First report of unusual case of parasitism by Amblyomma nodosum (Neumann, 1889) in a yellow cururu toad (Rhinella icterica) in the Northeastern Brazilian Caatinga.

The Amblyomma genus (Arachnida: Ixodidae) is widely distributed in South America, with 34 species occurring in Brazil. Amblyomma nodosum Neumann 1889 is a species that predominantly feeds on Passeriformes during immature stages (larvae and nymphs) and anteaters (Myrmecophagidae) during adult stages. The aim of the present study is to report, for the first time, an unusual case of parasitism by adults of A. nodosum on a yellow cururu toad (Rhinella icterica) captured in the city of Nossa Senhora da Glória, Sergipe state (Northeastern Brazil) in the Caatinga biome, and also investigate the presence of DNA of Rickettsia in the collected material. DNA was extracted from all specimens collected (N=8) and subjected to PCR assays based on the tick 16S rRNA endogenous gene and gltA gene for Rickettsia sp. All samples (8/8; 100%) were positive for the 16S rRNA endogenous gene and two amplicons (obtained from one male and one female) were purified and sequenced. The BLASTn analysis of the sequences revealed a high degree of similarity (95-100%) with A. nodosum sequences previously deposited on GenBank, while the phylogenetic analysis clustered the sequences obtained in the same clade as A. nodosum sequences from Brazil.

Potentially zoonotic parasites in the soil of public squares in the city of Aracaju (Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil).

This study evaluated the soil contamination of public squares in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, by potentially zoonotic parasites and correlated their occurrence with climatic variables (temperature, humidity and precipitation). Samples were collected over a 18-month period, from 20 different public squares, and submitted to three different parasitological techniques: Faust's, Hoffman's and Rugai's methods, adapted to soil samples. Results indicated the presence of several potentially zoonotic parasitic species in eighteen of the 20 squares analyzed (90%). The parasites identified included Ancylostoma spp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara spp., Dipylidium caninum, Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp. and Giardia sp. They were identified during all months of the year and no influence of temperature, humidity or precipitation on the occurrence of those parasites was observed. Such results demonstrate that public squares in the city of Aracaju pose a parasitic contamination risk for people and pets that visit those places as a leisure activity.

Canine leishmaniasis in an endemic region, Northeastern Brazil: a comparative study with four groups of animals.

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonosis caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and remains an important public health concern in tropical areas. In Brazil, domestic dogs are considered the most relevant reservoir of the parasite and one of the main targets of the disease control actions. Considering this, we aimed herein to evaluate the CanL infection in different canine groups and distribution of cases in the state of Sergipe, an endemic region in Northeastern Brazil. The evaluated 467 animals were classified into four groups: hunting (n = 50), company (n = 64), guard (n = 140), and wandering (n = 213). Samples (blood, bone marrow, conjunctival swab, and lymph node aspirate) were collected from animals in nine municipalities of Sergipe. First, all animals were submitted to general and ophthalmic clinical examination. Next, they were tested serologically by TR-DPP®, and for the presence of Leishmania, amastigotes in samples of bone marrow, conjunctival swab, and lymph node aspirate were diagnosed by PCR and parasitological techniques. It was observed that 34.69% (162) of the evaluated dogs were seropositive. The highest rates of positivity were found in hunting 54% (27/50; OR = 3.52; p-value = 0.001) and guard dogs 42.14% (59/140; OR = 2.18; p-value = 0.01). Otherwise, the highest percentage of symptomatic dogs was observed in wandering animals (85%; OR = 9.63; p-value < 0.0001). The distribution of case analysis showed that the highest positivity rates occurred in inland municipalities situated in arid regions. Taken together, our data demonstrate that hunting and guard dogs are among the animals most exposed and affected by clinical manifestations of CanL, mainly in the inland municipalities of Sergipe State.

Zoonotic parasites in wild animals such as carnivores and primates that are traded illegally in Brazil.

Brazil accounts for around 20% of all animal species, but these are constantly threatened by illegal anthropic activities. Unfortunately, animal dealers are totally unaware of the sanitary risks among wild animals, or that occurrences of parasites in these animals are bioindicators for their current sanitary status within the ecosystem in which they live. This status is an important parameter with regard to assessing the spreading of pathogens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a survey of zoonotic parasites in carnivores and non-human primates that are illegally traded in Brazil. Between June 2016 and July 2017, 43 wild animals (20 carnivores and 23 non-human primates) were presented at the Wild Animal Screening Center of Sergipe (CETAS/SE). Fecal and blood samples were obtained and analyzed to detect occurrences of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania braziliensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi and gastrointestinal helminths. Out of all the animals analyzed, 55.8% (24/43) were found to be positive for at least one parasite species, i.e. 41.7% and 58.3% of the carnivores and non-human primates, respectively. However, all the animals were negative for D. immitis, L. braziliensis and T. cruzi. These findings demonstrate that illegally traded wild animals may represent a risk to public health because of absence of sanitary control during their transportation. Therefore, preventive measures might be employed to avoid infection of these animals and people in close contact with them.

O Brasil abriga cerca de 20% de todas as espécies animais existentes no mundo que são continuamente ameaçadas pelas ações antrópicas. Infelizmente, os comerciantes de animais não são suficientemente esclarecidos em relação à ameaça sanitária que representam a vida silvestre, assim como sobre a ocorrência de parasitos que nestes animais funcionam como bio-indicadores do status sanitário do ecossistema, visto serem importantes parâmetros para avaliar a dispersão de patógenos. Portanto, objetivaram-se neste estudo a pesquisa de parasitos zoonóticos em carnívoros e primatas ilegalmente comercializados no Brasil. Entre Junho de 2016 e Julho de 2017, 43 animais silvestres (20 carnívoros e 23 primatas) foram recebidos no Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de Sergipe (CETAS/SE). Amostras fecais e sanguíneas foram obtidas e analisadas para detectar a presença de patógenos de importância médico-veterinária como espécies de Cryptosporidium e Giardia, Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania braziliensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi e helmintos gastrintestinais. De todas as amostras analisadas, 55,8% (24/43) foram positivas a pelo menos um agente etiológico testado, sendo 41,7% e 58,3% carnívoros e primatas, respectivamente. Todas as amostras foram negativas a D. immitis, L. braziliensis e T. cruzi. Estes achados demonstram que o comércio ilegal de animais silvestres pode representar risco a saúde publica e a saúde destes animais devido à ausência de medidas sanitárias durante o deslocamento. Por fim, medidas preventivas devem ser propostas para evitar a infecção destes animais e consequentemente das pessoas que os manipulam.

Occurrence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of rodents and the risk of human infection in different biomes of Brazil.

Rodents are synanthropic mammals adapted to several ecosystems, where they can contribute to the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including gastrointestinal parasites. The aim of this study was to study the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites from rodents and discuss the risk of transmission to humans. Fecal samples (n = 110) from different rodent species, namely, Cerradomys subflavus (n = 4), Mus musculus (n = 14), Rattus norvegicus (n = 80), Rattus rattus (n = 8) and Thrichomys apereoides (n = 4), were analyzed using the FLOTAC technique. Of the samples examined, 73.6% (81/110) tested positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite. The most commonly identified parasites were Aspiculuris sp., Hymenolepis nana, Moniliformis sp., Syphacia sp., Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., and Trichuris spp. eggs, Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae and Entamoeba spp. cysts. The findings of this study demonstrate that rodents living in different Brazilian biomes are parasitized by a wide range of parasites, including some of public health concern. Therefore, the proximity of rodents to human settlements may represent a tangible risk of infection for people living in these areas.

Roedores são mamíferos sinantrópicos adaptados a vários ecossistemas, onde podem contribuir para a transmissão de patógenos zoonóticos, incluindo parasitas gastrointestinais. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a ocorrência de parasitos gastrointestinais de roedores e discutir o risco de transmissão ao ser humano. Amostras fecais (n = 110) de diferentes espécies de roedores, a saber, Cerradomys subflavus (n = 4), Mus musculus (n = 14), Rattus norvegicus (n = 80), Rattus rattus (n = 8) e Thrichomys apereoides (n = 4), foram analisados pela técnica FLOTAC. Das amostras examinadas, 73,6% (81/110) apresentaram resultado positivo para pelo menos um parasito gastrointestinal. Os parasitos mais comumente identificados foram ovos de Aspiculuris sp., Hymenolepis nana, Moniliformis sp., Syphacia sp., Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., Trichuris spp., larvas de Angiostrongylus cantonensis e cistos de Entamoeba spp. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que os roedores que vivem em diferentes biomas brasileiros são parasitados por uma ampla variedade de parasitos, incluindo alguns problemas de saúde pública. Portanto, a proximidade de roedores com assentamentos humanos pode representar um risco de infecção nessas áreas.

Leishmania infantum Infection in a Domestic Cat: A Real Threat or an Occasional Finding?

PURPOSE: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) has been considered one of the most important neglected zoonosis in the world. In Brazil, this disease passed for an urbanization process and currently pets (dogs and cats) animals have acquired a great importance on its epidemiology. Studies on dogs have been extensively performed throughout the country, but information about infection in cats has been concentrated in few areas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of infection by Leishmania infantum in domestic cats living in endemic areas for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Domiciled cats (n = 128) were sampled for different biological samples (i.e., blood, conjunctival swab and fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes) that were microscopically and molecularly analyzed through PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: Amastigote forms of Leishmania sp. were detected in a single animal (fine needle aspiration of lymph node). This same animal scored positive at molecular examination (blood and lymph node) and the sequence analysis revealed an identity higher than 99% with L. infantum sequences DNA available in Genbank database. CONCLUSION: This is the first molecular characterization of L. infantum infecting domestic cats in Pernambuco. Therefore, veterinary practitioners should consider this putative infection in cats living in areas where canine and human Leishmaniasis has been reported.

An Additional Asset for the FLOTAC Technique: Detection of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Vegetables.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal parasites are considered amongst the most important threats to veterinary and human health worldwide. The transmission of these parasitic diseases usually involves the accidental ingestion of oocysts, cysts, eggs, and larvae, whose detection is generally achieved by classical coproparasitological methods, based on sedimentation and/or flotation techniques. These procedures might be inefficient or display a low sensitivity when performed on food matrices. This study aimed to assess the value of the FLOTAC technique for the detection of different parasitic stages of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic animals in fresh lettuce. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples (n = 100) were purchased from public markets located in the metropolitan region of Recife (Brazil). RESULTS: A total of 79% scored positive for eggs and/or cysts of gastrointestinal parasites. Protozoa and nematodes were detected in 32% (32/100) and 64% (64/100) of samples, respectively, with cysts of the genus Entamoeba (32%) and eggs of nematodes of the order Strongylida (30%) being the most frequently diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings herein reported demonstrate that the FLOTAC technique can be successfully applied for recovering food-borne parasites of medical and veterinary concern in food matrices.

Gastrointestinal parasites in feral cats and rodents from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil / Parasitos gastrointestinais em gatos ferais e roedores do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil

Abstract Gastrointestinal parasites are important pathogens affecting animals, some of them are of medical and veterinary concern. Although the dynamic of parasitic infections is a complex phenomenon that has been studied under experimental conditions, it shows several gaps in knowledge, especially in insular regions where a confined population of animals and parasites co-exists. In this study was assessed the parasitism by endoparasite gastrointestinal in feral cats (n = 37) and rodents (n = 30) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago; in addition, the risk of human infection and ecological implications of these findings were discussed. Out of all samples analysed, 100% scored positive for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in both feral cats and rodents. A total 17 genera and/or species of endoparasite gastrointestinal were identified, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula and Toxocara cati were the parasites more frequently in feral cats. In rodents Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. and Trichuris muris were parasites more frequently herein detected. Human population living in this area are at risk of parasite infections due to the population of rodents and feral cats in the archipelago.

Resumo Parasitas gastrointestinais são importantes agentes patogênicos que afetam os animais, sendo alguns destes de interesse médico e veterinário. Embora a dinâmica das infecções parasitárias seja um fenômeno complexo que tem sido estudado sob condições experimentais, existem várias lacunas no conhecimento, especificamente em regiões insulares onde existem populações confinadas de animais e parasitas. Neste estudo foi avaliado o parasitismo por endoparasitas gastrointestinais em gatos ferais (n = 37) e roedores (n = 30) do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha. Além disso, discutiu-se o risco de infecção humana e implicações ecológicas desses achados. De todas as amostras analisadas, 100% obtiveram resultados positivos para a presença de parasitos gastrointestinais tanto em gatos ferais quanto em roedores. Um total de 17 gêneros e/ou espécies de endoparasitos gastrointestinais foram identificados, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula e Toxocara cati foram os parasitos mais frequentes em gatos ferais. Em roedores Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. e Trichuris muris foram os mais detectados. A população humana que vive nesta área corre o risco de infecções parasitárias, devido à população de roedores e gatos ferais no arquipélago.

Gastrointestinal parasites in feral cats and rodents from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil.

Gastrointestinal parasites are important pathogens affecting animals, some of them are of medical and veterinary concern. Although the dynamic of parasitic infections is a complex phenomenon that has been studied under experimental conditions, it shows several gaps in knowledge, especially in insular regions where a confined population of animals and parasites co-exists. In this study was assessed the parasitism by endoparasite gastrointestinal in feral cats (n = 37) and rodents (n = 30) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago; in addition, the risk of human infection and ecological implications of these findings were discussed. Out of all samples analysed, 100% scored positive for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in both feral cats and rodents. A total 17 genera and/or species of endoparasite gastrointestinal were identified, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula and Toxocara cati were the parasites more frequently in feral cats. In rodents Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. and Trichuris muris were parasites more frequently herein detected. Human population living in this area are at risk of parasite infections due to the population of rodents and feral cats in the archipelago.

Gastrointestinal parasites of exotic birds living in captivity in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil / Parasitos gastrointestinais de aves exóticas que vivem em cativeiro no estado de Sergipe, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Brazil has a wide diversity of exotic birds that were brought to this country during the European colonization. These animals are kept in captivity and, in some cases, in inadequate facilities, which may facilitate the introduction of pathogens, including gastrointestinal parasites. The purpose of this study was to identify the main gastrointestinal parasites that affect exotic birds living in captivity in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 362) from exotic birds were analyzed by direct examination and by the Willis-Mollay technique. Eggs of Amidostomum sp., Ascaridia sp., Capillarinae, Heterakis sp., Trichostrongylidae, and oocysts of coccidians were identified in nine different bird species. This is the first report in Brazil of infection by Ascaridia sp. and Heterakis sp. in Nymphicus hollandicus; by Trichostrongylidae in Serinus canaria and Streptopelia risoria.

Resumo O Brasil possui uma grande diversidade de aves exóticas que foram trazidas para o país durante a colonização europeia. Estes animais são mantidos em cativeiros, os quais muitas vezes são inadequados, proporcionando o surgimento de doenças provocadas por parasitas gastrointestinais. Objetivou-se neste estudo, realizar avaliação coproparasitológica de fezes de aves ornamentais mantidas em cativeiros no estado de Sergipe, região Nordeste do Brasil. Amostras fecais (n= 362) de aves exóticas foram analisadas através do exame direto a fresco e técnica de Willis-Mollay. Ovos de Amidostomum sp., Ascaridia sp., Capillarinae, Heterakis sp., Trichostrongylidae, e oocistos de coccídeos foram encontrados em nove diferentes espécies de aves. Aqui, destacamos, os primeiros registros no Brasil de Ascaridia sp. e Heterakis sp., parasitando Nymphicus hollandicus; Trichostrongilidae em Serinus canaria e Streptopelia risoria.

Gastrointestinal parasites of exotic birds living in captivity in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil.

Brazil has a wide diversity of exotic birds that were brought to this country during the European colonization. These animals are kept in captivity and, in some cases, in inadequate facilities, which may facilitate the introduction of pathogens, including gastrointestinal parasites. The purpose of this study was to identify the main gastrointestinal parasites that affect exotic birds living in captivity in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 362) from exotic birds were analyzed by direct examination and by the Willis-Mollay technique. Eggs of Amidostomum sp., Ascaridia sp., Capillarinae, Heterakis sp., Trichostrongylidae, and oocysts of coccidians were identified in nine different bird species. This is the first report in Brazil of infection by Ascaridia sp. and Heterakis sp. in Nymphicus hollandicus; by Trichostrongylidae in Serinus canaria and Streptopelia risoria.

Gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Brazil: frequency and zoonotic risk / Parasitas gastrointestinais em gatos no Brasil: frequência e risco zoonótico

Abstract Gastrointestinal helminths are considered to be the most common parasites affecting cats worldwide. Correct diagnosis of these parasites in animals living in urban areas is pivotal, especially considering the zoonotic potential of some species (e.g. Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.). In this study, a copromicroscopic survey was conducted using fecal samples (n = 173) from domestic cats living in the northeastern region of Brazil. Samples were examined through the FLOTAC technique and the overall results showed positivity of 65.31% (113/173) among the samples analyzed. Coinfections were observed in 46.01% (52/113) of the positive samples. The most common parasites detected were Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara cati, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris sp., Dipylidium caninum and Cystoisospora sp. From an epidemiological point of view, these findings are important, especially considering that zoonotic parasites (e.g. Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.) were the nematodes most frequently diagnosed in this study. Therefore, the human population living in close contact with cats is at risk of infection caused by the zoonotic helminths of these animals. In addition, for the first time the FLOTAC has been used to diagnosing gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Brazil.

Resumo Helmintos gastrointestinais são considerados os mais frequentes parasitos que afetam gatos em todo o mundo. O correto diagnóstico desses parasitos, em animais que vivem em áreas urbanas, é crucial, especialmente quando considerado o potencial zoonótico de algumas espécies (ex. Ancylostoma sp. e Toxocara sp.). Neste estudo, uma pesquisa coproparasitológica foi realizada, utilizando-se amostras de fezes (n = 173) de gatos domésticos da região Nordeste do Brasil. As amostras foram examinadas através da técnica FLOTAC, e os resultados gerais mostraram uma positividade de 65,31% (113/173). Co-infecções foram observadas em 46,01% (52/113) das amostras positivas. Os parasitas mais comuns aqui detectados foram Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara cati, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris sp., Dipylidium caninum e Cystoisospora sp. De um ponto de vista epidemiológico, esses resultados são importantes, especialmente considerando que os parasitos zoonóticos (ex. Ancylostoma sp. e Toxocara sp.) foram os mais frequentes nematódeos diagnosticados neste estudo. Portanto, a população humana, em estreito convívio com esses animais, apresenta risco de infecção por helmintos de caráter zoonótico. Além disso, pela primeira vez, a técnica de FLOTAC tem sido utilizada no diagnóstico de parasitos gastrointestinais em gatos no Brasil.

Gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Brazil: frequency and zoonotic risk.

Gastrointestinal helminths are considered to be the most common parasites affecting cats worldwide. Correct diagnosis of these parasites in animals living in urban areas is pivotal, especially considering the zoonotic potential of some species (e.g. Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.). In this study, a copromicroscopic survey was conducted using fecal samples (n = 173) from domestic cats living in the northeastern region of Brazil. Samples were examined through the FLOTAC technique and the overall results showed positivity of 65.31% (113/173) among the samples analyzed. Coinfections were observed in 46.01% (52/113) of the positive samples. The most common parasites detected were Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara cati, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris sp., Dipylidium caninum and Cystoisospora sp. From an epidemiological point of view, these findings are important, especially considering that zoonotic parasites (e.g. Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.) were the nematodes most frequently diagnosed in this study. Therefore, the human population living in close contact with cats is at risk of infection caused by the zoonotic helminths of these animals. In addition, for the first time the FLOTAC has been used to diagnosing gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Brazil.

Use of the FLOTAC technique to diagnosing parasites of the urinary tract of dogs.

Among the nematodes that infect the urinary tract of dogs, the Dioctophyma renale and Capillaria plica are those more frequently reported. For a long time, sedimentation was the only method used to detect eggs of these parasites in urine. The aim of this study was to analyze urine samples (n = 54) of dogs, obtained by bladder catheterization or cystocentesis, by using a modified FLOTAC technique. Animals were divided into two groups, i.e., with (n = 20) and without (n = 34) suspicion of urinary disease. The overall positivity herein observed was 3.8 % (2/54), being all animals (10 %; 2/20) from the group with suspicion of urinary disease. In the first positive sample, a single egg of D. renale was detected, whereas in the second sample two trematode-like eggs were observed. This is the first short survey employed to detect eggs of parasites that inhabit the urinary tract of dogs using a modified FLOTAC technique; in addition, for the first time, eggs of D. renale have been detected using this tool.

New insights into diagnosis of Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) in cats.

Platynosomum fastosum is a hepatic trematode which causes the so-called lizard poisoning in cats. This parasite is reported in tropical and sub-tropical areas infecting the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts of cats. Despite its clinical importance, the diagnosis of P. fastosum has been poorly investigated so far. In this study, three cases of infection by P. fastosum in cats are reported. The FLOTAC technique was utilized for the first time in the detection of eggs of this parasite. Three cats (two males and one female), being one of them with a history of diarrhea and vomiting, were diagnosed positive for the presence of P. fastosum eggs through the FLOTAC technique. In conclusion, this study provides important and new insights into the diagnosis of P. fastosum in cats, expanding the geographical knowledge of this parasite in Brazil.

A comparison of mini-FLOTAC and FLOTAC with classic methods to diagnosing intestinal parasites of dogs from Brazil.

Dogs may be affected by different species of gastrointestinal parasites which present great importance in veterinary medicine and public health. Several techniques to diagnosing these parasites have been proposed, but different performances achieved by each method make difficult the choice of the best technique to be used. In this study, the performance of two classic methods (i.e., Willis and Hoffman techniques) and two recent techniques (i.e., FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC) to diagnosing gastrointestinal parasites of dogs was evaluated. Fecal samples (n = 127) of dogs divided in pools (n = 30) were collected and analyzed using four different techniques (see above). Eggs and/or oocysts of gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 93.3 % (28/30) of the samples. In particular, 20 % (6/30) were detected through the method of Hoffman, 53.3 % (16/30) by the Willis technique, and 63.3 % (19/30) and 90 % (27/30) by Mini-FLOTAC and FLOTAC, respectively. Ancylostomatidae, Trichuris vulpis and Toxocara canis were the most frequent parasites herein detected. The FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC techniques were the most efficient tools to detect eggs and/or oocysts of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs, therefore their use is recommended in the laboratorial routine of veterinary medicine. This study is the first report of the use of both techniques (i.e., FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC) to diagnosing parasites of dogs in Brazil.