Estudo epidemiológico sobre a percepção da população sobre conceitos de zoonoses parasitárias em diferentes localidades no município de Bandeirantes – PR

Considering the diversity of education and degree of information of residents of localities with different socio-cultural classes, the high occurrence of endoparasites in animals and the large number of pets in their homes; Brazilian conditions favor and maintain high levels of infestations by various species of parasites. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the knowledge level of dog owners about parasitic zoonoses. We visited 100 homes in different areas of Bandeirantes, PR, including four neighborhoods, two in the outskirts and two middle class, where questionnaires about parasitosis, hygienic and food habits were applied. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that 88% of residents had a good level of education, mostly in middle-class neighborhoods. As for the questions 96% of respondents answered that they walk barefoot as a habit, 50% are unaware that this habit can interfere with helminth infection. In addition, 58% answered that they eat raw or undercooked meat and 42% consume raw milk while they do not relate these attitudes to any parasitic disease. Also 47% of dog owners had no knowledge about the pathogenesis of diseases caused by exposure to feces of dogs and cats while 47 % do not give anthelmintics to their pets and 49% consider them unnecessary. The pet owners answered that their yard is being cleaned an average twice a week. Dogs and cats play a role as a source of environmental infection with zoonotic potential, requiring more attention from their owners regarding their health. Therefore, it could be concluded that there is a need to implement a health education program directed to the population on basic knowledge about prevention and control of parasitic zoonoses, aiming to prevent contamination of pets and their owners.