Percent positivity and risk analysis of zoonotic intestinal parasites (helminths) in dogs population- a participatory epidemiological study.

Zoonotic intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern, particularly in developing nations where the interface between humans and domestic animals is close and often unhygienic. Dogs as one of the most popular pets are known to serve as reservoirs for several zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites being transmitted to humans directly or indirectly. The present study was conducted in Indore district covering Malharganj, Kanadiya, Hatod, Mhow, Bicholihapsi, Sawer, Depalpur, Khudel, and Indore city with the aims to determine the prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminths in dogs, correlation with owner awareness, their management and other associated risk factors. Among 120 faecal samples of dogs, 35% (42) samples were confirmed to be positive for parasitic infections through Sheather's sugar floatation method while only 33% (38) samples were diagnosed positive via zinc sulphate floatation method. Positivity percentage was comparatively higher in dogs having very soft (41.9%) and soft (38.9%) stools. The highest positivity rate was detected for Ancylostoma spp. showing 42.8% (18/42) followed by Taenia spp. and Diphylidium caninum in 19.0% (8/42). Age-based infection data showed the highest positivity for Ancylostoma spp. (28.6%) and D. caninum (16.7%) in the dogs above 12 months of age while puppies (0-6 months) had comparatively higher positivity 7.1% for both T. canis and mixed infections than other age group dogs. Chi-squared analyses indicated significantly (p < 0.05) association of zoonotic parasite infections with breed and age of dogs, feed type, deworming status, frequency and brand of anthelmintic drugs, faecal disposal and respondents' knowledge. Univariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05) proved the significant association of numerous important risk factors, including regular deworming, breed, feeding type, faecal disposal procedures, and owner awareness with zoonotic intestinal parasite infections in dogs. Multivariate logistic regression supported regular deworming of dogs (p = 0.0379) to avoid intestinal parasitic infections in dogs but also owner awareness is important risk factor. Thus, the prevalence rate of zoonotic intestinal parasites in the dogs, their correlation with owners awareness, their management and the other risk factors were discussed.