, with the exception of a polymorphism in the ITS-2 but no unequivocal sequence difference. This is the first report of T. malaysiensis in cats outside of Malaysia (from where it was originally described), supporting the proposal that this species has a broader geographical distribution. The molecular approach employed provides a powerful tool for elucidating the biology, epidemiology, and zoonotic significance of T. malaysiensis.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology
Screwworm myiasis caused by Chrysomyia bezziana in zoo and domestic animals in Malaysia: a report of 3 cases

Werner RM, Dohany AL, Vanniasingham JA, Huxsoll DL

Proc Annu Meet U S Anim Health Assoc, 1980;84:339-42.
PMID: 6947291
Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Fulltext Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae, and B. clarridgeiae in fleas from domestic dogs and cats in Malaysia

Mokhtar AS, Tay ST

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2011 Nov;85(5):931-3.
PMID: 22049052 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0634

The presence of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae in 209 fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) obtained from domestic cats and dogs in several locations in Malaysia was investigated in this study. Using a polymerase chain reaction specific for the citrate synthase (gltA) and 17-kD antigenic protein (17kD) genes of rickettsiae, we detected R. felis DNA in 6 (2.9%) fleas. For detection of bartonellae, amplification of the heme-binding protein (pap31) and riboflavin synthase (ribC) genes identified B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae DNA in 24 (11.5%) and 40 (19.1%) fleas, respectively. The DNA of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae was detected in 10 (4.8%) fleas. Two B. henselae genogroups (Marseille and Houston-1) were detected in this study; genogroup Marseille (genotype Fizz) was found more often in the fleas. The findings in this study suggest fleas as potential vectors of rickettsioses and cat-scratch disease in this country.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology
A Malaysian experience with animal disease

Little PB

Can. Vet. J., 1979 Jan;20(1):13-21.
PMID: 761153

The report summarizes a one year period of investigation of death losses in West Malaysian livestock. Lesions and etiological agents are mentioned for cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry and companion animals as well as some miscellaneous species. Special observations related to a common paramphistome induced hepatic biliary infestation in cattle, a serious malignant head catarrh outbreak in which possible cattle to cow aerosol transmission occurred. Trismus observed in some cattle with malignant head catarrh was associated with arteriolitis and ganglioneuritis of the V cranial nerve. Parasitic, bacterial, viral toxic and neoplastic diseases are recorded in the various species. The occurrence of fatal chronic fluorosis in laboratory guinea pigs and cerebral nematodiasis in a Thoroughbred racehorse are documented.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology
MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF ANAPLASMOSIS IN DOGS

Ghauri HN, Ijaz M, Ahmed A, Muhammad Naveed MUA, Nawab Y, Javed MU, et al.

J Parasitol, 2021 03 01;107(2):295-303.
PMID: 33844841 DOI: 10.1645/20-50

Anaplasmosis is a widespread vector-borne disease affecting dogs, and Anaplasma platys is the major etiological agent of the disease. The study examines anaplasmosis molecular prevalence, related risk factors, and alteration of hematological variables in Anaplasma-affected dogs. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from dogs in the district of Lahore, Pakistan. The samples were screened with PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma. Sequencing of samples that were found positive after performing PCR was conducted. A questionnaire was developed to collect epidemiological data on subject dogs, and the information was analyzed with a logistic regression model using SPSS. The current study revealed an 11.34% (17/150) prevalence of anaplasmosis in dogs based on PCR detection. Tick infestation, previous tick history, house hygiene, and tick control status were major risk factors linked with disease occurrence. Red blood cell count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and platelet count were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Anaplasma-infected dogs. Phylogenetically, the 2 isolates of the current study clustered together, and that cluster was very similar to A. platys isolates from India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*
Fulltext Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Stray Dogs from Various Locations in West and East Malaysia

Watanabe M, Sadiq MB, Mulop NIA, Mohammed K, Rani PAM, Fong LS, et al.

Korean J Parasitol, 2020 Oct;58(5):487-492.
PMID: 33202500 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.5.487

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite; Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the most important zoonotic parasite worldwide. In dogs, the sexual reproductive cycle of T. gondii is lacking, and the animals are not widely consumed as food, but they are vital in the mechanical transmission of the parasite. However, there is no present data on the exposure of stray dogs to T. gondii in Malaysia. The objective of this serological survey was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and associated factors in stray dogs in East and West Malaysia. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 222 stray dogs from 6 different states in East and West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) using an Indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence for T. gondii was 23.4% (Confidence interval: CI 17.8-29.2%). Stray dogs from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur had the highest seroprevalence (32.4%; CI 13.2-45.5%) and lowest in those from Penang and Kedah (12.5%; CI 1.3-23.5%). Gender and breed were not associated with T. gondii seropositivity. However, adult dogs were more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii (OR=2.89; CI 1.1-7.7) compared with younger dogs. These results revealed that T. gondii is prevalent in stray dogs in the studied areas in Malaysia, and indicative of the level of environmental contamination of this parasite especially in urban areas.

Matched MeSH terms: Dog Diseases/epidemiology*

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