Cross-species transmission of gastrointestinal parasites between wild and domestic canids.

Abstract

The interface between wild and domestic canids can facilitate cross-transmission of gastrointestinal parasites, with implications for biodiversity conservation and public health. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence and diversity of these parasites in fecal samples from Cerdocyon thous (n = 7) collected within the Serra das Araras Ecological Station (EESA) and from domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) (n = 10) sampled in surrounding rural properties in the Cerrado biome, Brazil. Four parasite morphotypes were identified in C. thous and six in dogs, as well as mite eggs in wild canids' samples, interpreted as environmental contamination. The most prevalent parasites were Blastocystis spp. (57.1%), Trichuris spp. (42.8%), Capillaria spp. (28.5%), and eggs compatible with Ancylostomatidae (14.2%) in C. thous, and Trichuris spp. (50%) and Blastocystis spp. (40%) in dogs. The overlap between hosts was marked by the presence of Blastocystis spp., Trichuris spp., and Ancylostomatidae-type eggs in both canids, representing the most relevant evidence of potential cross-species transmission.