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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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A Simple Fecal Flotation Method for Diagnosing Zoonotic Nematodes Under Field and Laboratory Conditions
Published on: December 15, 2023
Canine parasitic zoonoses in Bangkok temples
Tawin Inpankaew1, Rebecca Traub, R C Andrew Thompson
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. fvettwi@ku.ac.th
Summary
Dogs in Bangkok temples carry parasites like hookworms and Giardia, posing a zoonotic risk to humans. Canine Giardia Assemblage A genotypes were found in both dogs and humans, highlighting potential transmission routes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Human Parasitology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
Background:
- Intestinal parasites in companion animals and humans are a public health concern.
- Temple communities often have high densities of both humans and free-roaming dogs, increasing potential for parasite transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and genotypes of intestinal parasites in dogs and humans living in Bangkok temple communities.
- To assess the zoonotic potential of identified parasites, particularly Giardia.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 204 humans and 229 dogs across 20 Bangkok temples.
- Samples were analyzed for intestinal parasites using zinc sulfate flotation and microscopy.
- Giardia-positive samples underwent genotyping to determine assemblages.
Main Results:
- Hookworms were the most prevalent parasite in dogs (58.1%), followed by Giardia (7.9%).
- Blastocystis hominis (5.9%) and hookworms (3.4%) were most common in humans, with Giardia also detected (2.5%).
- Canine Giardia isolates were predominantly Assemblage A, also found in human isolates, suggesting zoonotic transmission.
Conclusions:
- Dogs in Bangkok temple environments harbor significant parasite loads, including zoonotic species.
- The presence of shared Giardia Assemblage A genotypes between dogs and humans indicates a potential zoonotic risk.
- Public health interventions should consider parasite control in both canine and human populations within these communities.
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