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Review
. 2012 May 10:5:91.
doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-91.

Pet roundworms and hookworms: a continuing need for global worming

Donato Traversa  1
Affiliations
Review

Pet roundworms and hookworms: a continuing need for global worming

Donato Traversa. Parasit Vectors. .

Abstract

Ascarids and ancylostomatids are the most important parasites affecting dogs and cats worldwide, in terms of diffusion and risk for animal and human health. Different misconceptions have led the general public and pet owners to minimize the importance of these intestinal worms. A low grade of interest is also registered among veterinary professions, although there is a significant merit in keeping our guard up against these parasites. This article reviews current knowledge of ascarids and ancylostomatids, with a special focus on pathogenicity, epidemiology and control methods in veterinary and human medicine.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pot belly in a roundworm-infected puppy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Adults ofToxocara canisspontaneously expelled with the faeces by a puppy.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Floatation with zinc sulphate: eggs ofToxocara canis(A),Toxocara cati(B),Toxascaris leonina(C),Uncinaria stenocephala(D1) andAncylostoma caninum(D2).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Dog-reserved areas and indications for pet owners in public areas in Valencia, Spain (A), Praha, Czech Republic (B) and Melbourne, Australia (C).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Close contact between privately owned pets and their owners. Although this behavior can be questionable, it cannot be considered at risk of infection with zoonotic nematodes for the owners.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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