Detection Of Ancylostoma Spp. In Pet Dogs In Ipoh With The Aid Of Artificial Intelligence Microscopy And Its Associated Risk Factors

Hookworm (Ancylostoma spp.) is a significant parasitic infection that affects canines and has zoonotic potential. This study aims to detect the presence of hookworm in pet dogs in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia with the aid of artificial intelligence microscopy (Element AIMTM) and to identify any associated factors. A total of 31 faecal samples were collected and analysed. The result revealed a hookworm prevalence of 12.9% (n=31). Questionnaires were conducted for the participating pet owners and analysed using Fisher’s Exact Test to determine any associated factors. The statistical test showed that only multi-dog households (p=0.043) showed significant association. Associations regarding the age (p=0.112), sex (p-0.101), deworming within the past year (p=1.000) and whether the pet dogs were taking out for walks (p=1.000) did not show any statistical significance. Furthermore, the questionnaire showed that all participating pet dog owners were aware of deworming their pet dogs and hookworm’s zoonotic potential. The study showed that artificial intelligence microscopy can be used to detect for presence of hookworm in pet dogs. However, the study was limited by its small sample size and focuses on a single geographical area. Therefore, further studies with larger and diverse samples should be conducted to validate the findings. This study highlights the potential of AI-based tools in veterinary diagnostics and its assistance in parasitic detection in animals, in particular hookworm in pet dogs.
Keywords: Hookworm, Ancylostoma spp, artificial intelligence microscopy, zoonotic potential, veterinary parasitology.