Studies on the Prevalence of Ectoparasites in Owned Dogs and Major Risk Infestation to Human Health in Karachi, Sindh Pakistan
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Memon et al. Pakistan Journal of Parasitology 65; June 2018 STUDIES ON THE PREVALENCE OF ECTOPARASITES IN OWNED DOGS AND MAJOR RISK INFESTATION TO HUMAN HEALTH IN KARACHI, SINDH PAKISTAN Mujeeb-ur-Rahman Memon1*, Jahan Ara Baloch2, Abdullah G. Arijo3, Allah Bux Kachiwal4 and Nida Pirzada5 1Department of Veterinary Medicine 2Pathology Section, Central Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Tandojam 3Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam 4Department of Veterinary Physiology 5Baqai Veterinary College, Karachi *Corresponding author: [email protected] Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence, intensity and distribution of natural infestation of ectoparasites and their species in owned dogs during the period of June to November 2017 in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. One hundred fifty domestic dogs (90 males, 60 females) with age ranging from 60 days to 9 years were examined for ectoparasites infestation including (tick, lice, flea and mite) in Karachi city. A prevalence of ectoparasites 43.33% was identified in dogs. A total number of 164 ectoparasites were collected. The most common ectoparasites were Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which infested 59 of the 150 dogs (39.33%) followed by Ctenocephalides canis and Demodex canis was identified on 7/150 dogs (4.67%), Dermacentor reticulates and Trichodectes canis 6/150 dogs (4.0%) respectively and Ctenocephalides felis 2/150 (1.33%), that the highest infestation rate was seen in June (30.86%). No itching and scratching was found in 93.6 percent. Ectoparasites were significantly higher in outdoor dogs as compared with indoor group and the most tick infested location was around head and neck (60.0%). Keywords: Prevalence, ectoparasite, risk infestation, owned dogs, Karachi. INTRODUCTION Arthropod ectoparasites are found on the external body surfaces of vertebrates and constitute a diverse and highly adapted group of animals (Aldemir, 2007). Many of the species of insects belongs to phylum Arthropoda, class: Insecta, and ticks and mites class: Arachnida; order Acarina ectoparasitic of pet animals. Distress and disease are major symptoms of external parasites in dogs (Ettinger and Feldman, 1995). Both Pruritic and non-pruritic skin disorders are a common in dogs caused by ectoparasites and important reason of hypersensitivity disorders (Ettinger and Feldman, 1995). In addition, many species of arthropods are vectors for some diseases and are responsible for the transmission of disease to other animals that are transmitted to humans, causing life threatening anemia in young puppies or debilitated animals (Araujo et al., 1998). Infestation with these arthropods can cause dermatological reactions and considerable discomfort in hosts as they affects directly by feeding blood and cause allergic reactions and dermatitis. Most dogs have no clinical symptoms with ectoparasites. 19 Memon et al. Pakistan Journal of Parasitology 65; June 2018 After mosquitoes ticks are most important arthropods transmitting pathogens like protozoa, bacteria, viruses, including rickettsiae and filarial nematodes to other animals and humans. Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma spp. to animals is caused by ticks and are also one of the important vectors of pathogens in the world (Razmi et al., 2007). The Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) is the most prevalent tick in the world and a well familiar vector of many pathogens affecting dogs and occasionally humans (Dantas-Torres, 2010). Fleas are one of the most widespread ectoparasites of companion animals that nourish on the blood of their hosts. They are accountable for the invention and communication of several diseases of humans and their young ones. Pulex irritans, Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis are the most frequent flea species on dogs reported in various studies (Chee et al., 2008). The prevalence of these species varies in different geographic zones. Potential source of infection in human is constituted by dogs, by controlling canine parasites is the most important to get rid of clinical symptoms in diseased animals and reduce the zoonotic capacity of ectoparasites infection in human (Borji et al., 2011). The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites infestation and efficacy of various acaricides in owned dogs of Karachi. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross sectional investigation was conducted from June to November 2017 in Karachi city (Fig. 1) to record the prevalence of ectoparasites in owned dogs in various towns of Karachi, on the basis of prevalence, the number of one hundred and fifty owned dogs (90 males, 60 females) of different breeds with an age range of 60 days to 9 years were randomly selected and examined for ectoparasites. Detailed questionnaire about management, housing (outdoor, indoor), grooming, bathing interval, and purpose of keeping were obtained from owners. The ectoparasites in symptomatic cases were removed after complete physical skin examination. The hairs of dogs were combed and their skin rubbed with a piece of cotton soaked in alcohol. Deep and superficial skin scraping were prepared from all type of lesions in suspected dogs. All ectoparasites collected from each dog were transferred into labeled specimen bottles containing 70% ethanol. In the laboratory, the ectoparasites from each dog were identified, counted and recorded according to body regions. Areas of the skin with dermatologic lesions were moisture with mineral oil and scraped with a scalpel blade until capillary bleeding was visible. The scrapings were placed on glass slides with a drop of 10% KOH solution and were examined microscopically for the presence of mites. For the presence of mites, deep ear swab specimens were obtained from both ears from all dogs. All ear swab specimens were examined microscopically with mineral oil. Fig. 1. Map of Karachi. 20 Memon et al. Pakistan Journal of Parasitology 65; June 2018 Six Districts, eighteen towns and six cantonments of Karachi. (A) DISTRICT SOUTH: 1. Lyari Town, 2. Saddar Town, (B) DISTRICT EAST: 3. Jamshed Town, 4. Gulshan Town, (C) DISTRICT CENTRAL: 5. Liaquatabad Town, 6. North Nazimabad Town, 7. Gulberg Town, 8. New Karachi Town, (D) DISTRICT WEST: 9. Kemari Town, 10. SITE Town, 11. Baldia Town, 12. Orangi Town, (E) DISTRICT MALIR: 13. Malir Town, 14. Bin Qasim Town, 15. Gadap Town. (F) DISTRICT KORANGI: 16. Korangi Town, 17. Landhi Town, 18. Shah Faisal Town, CANTONMENTS: (A) Karachi Cantonment, (B) Clifton Cantonment, (C) Korangi Creek Cantonment, (D) Faisal Cantonment, (E) Malir Cantonment, (F) Manora Cantonment. Statistical analysis Dogs were grouped by age, sex, body weight and sampling time. To determine association of these factors with ectoparasites infestation, Chi square analysis and Fisher’s exact test was used. Statistical similarities or dissimilarities were carried out using SPSS 18.0 statistical software. Differences were considered significant at P< 0.05 level. RESULTS The intensity and epidemiology of external parasite infestations examined by body exploration, including whole body comb and examination of skin scrapings from apprehensive skin areas are given in Tables 1,2,3,4 and 5. A total of 164 ectoparasites were found (fleas, ticks, scabies and lice). A total of 63 fleas were found, out of them Ctenocephalides canis (32.93%, n=54) and Ctenocephalides felis (5.49%, n=9), fifty nine dogs had ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineous, 39.33%) and 6 dogs had ticks (Dermacentor reticulatus, 4.00%) which were seen mostly in June. A total of 76 ticks (46.34 %) were recovered from 65 dogs, out of 76 ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus 73 (44.51%) and Dermacentor reticulates 3 (1.83%), a total of 19 scabies were found, out of them Demodex canis 9 (5.49%) and Sarcoptes scabiei varcanis. 10 (6.10%) and only 6 (3.66%) louse Trichodectes canis were found. R. sanguineus, C. canis, S. scabiei var. canis and T. canis was the principal species identified on infested dog (Table 1). Out of 150 tested dogs, 65 (43.33%) were positive for ectoparasites, age group (1-3 year 72.22%) was more commonly affected than older dogs (Table 2). Out of 150 examined dogs 59 and 7 were infested with ticks R. sanguineus and D. reticulates, which was mostly observed in June followed by fleas C. canis, which was seen mostly in August, seven dogs had D. canis (4.67%) which was seen mostly in October, six dogs had lice (T. canis, 4.0%) which were seen mostly in August. Mixed infestations (R. sanguineous, Dreticulatus, C. canis, C. felis and D. canis) were detected on 16 dogs (10.67%) (Table 3). Studied samples were routinely checked for clinical symptoms like intense itching and scratching (these were isolated all over the pet’s body), loss of hair in various areas of body, various types of skin eruptions, some of which are crusty and may ooze pus or even bleed, head shaking or scratching of ears. Nine positive dogs had itching (13.85%) and 56 dogs (86.15%) had no any clinical symptoms. Ninety out of 150 dogs (60.0%) were males and 60 (40.0%) were females. Small-sized and low body weight dogs 21 Memon et al. Pakistan Journal of Parasitology 65; June 2018 were more frequently affected than toy groups (54.54%) (Table 4). Data on distribution of the ectoparasites in the body of the dogs were 15 (60.0%) a round head and neck followed by around the ear, 13 (54.17%), on genital area, 65 (43.33%), on belly, 25 (39.68%) on back side, 7 (38.89%), and on nose 5 (25.0%) (Table 5) respectively. Moreover, there was statistical significant difference observed between sex, age, and weight (P< 0.05). Table 1. Total ectoparasite frequency in owned dogs in Karachi, Sindh. Ectoparasites species Frequency (%) Fleas Ctenocephalides canis 54 (32.93) Ctenocephalides felis 9 (5.49) Ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus 73 (44.51) Dermacentor reticulates 3 (1.83) Scabies Demodex canis 9 (5.49) Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis.10 (6.10) Lice Trichodectes canis 6 (3.66) Total 164 (100) Table 2. Occurrence of ectoparasites in owned dogs by age (years) of Karachi, Sindh.