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Cited by 52Research on Leishmaniasis StudiesHelminth infection and controlParasitic infections in humans and animals

Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria spp. and other endoparasite infections in kennel dogs in central Italy

Open access
Sauda, Federica, Malandrucco, Livia, Macrì, Gladia, Scarpulla, Manuela, De Liberato, Claudio, Terracciano, Giuliana, Fichi, Gianluca, Berrilli, Federica +1 more·2018·Parasite
DOI 10.1051/parasite/2018001PMC PMC5793702
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Abstract

Prevalence and risk factors of Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria spp. and other potentially zoonotic or canine-specific endoparasite infections were assessed in 639 kennel dogs from central Italy. To this end, individual blood and fecal samples were examined using parasitological, immunological and molecular techniques. The presence of compatible clinical pictures, as well as age and gender were considered as putative risks factors. To evaluate risk factors, multivariable analysis with logistic regression and univariable analysis with a Chi square test and a Fischer’s exact test were performed. Overall, 52.6% of dogs (95% CI 48.6-56.5) were found positive, while 39.6% of dogs (95% CI 35.8-43.5) were infected by potentially zoonotic species. Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria repens showed prevalences of 2.5% (95% CI 1.5-4.1) and 2.8% (95% CI 1.7-4.5), respectively. The prevalence of cardiorespiratory parasites was 7.8% (95% CI 5.9-10.3) and included the species Angiostrongylus vasorum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Eucoleus boehmi and D. immitis; the latter showed a prevalence of 0.2% (95% CI 0.001-1). Intestinal parasites were significantly prevalent (38.8%, 95% CI 35-42.7) and they consisted mainly of species of major zoonotic concern, including ancylostomatids, Toxocara canis, Giardia duodenalis, Dipylidium caninum, Taeniidae, Strongyloides stercoralis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Endoparasites were significantly prevalent in clinically suspected dogs. Leishmania infantum and cardiorespiratory nematodes were prevalent in older dogs, while intestinal parasites were prevalent in younger dogs. Results show high dog and public health risks in kennels in central Italy, and suggest the need for more effective control measures.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In 639 kennel dogs in central Italy, 52.6% were positive for investigated endoparasites and 39.6% were infected by potentially zoonotic species. Intestinal parasites were common and associated with younger age and clinical signs, while *Leishmania infantum* and cardiorespiratory nematodes were associated with older age.

Key findings

  • Overall endoparasite prevalence was 52.6% (336/639, 95% CI 48.6–56.5), and 39.6% (253/639, 95% CI 35.8–43.5) were infected by potentially zoonotic species.
  • *L. infantum* prevalence was 2.5% (16/639, 95% CI 1.5–4.1) and *Dirofilaria repens* prevalence was 2.8% (18/639, 95% CI 1.7–4.5); cardiorespiratory nematodes were 7.8% (50/639, 95% CI 5.9–10.3), including *Angiostrongylus vasorum* 5.2%, *Eucoleus aerophilus* 1.7%, *Eucoleus boehmi* 0.8%, and *D. immitis* 0.2%.
  • Intestinal parasites were prevalent at 38.8% (248/639, p < 0.05), mainly ancylostomatids 11.3%, *Toxocara canis* 7.8%, *Trichuris vulpis* 7.5%, *Cystoisospora canis* 5.9%, *Giardia duodenalis* 4.8%, *Dipylidium caninum* 0.5%, Taeniidae 0.3%, *Strongyloides stercoralis* 0.2%, and *Cryptosporidium* spp. 0.2%; *G. duodenalis* assemblages A (33%) and C (67%) and *Cryptosporidium parvum* were identified.
  • *L. infantum* and cardiorespiratory nematodes were significantly prevalent in older dogs (age ≥ 2 years, p < 0.05), intestinal parasites were prevalent in younger dogs (age ≤ 2 years, p < 0.05), and infections were associated with compatible clinical pictures (p < 0.05); coinfections occurred in 3.9% (25/639), more frequently in males (84%, 21/25) than females (16%, 4/25, p < 0.05).

Methods

  • Cross-sectional study of 639 randomly selected dogs in public and private kennels in Latium and Tuscany, central Italy, from November 2011 to November 2014; 538/639 were males, 101/639 females, 395/639 were ≤ 24 months, and 244/639 were > 24 months.
  • Individual blood and fecal samples were examined using parasitological, immunological, and molecular techniques: modified Knott test for microfilariae, PetChek HTWM PF for *D. immitis* antigen, IFAT for *L. infantum* antibodies (positive at ≥ 1:160), fecal macroscopic examination, flotation, fresh/Lugol-stained smears, rapid immunoassay for *Giardia*/*Cryptosporidium*, Baermann technique for larvae, and PCR/sequencing or RFLP-PCR for *Giardia* and *Cryptosporidium*.
  • Risk factors were gender, age, and presence of compatible clinical pictures; analysis used Epi Info Version 3.5.3 with multivariable logistic regression and univariable Chi square or Fisher’s exact test, with significance at p < 0.05.

Limitations

  • The paper states that *D. immitis* prevalence may be underestimated because both methods used may fail to identify infected dogs, especially those with low worm burdens, immature worms, all-male infections, or non-patent infections; antigen tests target antigens from adult female reproductive tracts.
  • The paper states that low prevalences of *D. caninum*, *S. stercoralis*, and taeniids may be underestimated due to low sensitivity of macroscopic examination and flotation for cestodes and of the Baermann technique for *S. stercoralis*.
  • Evident from the text: the cross-sectional design and single sampling period cannot establish incidence or causality, risk factor analysis was limited to age, gender, and clinical picture, and findings are specific to kennel dogs in central Italy.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1051/parasite/2018001

Cites

53 of 53 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 42 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Giardia duodenalis assemblage A was identified in 33% (95% CI 16.7-51.4) of molecularly typed samples.

    “the assemblages A (33%, 95% CI 16.7-51.4) and C (67%, 95% CI 48.6-83.3) of G. duodenalis”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The prevalence of Entamoeba sp. was 0.3% (95% CI 0.1-1.3).

    “Entamoeba sp. (0.3%, 95% CI 0.1-1.3)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Age ≤ 2 years was a risk factor for intestinal parasite infections (p < 0.05).

    “the age ≤ 2 years was found to be a risk factor for intestinal parasite infections (p < 0.05).”
    • Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
      “intestinal parasites were prevalent in younger dogs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 0.2% (95% CI 0.001-1).

    “Cryptosporidium spp. (0.2%, 95% CI 0.001-1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The prevalence of Cystoisospora canis was 5.9% (95% CI 4.3-8.10).

    “Cystoisospora canis (5.9%, 95% CI 4.3-8.10)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • May combine two claims. 4
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 5

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the examined kennel dogs was 38.8% (248/639, 95% CI 35-42.7).

    “Intestinal parasites were significantly prevalent (38.8%, 95% CI 35-42.7)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Intestinal parasites were prevalent (38.8%, 248/639, p < 0.05) in examined dogs”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Results show high dog and public health risks in kennels in central Italy.

    “Results show high dog and public health risks in kennels in central Italy”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · hedged
      “results from the present study are also indicative of high health risks for dogs housed in these facilities”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 639 dogs sampled from public and private kennels in Latium and Tuscany are representative of kennel dogs in central Italy.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The seroprevalence of L. infantum (2.5%) is overall similar to that recently observed in kennels from other areas of central and northern Italy, showing low/medium infection levels, from 2.8% to 17.9%.

    “the seroprevalence of L. infantum (2.5%) was found to be higher in older animals and overall similar to that recently observed in kennels from other areas of central and northern Italy, showing low/medium infection levels, from 2.8% to 17.9% [3,39,40].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [3] Baldelli, 2011, Veterinary Parasitology source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] Salvatore, 2013, Veterinaria Italiana

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [40] Santi, 2014, Northern Italy. Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Reading of the IFAT was performed with an immunofluorescence microscope independently by two observers.

    “Reading was performed with an immunofluorescence microscope independently by two observers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Collection of samples and manipulation of animals were authorized by the kennels and the Italian Ministry of Health in the framework of the Italian surveillance programs of potential zoonotic diseases of stray animals.

    “Collection of samples and manipulation of animals were authorized by the kennels and the Italian Ministry of Health in the framework of the Italian surveillance programs of potential zoonotic diseases of stray animals (Italian law No. 281-1991).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Positive and negative controls were included in each Giardia/Cryptosporidium PCR and nested PCR run.

    “Positive and negative controls were included in each Giardia/Cryptosporidium PCR and nested PCR run.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The in-house IFAT was performed as described in the Manual of the World Organization for Animal Health.

    “The in-house IFAT was performed as described in the Manual of the World Organization for Animal Health [27].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [27] OIE, World Organisation for Animal Health. 2008. Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals, cap. 2.1.8, par. B.2, 2008. Available at www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health_standards/tahm/2.01.08_LEISHMANIOSIS.pdf

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Data from this study show high prevalence rates of L. infantum, D. repens, and intestinal and cardiorespiratory parasites in kennel dogs of Italy.

    “In conclusion, data from this study show high prevalence rates of L. infantum, D. repens, and intestinal and cardiorespiratory parasites in kennel dogs of Italy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 639 dogs sampled from public and private kennels in Latium and Tuscany are representative of kennel dogs in central Italy.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    No dogs included in the study were vaccinated against L. infantum or had received chemoprophylaxis for cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis.

    “No dogs included in the study were vaccinated against L. infantum or had received chemoprophylaxis for cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
9 of 9

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 639 dogs sampled from public and private kennels in Latium and Tuscany are representative of kennel dogs in central Italy.

    “a total of 639 randomly selected dogs of different breeds and living in public and private kennels of Latium and Tuscany (central Italy), were examined”
    “Results from this study add new and significant data on the prevalence of L. infantum, Dirofilaria spp. and other endoparasite infections in kennel dogs in Italy.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Clinical examination findings are a valid basis for classifying dogs as clinically suspected of endoparasite infection.

    “All animals were clinical examined in order to evaluate possible presence of compatible clinical pictures.”
    “249/639 dogs (39%) (95% CI 35.2-42.9) showed compatible clinical pictures”
2 of 2

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Salvatore, 2013, Veterinaria Italiana, 49, 341
  2. Sloss MW, Kemp RL, Zajac AM. 1994. Veterinary Clinical Parasitology, Sixth Edn. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, USA.
  3. Tamponi, 2017, Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, 10, 13

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Authors
Sauda, F., Malandrucco, L., Macrì, G., Scarpulla, M., De Liberato, C., Terracciano, G., Fichi, G., Berrilli, F., & Perrucci, S.
Affiliations
  • University of Pisa (IT)
  • ASL Roma (IT)
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana (IT)
  • University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT)
Corresponding author
Perrucci, Stefania
ORCID
Venue
Parasite
Publisher
EDP Sciences
Published
2018
Volume
25
Pages
2
ISSN
  • 1252-607X (ISSN-L)
  • 1776-1042
DOI
10.1051/parasite/2018001
PMC
PMC5793702
OpenAlex
W2787350840
Cited by
52
References
53
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 1
FWCI
6.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Parasite (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Cineca Institutional Research Information System (Tor Vergata University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • CINECA IRIS Institutial research information system (University of Pisa) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (submittedVersion, public-domain)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
  • Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Helminth infection and control
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Parasitic infections in humans and animals
Keywords
Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis, kennel dogs, prevalence, risk factors, zoonotic parasites, intestinal parasites, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Toxocara canis, Giardia lamblia, Dipylidium caninum, Strongyloides stercoralis, Cryptosporidium parvum, age and infection risk, central Italy
MeSH terms
Animals, Antibodies, Protozoan, Antigens, Helminth, Dirofilaria, Dirofilariasis, Dog Diseases, Dogs, Feces, Female, Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic, Italy, Leishmaniasis, Visceral, Male, Microfilariae, Regression Analysis, Risk Factors, Zoonoses, Prevalence, Leishmania infantum

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