Abstract
Background: The growing population of companion animals and their close interaction with humans contributes to zoonotic transmission and persisting endemicity of intestinal helminths in poor and developing countries, such as the Philippines. This research focused on the potential role of dogs and cats as reservoirs and sentinels of intestinal helminths in selected rural communities in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte, Philippines. Methods: A total of 135 dog and 33 cat stool samples from 120 households were collected and processed using the simple sedimentation and modified McMaster techniques as well as multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Results showed high intestinal helminth prevalence in dogs and cats from selected communities of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte ranging from 59.7% to 75.0% with hookworm being the most prevalent. Furthermore, results of the multiplex RT-PCR showed possible cross transmission of parasites to non-native host. Conclusions: The findings of the study showed the importance of dogs and cats as reservoirs and sentinels for a wide range of intestinal parasites, suggesting their potential role in the zoonotic transmission of intestinal parasites. It highlights the need for veterinary public health measures in the country to address the gaps in intestinal helminth control. Keywords: Intestinal helminths, zoonoses, dogs, cats, companion animals