Background and Objective: Gastrointestinal parasites in stray dogs pose a significant zoonotic threat to human health, particularly in urban settings where human-animal interactions are frequent. Despite awareness of these risks, updated, region-specific epidemiological data is vital for informing public health policies in Isfahan, a metropolitan area with a high density of free-roaming dogs.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to June 2026, involving 122 stray dogs in Isfahan, Iran. Fecal samples were collected via cluster sampling from diverse habitats, including public parks, industrial fringes, and areas surrounding slaughterhouses. Samples were processed using macroscopic examination, direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, and zinc sulfate flotation techniques. Infection intensity was assessed using the modified McMaster egg counting method. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v25) to identify relationships between infection status, environmental exposure, and host demographics.
Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 63.93%. Helminthic infections were more common (52.46%) than protozoan infections (34.42%). The most prevalent parasite identified was Taenia spp. (27.05%), followed by Sarcocystis spp. (12.30%) and Toxocara canis (9.83%). Notably, 21.31% of the dogs exhibited mixed parasitic infections, indicating a high parasitic burden. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between proximity to slaughterhouses and increased prevalence of infection (P < 0.05), whereas host gender did not significantly influence infection rates (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The high prevalence and diversity of zoonotic parasites among stray dogs in Isfahan underscore the critical role these animals play in environmental contamination. The findings highlight an urgent need for multisectoral public health interventions, including systematic population management, regular veterinary deworming programs, and improved waste management in industrial and high-risk zones, to effectively reduce the transmission of serious diseases such as hydatidosis and visceral larva migrans.