PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DE NEMATÓIDES ZOONÓTICOS QUE ACOMETEM CÃES NA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE BELÉM PARÁ
helminths; zoonoses; dogs; public health; Amazon.
Gastrointestinal helminths are common in dogs and may present as potential zoonotic pathogens. Some tutors allow their animals to roam freely, ignoring the possible transmission of diseases between animals and humans. This highlights the importance of zoonoses awareness and pet care. Zoonoses are diseases transmitted between animals and humans by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. These illnesses can range from mild to fatal, affect both groups and have diverse causes. The objective of this work was to investigate the prevalence, diversity and richness of gastrointestinal nematodes in companion animals in the metropolitan region of Belém, Pará. One hundred fecal samples were collected from dogs in neighborhoods of the metropolitan region of Belém, in sterile feces collector, identified, packed in thermal boxes of expanded polystyrene containing ice and sent to the Laboratory. The samples were analyzed by the Direct method and the Willis method and a questionnaire was applied to the tutors to verify the occurrence of possible zoonoses and factors related to the care of the dogs. In the analysis of 100 samples, 27% were positive for nematodes, predominantly Ancylostoma sp. (85.2%) and Toxocara sp. (7.4%). Among the evaluated dogs, 49% had already undergone fecal examinations and 51% had not. Regarding the ownership of animals, 51.9% had one, 21.5% had two and 10.1% had more than five. As for street access, 59.5% did not have free access. Most dogs were vaccinated (94%) and wormed (92%). As for guardians, 32.9% went to the doctor more than twice a year, 40.5% annually and 25.3% only when sick. With regard to fecal examinations, 45.6% did this year, 50.6% in the previous year and 3.8% had never done these, 13% were positive for helminths. About the tutors' housing, 72% lived in masonry houses and 28% in apartments. The survey highlighted the significant prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes such as Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp., in dogs from the metropolitan region of Belém. The lack of awareness about zoonoses and neglect of pets contribute to the dissemination of these helminths. The need for education, regular checkups and preventive measures stands out to ensure the health of both the animals and humans involved.