Prevalence And Chemotherapy Of Canine Giardiasis In Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Giardia infection is widely distributed and data concerning its prevalence in dogs were reported from many parts of the world. Unfortunatly, in Sudan reports on canine giardiasis is lacking however the disease is actual problem to the owners and in. Reinfection after treatment is common feature. In a survey conducted during the period from January 2003-Jaunary 2004 in Khartoum state, prevalence of Giardia infection was determined. Tow Hundered and eleven dogs were examined by faecal examination and an overall prevalence of positive dogs was 69%. Although all age groups were found susceptible to infection, young dogs showed the higher prevalence rate. 72.2% was detected among those less than one year old, while that of those between 1-3 years and those over 3 years was 61.3% and 63.7% respectively. The disease was found to prevail throughout the year, a prevalence of (71.9%) was detected during the winter, while a prevalence of (68.8%) was found during summer and a prevalence of (68.8%) was detected during autumn. 72.2% of positive animal were male and 64.4% were females. In this study an experiment was performed to evaluate three diagnostic tools of giardiasis (direct faecal examination, zinc sulphate centrifugal floatation and ELISA) and to study the efficacy of some chemotherapeutic agents. Zinc sulphate centrifugal floatation was found more suitable for diagnosis Giardia infection in dogs. Chemotherapy trail revealed that fenbendazole is ceasing cysts shedding in infected dogs compared to metronidazole and the combination of the above mentioned drugs.