Field application of a novel multiplex qPCR assay reveals the occurrence of the zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma braziliense in Nigerian dogs

A number of gastrointestinal parasites have been reported to infect dogs in Nigeria, some which zoonotic potential. Of these, hookworms are the most prevalent, with both Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala country. In this study, we subjected 203 hookworm microscopy-positive samples 885 individual faecal collected from Nigeria a recently developed multiplex qPCR for detection characterisation canine species. The demonstrated diagnostic sensitivity 98% (95% CI 95-99.4) allowing A. braziliense 81.3% (165/203, 95% 75.3-86.1) 51.2% (104/203, 44.4-58) respectively 34.5% (70/203, 28.3-41.3) mixed infections finding is particularly worrisome given well-known agent persistent cutaneous larva migrans, commonly referred as “creeping eruptions” humans. Although parasite has diagnosed locals people travelling suffering dermatological illnesses, represents first molecular identification its reservoir These results update occurrence distribution species affecting highlighting suitability newly assay high-throughput tool surveillance hookworms, globally.