Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs affected by primary chronic enteropathy

BACKGROUND: Canine primary chronic enteropathy (CE) includes a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by chronic gastrointestinal signs. AIM: This study evaluated the occurrence of Giardia duodenalis infection in primary CE-affected dogs. METHODS: Forty-seven CE-affected dogs of different age and sex were enrolled in the study. For each dog, frequency of defecation, fecal consistency, and eventual fecal abnormalities were evaluated. A clinical scoring index of CE severity (clinical chronic enteropathy activity index) was also assessed, and the type of enteropathy was retrospectively classified. For parasitological analysis, fresh fecal samples collected from each dog were examined by fresh and Lugol stained smears, flotation test, and a rapid immunoassay. Giardia duodenalis genotypes were identified by molecular analysis. Differences of clinical parameters between G. duodenalis positive and G. duodenalis negative dogs were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Among the CE canine patients, 16 out of 47 (34%) dogs were found positive for G. duodenalis and assemblages C and D were identified. No statistical differences emerged according to the types of CE between G. duodenalis-positive and G. duodenalis-negative dog groups. The clinical index of CE severity was indicative of significant less severe clinical forms in G. duodenalis-positive dogs (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Results here obtained shows how G. duodenalis may be present in primary CE-affected dogs and further investigations are needed to clarify the real significance of mild clinical presentation in G. duodenalis-positive dogs affected by CE.