The Intensity of Infection and Public Health Perception of Potentially Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites of Dogs in Kwara Central, Nigeria

Background: The close relationship between dogs and humans the possibility of intestinal parasite transmission from to calls for frequent assessment these potential zoonotic parasites in their humans. Objectives: This study aimed determine presence, intensity infection, public health perception potentially Kwara Central, Nigeria. Methods: was conducted 28 locations Central Senatorial District State, Three hundred five healthy were sampled. Two thirty respondents (dog owners or handlers) questioned using a well-structured questionnaire containing open-ended closed-ended questions. Fecal samples sampled subjected direct fecal smear technique, simple centrifugation flotation formalin-ethyl acetate concentration modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Oocysts eggs per gram feces counted McMaster Results: Seven different (Ancylostoma spp., Cryptosporidium Dipylidium caninum, Isospora Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara Uncinaria stenocephala) detected, with prevalence ranging 2.30% 25.25%. Of parasites, 6 zoonotic. mean intensities infection 91.43 (EPG) D. caninum¸ 96.52 EPG S. 129.36 ±28.12 oocysts (OPG) 165.17±19.88 240.00±44.42 U. stenocephala, 303.64±31.83 Ancylostoma spp. Some dog handlers not cautious about possible dogs. Conclusion: Zoonotic are present prevalent There is need educate on