Morphometry and Molecular Detection of Spirometra mansoni in Domestic Dogs from Rural Areas of Ecuador, and Its Clinical, Epidemiological and Public Health Implications

Sparganosis is a zoonotic parasitosis associated with freshwater aquatic environments, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Spirometra (S.) mansoni causes sparganosis in humans and spirometrosis in domestic dogs, which is transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from fish, frogs or paratenic animals, producing subcutaneous and tissue infections in humans, whereas dogs or cats develop gastrointestinal infections. The purpose of this investigation was to identify S. mansoni in domestic dogs from riverine sectors of the Daule River in Ecuador, using coproparasitological methods: direct examination, flotation and sedimentation with centrifugation using saline solution (as screening); and for confirmation, morphometric methods and PCR were used. Through a descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study, 402 domestic dogs were analyzed, and Spirometra mansoni were determined in 17% of the collected samples. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of spirometrosis in dogs and the risk of sparganosis in humans were determined, revealing a profound lack of information and knowledge about the infection; consequently, there is a possibility that cases will spread in pets and that humans will develop sparganosis.