Prevalence and distribution of soil-transmitted helminth infection in free-roaming dogs in Bali Province, Indonesia

Background and Aim: Several free-roaming dogs can be easily found in the public areas of Bali. They go out in search of foods and friends and defecate everywhere. In general. these groups of dogs do not receive good healthcare from their owners and are generally threatened by some disease-causing organisms, especially helininths. This study was conducted to identify and measure the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) that cause infection in free-roaming dogs in Bali Province, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 1611 fresh dog fecal samples were collected from all areas of Bali Province and subjected to qualitative fecal examination using flotation techniques to obtain STH eggs. Results: The incidence of STHs in free-roaming dogs was 38.36%. However, three types of STHs were identified, including Ancylostoma spp.. Ascaris spp.. and Trichuris spp. Ancylostoma spp. had the highest prevalence of 37.8%, followed by Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. at 6.02% and 0.87%, respectively. Multiple infections of these worms were also recorded. The polyparasitisin prevalence of Ancy/asrama spp. and Ascaris spp. was 3.85%, followed by that ofAncy/asrama spp. and Trichuris spp. at 0.5% and that of Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. at 0.06%. There were no altitude-wise differences in the prevalence of STH infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of STHs was high in free-roaming dogs. This finding necessitates more serious attention as it affects both animal and public health.

Automated summary

The study aimed to identify and measure the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in free-roaming dogs in Bali Province, Indonesia. The results showed a high incidence of STHs (38.36%) in these dogs, with Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris spp., and Trichuris spp. being the main types identified.