Copromicroscopic Diagnosis and Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Animals in Sitio Ibayo, San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines: Establishing a Sentinel Study for Zoonotic Disease Surveillance.

Background: This study investigates the prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections in animal fecal samples collected from Sitio Ibayo, San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines, a suburban community considered a potential sentinel site for zoonotic disease surveillance.

Methods: Using cross-sectional sampling, 132 animal fecal samples were collected in the area exhaustively. Samples were processed through direct smear with saline solution and Lugol's iodine and flotation technique using mini- and fill-FLOTAC. Microscopy was conducted, and the photomicrographs were analyzed to identify the parasite.

Results: This study revealed an overall prevalence of parasitic infection of 50.67%. The prevalence was 100% in birds, cats, doves, and a rabbit, whereas dogs showed a high prevalence of 68.75%, followed by ducks at 66.67% and humans at 44.44%. Notably, the parasitic infection among ruminants was low, including zero in cows. Farm animals such as pigs and chickens have 53.8% and 42.9% prevalence, respectively. The co-infection was seen as 24 (18.18%) samples had two types of parasites, 12 (9.09%) had three types of parasites, three (2.27%) had four types of parasites, and one (0.76%) had five types of parasites. A total of 17 genera/species of parasites were found, including those belonging to the phylum Nematoda, phylum Platyhelminthes, and phylum Protozoa. Intensity analysis of infections demonstrated high intensity of  spp. infections among 50% of the sampled birds and spp. among 20% of the sampled geese, with most parasitic infections in the other categories at low intensity.

Conclusion: This study highlights the burden of parasitic infections among various animal groups in Sitio Ibayo. The prevalence and co-infections in companion animals, farm animals, and humans were notable. The high prevalence of parasites in dogs, cats, and birds underscores their potential role in maintaining and dispersing parasitic infections within the ecosystem. The predominance of low-intensity infections suggests that while immediate health impacts may be minimal for some hosts, multi-parasite infections raise concerns for ecosystem health and zoonotic transmission. Targeted interventions using the One Health approach, including improved hygiene practices, deworming programs, and public awareness campaigns, are needed to mitigate the spread of parasitic diseases in this community.