Toxocara canis in dogs from a district of the northern coast of Peru: Prevalence in puppies and its association with maternal infection

Zambrano-García A.D.; Zambrano H.; Vargas-Rocha L. · Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru (2026) · DOI: 10.15381/rivep.v36i6.32156

Resumen

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxocara canis in dogs under six weeks of age and their relationship with their dams, residing in the district of Víctor Larco Herrera, Trujillo (La Libertad), Peru. Using the direct method and the Willis technique, faecal samples from 241 puppies and 30 mothers were observed. In both tests, the same number of positive cases were identified (McNemar p=1). The prevalence of T. canis in puppies was slightly higher than in mothers, 58.92 ± 6.21% vs. 53.33 ± 17.85%, respectively, but with no statistical difference (PR: 0.905 [95% CI 0.637–1.286]). There was no significant association between the prevalences of both groups (Fisher's exact test; p=0.346). Unlike the group of mothers, where no variable was found associated with the presence of T. canis (p>0.05), in puppies it was associated with age (p=0.013). Although no relationship was found between the prevalence of T. canis in puppies and their mothers, the prevalence in both groups (puppies and mothers) exceeded 50%, indicating a considerable circulation of the parasite among dogs, which could pose a risk to both animals and people due to the zoonotic nature of the parasite.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca