Prevalence of Zoonotic Parasites and Genetic Diversity of

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) remain a major global public health challenge, with dogs recognised as important reservoirs for several zoonotic species. In Kenya, data on the prevalence and genetic diversity of canine gastrointestinal helminths are scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of zoonotic helminths in dogs and characterised the genetic diversity of canine hookworms in Machakos County, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional household-based survey was conducted across three sublocations representing low, medium and high human population density. Faecal samples were collected from 104 dog-owning households and examined using Mini-FLOTAC and zinc chloride sieving-flotation techniques. Hookworm species were identified using nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, followed by DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic diversity of Results: Mini-FLOTAC detected a higher prevalence of hookworm (89.4% vs. 81.6%), Conclusions: These findings underscore dogs as key reservoirs of zoonotic helminths and highlight the need for strengthened surveillance and integrated One Health strategies incorporating molecular diagnostics and targeted education within dog health programmes in line with the WHO NTD Roadmap.