Molecular identification of zoonotic hookworms in dogs from four counties of Kenya

• DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x1900018x
• Publication Date: 2019-02-28T08:42:56Z
• Authors: E. Mulinge; S.M. Njenga; D. Odongo; J. Magambo; E. Zeyhle; C. Mbae; D. Kagendo; H. Kanyi; R.J. Traub; M. Wassermann; P. Kern; T. Romig
• Keywords: Ancylostoma duodenale; Ancylostoma caninum; Hookworm Infections; Deworming; Hookworm Infections; Ancylostoma

All canine hookworms are known to be zoonotic, causing infections ranging from transient skin irritations prolonged 'creeping eruptions', eosinophilic enteritis and even patent intestinal infections. There is little information on hookworm species their public health significance in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the prevalence of dogs different climatic zones Kenya. Dog faecal samples were collected environment, eggs isolated by zinc chloride flotation subjected DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 2, 5.8S 28S ribosomal RNA Ancylostoma spp. Uncinaria stenocephala performed, identified PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or sequencing. Hookworm detected microscopy 490/1621 (30.23%, 95% CI 28.01-32.54) samples. Estimates high counties receiving higher rainfall (Narok 46.80%, Meru 44.88%) low those with a more arid climate (Isiolo 19.73%, Turkana 11.83%). In subset 70 samples, caninum (n = 59) was most common species, followed A. braziliense 10) cf. duodenale 1). reports for first time detection dog faeces zoonotic Kenyan dogs. These findings emphasize need control measures such as enforcing laws restraining stray dogs, regular deworming awareness programmes aimed at informing communities outdoor use footwear.