Ameaças invisíveis: análise de dejetos caninos contendo parasitos de potencial zoonótico no povoado Boa Hora, Teresina, Piauí

Abstract

Scientific studies demonstrate a global increase in the canine population, with emphasis on the United States, China, and Brazil. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of zoonotic parasitic infections in feces of stray dogs collected from public streets in the Boa Hora village, municipality of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, considering the socio-environmental vulnerability of the area and the neglect of intestinal parasitic infections under the One Health perspective. A total of 60 canine fecal samples were collected from public areas and analyzed at the laboratory of the Federal Institute of Piauí (IFPI), Teresina Central campus. Of these, 48.33% (29/60) were positive for at least one parasitic agent, while 51.67% (31/60) were negative, indicating an epidemiological scenario compatible with rural or peri-urban areas with inadequate basic sanitation. Hookworms were the most prevalent parasites (40%), followed by Toxocara spp. (8.33%), Trichuris spp. (3.33%), Dipylidium caninum (1.66%), Giardia spp. (3.33%), and Entamoeba histolytica (1.66%), in addition to the detection of Enterobius vermicularis (1.66%). Parasitic coinfections were also observed, mainly involving hookworms, Toxocara canis, Ascaris spp., Trichuris spp., Giardia sp., and Entamoeba species, indicating a high potential for environmental contamination and a risk to public health. Except for Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris sp., Trichuris sp. e Entamoeba sp. all identified parasites have zoonotic potential, highlighting the need for sanitary measures, proper environmental management, population control of dogs, and educational actions, including future activities in schools, aimed at preventing and reducing transmission among animals, humans, and the environment.