Prevalence and risk factors associated with endoparasitic infection in dogs from Transylvania (Romania): A retrospective study

During six years (April 2010-April 2016) we examined individual feces samples collected from 1314 dogs located in Center and Northwest Romania (Transylvania). Stool samples were analyzed by saturated salt flotation, sedimentation technique and modified Ziehl-Nielsen staining method. The overall prevalence of endoparasitic infections was 66.6% (n = 875). Sixteen species/genera of endoparasites were identified. The most prevalent species were Ancylostoma caninum/Uncinaria stenocephala (33.0%) (p = 0.0001) followed by Trichocephalus vulpis (25.0%). Mixed infections, were significantly more frequent (p = 0.0001) than single species infections. The age and the living condition/service of dogs were identified as the main risk factors for infection with endoparasites.