Determination of Echinococcus granulosus in dogs from the Cono Norte of Lima

© 2000 Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. All rights reserved. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of Echinococcus granulosus in the dog population of northem Lima. A total of 600 dogs from the districts ofRímac, San Martin de Porres, Independencia, Los Olivos, Carabayllo, Comas, San Juan de Lurigancho and Puente Piedra were tested. Halfthe dogs (n=300) were purged with arecolina bromide and half submitted to macroscopic evaluation of the thin intestine. Only one dog out ofthe 600 was found to be positive (0.3 ± 0.06%), however given the poor sanitation and hygiene conditions ofthe San Juan de Lurigancho district where it was found, its presence represents a potential health risk for the human population. Periodic testing to determine the presence of E. granulosus in this district, and other marginal regions of greater Lima, should be carried out. The incidence of infection, however, has remained essentially unchanged since the last tests were performed in Lima 27 years ago.