Tilini K De Silva1, Rupika S Rajakaruna1, Keerthi M Mohotti2, R P V J Rajapakse3, Piyumali K Perera4. 1. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 2. Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka. 3. Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 4. Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. pkperera@pdn.ac.lk.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Ancylostoma spp. causing canine hookworm infections are distributed worldwide with a high prevalence in the South Asian region. Here, we report the first molecular identification of the canine hookworm infecting the dogs in Sri Lanka. METHOD: Fresh faecal samples were collected from free-roaming dogs in tea estate communities in Talawakelle, processed and microscopically analysed for gastro-intestinal parasites. The common dog hookworm Ancylostoma sp. was further investigated using molecular diagnostic tools including PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: Of the individual dogs sampled, 97.0% (97/100) were positive for GI parasites, identifying 14 species, all of which were zoonotic. Entamoeba sp. (58.0% (58/100)) was the most prevalent infection and Ancylostoma sp. (45.0% (45/100)) was the most prevalent helminth infection. Overall, helminth prevalence was higher in female dogs (92.5% (37/40)) than male dogs (73.3% (44/60)), potentially due to immune suppression during pregnancy and lactation. The prevalence and burden of Toxocara canis was higher in puppies (≤ 1 year) (68.8%(11/16); Chi-square test; χ2 = 20.912, p < 0.001 and FEC = 5.91; Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.001), possibly due to vertical trans-mammary or trans-placental transmission of infective larvae. This study also presents the first record of Hymenolepis sp. from dogs in Sri Lanka. Ancylostoma sp. was molecularly confirmed as A. caninum. CONCLUSION: The local variant of A. caninum was phylogenetically unique and showed 99.2% similarity to that from India. The high prevalence of zoonotic GI parasites with public health significance highlights the importance of improving community well-being, veterinary care for dogs, and public awareness on zoonoses.
PURPOSE: Ancylostoma spp. causing canine hookworm infections are distributed worldwide with a high prevalence in the South Asian region. Here, we report the first molecular identification of the canine hookworm infecting the dogs in Sri Lanka. METHOD: Fresh faecal samples were collected from free-roaming dogs in tea estate communities in Talawakelle, processed and microscopically analysed for gastro-intestinal parasites. The common dog hookworm Ancylostoma sp. was further investigated using molecular diagnostic tools including PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: Of the individual dogs sampled, 97.0% (97/100) were positive for GI parasites, identifying 14 species, all of which were zoonotic. Entamoeba sp. (58.0% (58/100)) was the most prevalent infection and Ancylostoma sp. (45.0% (45/100)) was the most prevalent helminth infection. Overall, helminth prevalence was higher in female dogs (92.5% (37/40)) than male dogs (73.3% (44/60)), potentially due to immune suppression during pregnancy and lactation. The prevalence and burden of Toxocara canis was higher in puppies (≤ 1 year) (68.8%(11/16); Chi-square test; χ2 = 20.912, p < 0.001 and FEC = 5.91; Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.001), possibly due to vertical trans-mammary or trans-placental transmission of infective larvae. This study also presents the first record of Hymenolepis sp. from dogs in Sri Lanka. Ancylostoma sp. was molecularly confirmed as A. caninum. CONCLUSION: The local variant of A. caninum was phylogenetically unique and showed 99.2% similarity to that from India. The high prevalence of zoonotic GI parasites with public health significance highlights the importance of improving community well-being, veterinary care for dogs, and public awareness on zoonoses.
Authors: M A Larkin; G Blackshields; N P Brown; R Chenna; P A McGettigan; H McWilliam; F Valentin; I M Wallace; A Wilm; R Lopez; J D Thompson; T J Gibson; D G Higgins Journal: Bioinformatics Date: 2007-09-10 Impact factor: 6.937
Authors: Sandani S Thilakarathne; Rupika S Rajakaruna; Deepani D Fernando; R P V J Rajapakse; Piyumali K Perera Journal: Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports Date: 2021-03-18
Authors: Timothy P Jenkins; Yasara Rathnayaka; Piyumali K Perera; Laura E Peachey; Matthew J Nolan; Lutz Krause; Rupika S Rajakaruna; Cinzia Cantacessi Journal: PLoS One Date: 2017-09-11 Impact factor: 3.240