Abstract:

Background: Echinococcus granulosus is parasitic tapeworm that can cause cystic Echinococcus granulosus in humans whereby dogs is definitive host. Cystic echinococcosis is among diseases of public health problem in Tanzania affecting all age groups but livestock keepers and pastoralists are vulnerable group. Also, this parasitic infection is affecting liver and lungs and some cases other such as spleen and kidney may also be affected. Considering the limited amount of data on the epidemiology of E.granulosus in Mwanza, we carried out this study to determine the prevalence of the infection and its associated factors among owned dogs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus in Mwanza city among dogs.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mwanza city, Tanzania, involving dogs as the study population. A convenient sampling technique was employed to select participants. Stool samples were collected and subjected to egg detection in feces using the flotation technique.

Conclusion: this study found an overall prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus among dogs in Mwanza city to be 0%. This finding may be influenced by the limitations of the flotation technique, which is less effective in detecting low egg counts and Further research employing more sensitive diagnostic methods is needed to provide a more accurate assessment of Echinococcus granulosus prevalence, including techniques such as Molecular Methods (e.g., PCR) and Coproantigen Tests.