Echinococcus granulosus is the one of the most important parasites involved in zoonosis in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in cities near the Argentinian and Uruguayian border. Sixty-five samples of urban stray dogs from Dom Pedrito county were analyzed by three techniques: purgation by arecoline hydrobromide, to verify the presence of the parasite; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test (ELISA), to detect the coproantigen and indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) to identify serum antibodies against E. granulosus. From the analyzed dogs 7.7% (5/65) have presented the parasite in feces, 10.8% (7/65) had coproantigens and 13.8% (9/65) serum antibodies against this cestode. It was concluded that canine echinococcosis in the urban zone may represent a serious problem to public health, due to hidatidosis risk for humans.
Echinococcus granulosus; Dom Pedrito; prevalence; urban stray dogs
