Identification of zoonotic parasites of the genus Ancylostoma in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and domestic cats (Felis catus) in El Salvador

Abstract

Ancylostoma spp. is one of the most common parasites in domestic dogs and cats, and some of its species are of zoonotic origin. In El Salvador, two studies have confirmed the presence of Ancylostoma spp. in the country, and according to the Ministry of Health of El Salvador (MINSAL), geohelminth infections are among the most common diseases reported in health units.In this study, a total of 100 examinations and inspections of the small intestines of different animals were conducted, 74 from canines and 26 from felines, originating from various regions of El Salvador, with the objective of identifying zoonotic species of the genus Ancylostoma. Ancylostoma was found in 50 animals, from which adult parasites were extracted along with their corresponding fecal samples, which were analyzed by microscopy.To identify the Ancylostoma species, morphological comparisons of adult parasites were performed by observing the buccal capsule structures of the 50 positive samples, followed by the measurement of eggs found in the fecal samples. A total of 38 samples were positive for Ancylostoma caninum and 12 for Ancylostoma tubaeforme. The egg measurements showed an average of 62.59 μm × 43.04 μm and 53.11 μm × 42.14 μm, respectively. The species A. caninum is reported in the literature as a cause of zoonosis