Risk factors and infection due to Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs and cats in southern Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract This study investigated the frequency of oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. in feces from dogs and cats in five municipalities in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The risk factors associated with infection were also investigated. Feces samples from 110 dogs and 18 cats were stained using the auramine method. At the time of feces sampling, a questionnaire with semi-open-ended questions was applied to the animal guardians and all data obtained underwent statistical analysis. The real frequency of oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. was 24.63% (27 dogs and two cats). Only four samples of dog feces were diarrheic and no presence of oocysts was observed in any of them. Variables that represented risk factors for infection were: homemade food, untreated water, circulation of animals on grassy terrain and living in the same environment as other animals (cattle). The results made it possible to inferring that within the population studied, the frequency of parasitism due to Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs was relevant and emphasize the asymptomatic nature of this infection. The adopting control measures are highlighted, particularly in relation to variables that represent risk factors for this infection.

摘要 本研究调查了南里奥格兰德州南部五个自治市犬与猫粪便中隐孢子虫（Cryptosporidium spp.）卵囊的检出频率，并同时探究了与该感染相关的危险因素。本研究采用金胺染色法对110份犬粪便样本及18份猫粪便样本进行染色处理。采样阶段，向动物饲养者发放半开放式问卷收集信息，所有采集到的数据均完成统计学分析。隐孢子虫卵囊的实际检出率为24.63%（27只犬、2只猫）。其中仅4份犬粪便样本呈腹泻状态，且所有此类样本均未检出卵囊。与感染相关的危险因素变量包括：自制日粮、未处理饮用水、动物在草地活动，以及与其他动物（牛）共居环境。研究结果可推断，在所研究的种群中，犬类感染隐孢子虫的频率具有临床相关性，且凸显了该感染的无症状特性。本研究强调应采取防控措施，尤其需针对上述感染危险因素相关变量开展防控工作。