The aim of this research is to record the prevalence of intestinal nematode parasites at the period of time from 1^st October 2001 to 30^th September 2003 in Prefecture of Thessaloniki.

In this research, 1508 fecal samples of dogs were examined, 817 from 1^ST October 2001 to 30^th September 2002 (Period 1) and 691 from 1^st October 2002 to 30^th September 2003 (Period 2). The research was based on the examination of fecal samples for parasite eggs. The total samples were separated in four groups. In the first group (group A) were included dogs living in the city of Thessaloniki and never received any anthelminthic treatment in the past. In group B were placed the samples living in the city of Thessaloniki and received at least once anthelminthic treatment in the past. In group C were placed the fecal samples living on the outskirts of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, whereas in group D were placed the samples from dogs living in distance Municipalities. The examination method of all samples was executed using the technique of flotation (Stable solution of Sodium Nitrate, with stable special gravity 1,2).

The recorded percentages in period 1, for positive fecal samples of Toxocara canis eggs were 8.88%, 5.24%, 8.57% and 8.78% for groups A, B, C and D respectively, of Toxascaris leonina were 0.74%, 0.37%, 0.95% and 0.97%, of Ancylostoma caninum were 2.96%, 0.74%, 0.95% and 0.48%, of Uncinaria stenocephala were 6.66%, 4.01%, 8.09% and 11.21%, and of Trichuris vulpis were 2.22%, 2.99%, 2.85% and 1.95% respectively.

The recorded percentages in the period 2, for positive fecal samples of Toxocara canis eggs were 10.41%, 3.78%, 6.59% and 10.85% for groups A, B, C and D respectively, of Toxascaris leonina were 0.00%, 0.00%, 1.09% and 1.71%, of Ancylostoma caninum were 1.04%, 0.42%, 1.09% and 1.14%, of Uncinaria stenocephala were 6.52%, 3.36%, 7.14% and 12% and of Trichuris vulpis were 3.12%, 2.52%, 2.19% and 6.28% respectively.

In period 1it is noticed that T. canis and U. stenocephala infestations were the most frequent ones while the percentage of U. stenocephala in country side is bigger than the one of T. canis, which seems to be the predominant parasite infestation in city area and outskirts of it. In the period 2 the most prevalent infestation was the T. canis.

In this research it has been recorded that intestinal nematode parasites have higher prevalence in dogs, which were living out of the city of Thessaloniki than those, which were living in the city of Thessaloniki. The recorded percentages are similar or lower than other author for the same area.

References

1. Hendrix CM, Diagnostic veterinary parasitology.1998 Mosby, Inc.

2. Haralabidis S. T. Parasitic diseases of the animals and human. University Studio Press. Thessaloniki. 2003.

3. Vanparijs O., Herman L., van der Flaes L. 1991, Helminth and protozoan parasites in dogs and cats in Belgium, Veterinary Parasitology 38(1): 67-73