Coinfection of Leptospira spp and Toxoplasma gondii among stray dogs in Bangkok, Thailand.

Leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis are zoonotic diseases with global importance. Asymptomatic animals harboring these pathogens may act as carriers to other animals including humans. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Leptospira and Toxoplasma infections in stray dogs in Bangkok. A total of 230 stray dogs from monasteries in a Bangkok district were examined for specific antibodies to T. gondii and Leptospira. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was determined by a modified latex agglutination test (cut off 1 > or = 64). A microscopic agglutination test was performed to detect antibodies to Leptospira (cut off, 1:100). The seroprevalences of T. gondii and Leptospira were 10.9% (25/ 230) and 83.5% (192/230), respectively. Leptospira serovar bataviae was the most predominant (20.3%) serovar. Co-infection with Leptospira and Toxoplasma was found in 22 dogs (9.6%). The prevalence of Toxoplasma in females was significantly higher than in males (p < 0.05), but no significant differences was observed for Leptospira. The high seroprevalence of these two diseases in dogs is of public health concern because close contact between dogs and humans may provide a link between a reservoir in the environment and susceptible humans.

A study of ectoparasites of Canis lupus familiaris in Mueang district, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

We studied ectoparasites found on Canis lupus familiaris sampled in five areas in Mueang district, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. The prevalence of fleas and ticks as well as their density were determined in 100 dogs that did not receive treatments. A total number of 458 ectoparasites was found corresponding to two species: 25.8% Ctenocephalides canis and 74.2% Rhipicephalus sanguineus. R. sanguineus was the most abundant species, and Ct. canis was the only flea species found. The stages of R. sanguineus were larvae (5.3%), nymphs (29.1%) and adults (39.1% in male and 26.5% in female). The stages of Ct. canis were larvae (41.5%) and adults (58.5%). Both species were commonly found on domestic dogs in all areas of the study. Ct. canis was not present on domestic dogs in one sub-district. The prevalence rates of tick-harboring domestic dogs was 80% (R. sanguineus), and flea-haboring domestic dogs was 26% (Ct. canis).