Abstract:

Objective To understand the infection status of Echinococcus in dogs in Tibet Autonomous Region. Methods A stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 7 prefectures (cities) of Tibet Autonomous Region (Nagqu, Ali, Shannan, Lhasa, Changdu, Shigatse, Nyingchi) to investigate the infection status of Echinococcus in dogs. Counties in 7 cities were divided into pastoral area, semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral area, agricultural area and town based on the type of production. Villages for investigation were assigned into counties with an appropriate proportion. Twenty households raising dogs were selected, and fecal sample of one dog was collected from each household. The positive rate of Echinococcus antigen in fecal samples was determined by ELISA. The positive rate was compared among different groups using χ² test. Results The positive rate of Echinococcus antigen in dog feces was 6.31% (458/7 259). The positive rate in Nagqu, Ali, Shannan, Lhasa, Changdu, Shigatse, Nyingchi was 10.08%(109/1 081), 8.04%(34/423), 6.87%(64/932), 6.30%(66/1 047), 5.74%(78/1 358), 4.64%(89/1 917)and 3.59%(18/501)respectively, significantly different among cities (χ² = 44.671, P < 0.01). The antigen positive rate in domestic dog feces and stray dog feces was 6.28% (133/2 119) and 6.32% (325/5 140), respectively (χ² = 0.005, P > 0.05). It was highest in the pastoral area (8.41%, 187/2 224), and significantly different among the production types(χ² = 25.221, P < 0.01). Conclusion There is a high positive rate of Echinococcus antigen in dog feces in Tibet Autonomous Region, especially in Nagqu, Ali Prefecture and Shannan City and in pastoral area.

Key words: Echinococcus, Infection, Dog, Fecal antigen, Tibet Autonomous Region