Author/Authors :
MOBEDI, Iraj Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , FAKHAR, Mahdi Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Department of Parasitology and Mycology - School of Medicine - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , IRSHADULLAH, Malik Dept. of Zoology - Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India , RAHIMI-ESBOEI, Bahman Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , GHOLAMI, Shirzad Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Department of Parasitology and Mycology - School of Medicine - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , FRAIJA-FERNÁNDEZ, Natalia Marine Zoology Unit - Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology - Science Park, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
Abstract :
Background: Stray dogs are considered potential reservoirs for zoonotic diseases.
Previous helminthic surveys in Iran, have accounted for mainly species of
nematodes and cestodes, and rarely digeneans.
Methods: We accessed 42 car-crashed stray dogs from the Farah Abad Region in
the Mazandaran Province (North Iran) between Oct 2012 and Dec 2013, to be
inspected for parasites. Helminths were collected from the intestine and they were
morphologically studied.
Results: We found five adult digeneans from the family Brachylaimidae, identified
as Brachylaima sp. Worms were assigned to the genus based on the shape of
the body, the position of genital pore, cirrus sac and testes, and the extension of
the vitellarium. Absence of additional information on the developmental stages of
the parasite precluded its specific identification. As the geographic distribution of
species of Brachylaima is restricted to the Mediterranean region, we raise the hypothesis
that dogs may become infected with parasites through the consumption
of helicid snails when searching for food on the street.
Conclusion: This is the second report of a species of Brachylaima in Iran and the
third digenean species from stray dogs in the area. We want to raise the attention
of researchers to helminthic surveys in potential zoonotic reservoirs like stray
dogs.
Keywords :
Stray dog , Zoonosis , Digenea , Brachylaima , Iran
