Parasitic diseases comprise some of the most important zoonoses, especially in developing countries where sanitary conditions are not ideal. Toxocara spp and Ancylostoma spp are 2 such parasites that infect dogs and can also infect humans. In humans, these parasites are known to cause visceral larva migrans and cutaneous larva migrans.
This study evaluated different techniques for diagnosing parasites in fecal samples. The study analyzed 285 fecal samples collected in Brazil from public areas and private backyards. Samples were analyzed using 3 techniques: Willis-Mollay flotation technique; spontaneous sedimentation (Hoffman, Pons, and Janer); and modified centrifugal flotation. More than half (56.49%) were positive for eggs and/or oocysts of intestinal parasites; 44.21% detected with the Willis technique, 31.57% by the Hoffman technique, and 45.14% via centrifugal flotation. The centrifugal flotation and Willis techniques showed good concordance. The authors concluded that the centrifugal flotation method showed higher sensitivity for detecting Ancylostoma spp and Toxocara spp and could be used with the Willis technique for routine diagnostic samples.
This capsule is part of the One Health Initiative.