Evaluation of Different Parasitological Techniques for Diagnosing Intestinal Parasites in Dogs

Intestinal nematodes are among the most common parasites of dogs, being Toxocara spp. and Ancylostoma spp. threats to public health due to their zoonotic potential. In this study, three parasitological diagnostic techniques for detecting the eggs/oocysts of canine intestinal parasites were evaluated. Fecal samples (n = 285) were collected from the environment (i.e. public streets, squares and homes) in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil. Samples were analyzed using the WillisMollay simple flotation technique, spontaneous sedimentation (Hoffman, Pons and Janer) and modified centrifugal flotation. Among the samples analyzed, 56.49% (161/285) showed eggs and/or oocysts of intestinal parasites. In particular, 44.21% (126/285) were detected by the Willis technique, 45.14% (121/268) by centrifugal flotation and 31.57% (90/285) by the Hoffmann technique. The kappa index indicated good concordance between the centrifugal flotation and Willis techniques (κ = 0.625), whereas fair concordance was observed between Hoffmann and Willis (κ = 0.480), and between Hoffman and centrifugal flotation (κ = 0.433). In conclusion, the centrifugal flotation technique showed high sensitivity towards detecting Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. (the most common parasites in this study) and could be used in association with the Willis technique to obtain safe diagnoses within routine laboratory analysis.