Prevalence of presentation of some zoonotic agents transmitted by canines and felines in Medellín, Colombia

Objective. To determine in Medellín, Colombia, the prevalence of zoonotic agents in canines and felines. Materials and methods. 1501 individuals were sampled for the analysis of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites by direct coprology and flotation. 500 canine sera were examined by PARP-2ME and MAT for the diagnosis of Brucella canis and Leptospira sp, respectively. 500 feline sera were processed by IFI for the diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii. The frequency for each zoonosis and the statistical significance for the different variables were established (p≤0.05; OR≥1; 95% CI). Results. 23.6% of canines and 16.3% of felines were positive for gastrointestinal parasites; Ancylostomids and D. caninum were the most prevalent; species, age, sex, sector, socioeconomic level and the month of sampling showed associations with gastrointestinal parasitism in pets. Canines showed a seroprevalence of 6.6% in B. canis and 8.4%, Leptospira sp; in felines 56.2% for T. gondii. All of the above associated with the commune, month of sampling, age and stratum. Conclusions. Pets located in different communes and socioeconomic strata with lower quality of life conditions represent a risk of zoonotic transmission.