Review article

Giardiasis in dogs: from molecules to the clinic

Iva Šmit ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Dalibor Potočnjak ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Marin Torti ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Ivana Kiš ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Nada Kučer ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Mirna Brkljačić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Martina Crnogaj ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Jelena Gotić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Relja Beck ; Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

Giardia is a protozoan organism with a wide range of host species and is a common cause of diarrheal disease in humans and animals, including dogs. Antony van Leeuwenhoek first described this organism in the 17th century. Molecular data have since defined seven genetic assemblages of Giardia duodenalis, named A, B, C, D E, F and G. Humans can be infected with the assemblages A and B, while dogs with can contract the assemblages A, B, C and D, and are able to transmit A and B to humans. The prevalence rates for Giardia infection in dogs vary depending on the population tested, with young animals more prone to be positive for G. duodenalis. Infection with G. duodenalis in dogs is usually caused by ingestion of cysts from contaminated food or water. The pathogenesis of Giardia infection in dogs and other species is not fully completely understood. The pathogenic mechanisms of G. duodenalis infection are thought to be: production of toxins, disruption of normal flora, inhibition of enterocyte enzymatic function, shortening of microvilli, induction of inflammatory bowel disease and motility disorders. Giardia infection in dogs causes diarrhoea, intestinal malabsorption, and hypersecretion. The clinical signs can be subclinical, and can range from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, in most cases with diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is usually soft to watery, and it may have mucus on the surface, a strong odour, and steatorrhea. In some animals, weight loss can occur. Presence of immunosuppressive diseases or co-infections may induce the development of clinical signs. The most commonly used diagnostic tests for G. duodenalis are microscopic examination for cysts after faecal flotation, IFA, detection of antigens by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and amplification of Giardia DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Frequently used drugs for treatment of giardiasis are fenbendazole, metronidazole or a combination of praziquantel/ pyrantelpamoate/febantel.Themosteffective way to prevent Giardia infection is to avoid the ingestion of cysts contaminating the environment (food or water).

Keywords

G. duodenalis; giardiasis; dog

Hrčak ID:

222032

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/222032

Publication date:

16.3.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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