Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs and cats in the City of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2026.240236Keywords:
Coproparasitology, Dogs, Felines, Helminths, ProtozoaAbstract
Gastrointestinal parasites, including protozoa and helminths, are common in domestic animals and have zoonotic relevance. This study aimed to identify the occurrence of these infections in dogs and cats in São Paulo City, SP, Brazil. Between 2021 and 2024, 118 fecal samples were collected - 60 from domestic dogs and 58 from cats recently rescued from the streets, both symptomatic and asymptomatic - and subjected to Faust and Hoffmann coproparasitological techniques. In total, 34.7% (41/118) of the animals were infected, with 34.5% (20/58) of cats and 35% (21/60) of dogs. Seven parasites were identified: Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris spp., Dipylidium spp., Strongylus spp., Giardia spp., and Cystoisospora spp. In cats, Cystoisospora spp. (29.31%; 17/58), Toxocara spp. (3.45%; 2/58), and Giardia spp. (1.72%; 1/58) were detected. In dogs, Toxocara spp. was the most prevalent (18.30%; 11/60), followed by Dipylidium spp. (6.67%; 4/60), Cystoisospora spp. (3.33%; 2/60), Trichuris spp. (3.33%; 2/60), Ancylostoma spp. (1.67%; 1/60) and Strongylus spp. (1.67%; 1/60). Co-infections were observed only in dogs (7.3%; 3/41), involving combinations of helminths and/ or protozoa. Protozoan infection was predominant in cats, especially Cystoisospora spp., which was more frequent in individuals aged 1 to 24 months (50%; 10/20). In dogs, helminths were more common, especially Toxocara spp., with 84.6% (11/13) of the helminth infections detected. The verified occurrence reinforces the need for routine coproparasitological diagnosis, adequate sanitary management, and rational use of anthelmintics to reduce the prevalence of these infections and their impact on animal and public health, strengthening the concept of One Health.
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