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

Prevalence and risk factors ofLeishmania infantum,Dirofilariaspp. and other potentially zoonoticor 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 moleculartechniques. The presence of compatible clinical pictures, as well as age and gender were considered as putativerisks factors. To evaluate risk factors, multivariable analysis with logistic regression and univariable analysiswith a Chi square test and a Fischer’s exact test were performed. Overall, 52.6% of dogs (95% CI 48.6-56.5) werefound positive, while 39.6% of dogs (95% CI 35.8-43.5) were infected by potentially zoonotic species.Leishmaniainfantum and Dirofilaria repensshowed 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 speciesAngiostrongylus vasorum,Eucoleus aerophilus,Eucoleus boehmiandD. immitis; the latter showed a prevalenceof 0.2% (95% CI 0.001-1). Intestinal parasites were significantly prevalent (38.8%, 95% CI 35-42.7) and theyconsisted mainly of species of major zoonotic concern, including ancylostomatids,Toxocara canis,Giardiaduodenalis,Dipylidium caninum, Taeniidae,Strongyloides stercoralisandCryptosporidium parvum.Endoparasites were significantly prevalent in clinically suspected dogs.Leishmania infantumandcardiorespiratory nematodes were prevalent in older dogs, while intestinal parasites were prevalent in youngerdogs. Results show high dog and public health risks in kennels in central Italy, and suggest the need for moreeffective control measures.