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The first two cases of Cyclospora in dogs, São Paulo, Brazil
L E Yai1, A R Bauab, M P Hirschfeld
1Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Prefeitura Municipal de Sõ Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Abstract:
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a coccidium which has been identified in diarrheal feces or immunocompetent individuals or in AIDS patients. The main aspects related to its epidemiology and pathogeny have not been solved so far, as well as the possibility of human infection by this protozoan being a zoonosis. We describe in this work the first case identifying the Cyclospora in dogs. Our findings, notwithstanding their preliminary characteristics, could suggest that besides untreated water, other transmission means, along with contact with dogs, there could be important factors in the human diarrhea associated with Cyclospora.
Insights
The protozoan Cyclospora cayetanensis was identified in dogs for the first time, suggesting dogs may be a potential source of human infection. This finding highlights potential new transmission routes for Cyclospora-associated diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cyclospora cayetanensis is a coccidian parasite causing diarrhea in humans, affecting both immunocompetent individuals and AIDS patients.
- The epidemiology and pathogenesis of Cyclospora infections remain incompletely understood.
- The potential for Cyclospora to be a zoonotic pathogen has not been established.
Observation:
- This study reports the first documented identification of Cyclospora in canine feces.
- The presence of Cyclospora was confirmed in dogs presenting with diarrheal symptoms.
Findings:
- The identification of Cyclospora in dogs represents a significant preliminary finding.
- These results suggest that dogs may serve as a reservoir or intermediate host for Cyclospora.
- Canine contact could be an overlooked factor in human Cyclospora infections.
Implications:
- The findings challenge the current understanding of Cyclospora transmission, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission routes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of dogs in the epidemiology of human cyclosporiasis.
- This discovery may influence public health strategies for preventing and controlling Cyclospora outbreaks.