Abstract:

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide disease affecting domestic, wild animals and man.
The definitive hosts are the members of the dog family, in which the adult tapeworm resides in
the dog’s intestines. Due to its zoonotic nature, CE is of public health and economic importance
owing to medical costs of treatment in humans and losses in form of tissue condemnations in
animals. A study was conducted in Moroto and Bukedea districts of Uganda from March to
November, 2013 to determine the prevalence and risk factors for persistence of Echinococcus
granulosus infection in dogs. Fresh dog faecal samples were collected, preserved in 70% ethanol
and later screened for presence of taeniid eggs using a floatation test described. Positive samples
were confirmed by a copro-PCR for E. granulosus. Data was collected using focus group
discussions and structured questionnaires. Study sub-counties were selected by simple random
sampling. Overall apparent prevalence of taeniid infection in dogs of 14.9% (39/261, CI 10.6-
19.2) in both districts was recorded using the faecal floatation test. Copro-PCR results revealed a
true prevalence of 14.4% (9.91- 19.0, 95% CI) in dogs in Moroto district and 7.4% (2.14-12.60,
95% CI) in Bukedea district. The overall tine prevalence ofCE infection was 12.2% (8.70-15.76,
95% CI) in both districts. The major risk factors identified using logistic regression were: (1)
uncontrolled access of dogs to animal slaughter facilities; (2) higher cattle herd sizes and (3) lack
of knowledge about the epidemiology of the disease. This study also revealed that meat
inspection was important in preventing infection of dogs. From a public health perspective,
enforcement of dog control and public health education were recommended to control the spread
of this parasite and minimize risks of human infection. Dogs should be restricted from gaining
access to condemned animal tissues and should be regularly dewormed.