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Parasites Worms
Detect parasitic and worm infections with our comprehensive tests. These tests are crucial in identifying and managing parasitic/worm health issues. Each parasite/worm we test for is described in detail below, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Parasites Worms
Ancylostoma species are hookworms that can be detected in stool. They are intestinal worms and are not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs may be exposed by swallowing hookworm larvae from contaminated soil, sand, grass, dog parks, kennels, or other areas where infected faeces may have been present, especially warm, moist, or shaded ground. Some larvae can also enter through the skin. Hookworms mainly live in the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood. This can irritate the gut and may be associated with blood loss, especially in puppies, young dogs, or dogs with a heavier infection. Relevant findings may be associated with diarrhoea, dark or bloody stools, weight loss, reduced appetite, weakness, pale gums, poor coat condition, or signs of anaemia. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if digestive signs, possible exposure to contaminated ground, dark or bloody stool, pale gums, weakness, or other signs linked to blood loss are present.
Ascaris species are roundworms that can be detected in stool. They are intestinal worms and are not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs may be exposed by swallowing roundworm eggs from contaminated soil, grass, faeces, dog parks, kennels, or areas where infected animals have passed stool. Exposure may also occur when dogs eat contaminated material or small animals that may carry roundworm larvae. Roundworms mainly live in the small intestine, where they can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. In puppies or dogs with heavier infections, relevant findings may be associated with a pot bellied appearance, poor growth, dull coat, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, reduced appetite, or visible worms in stool or vomit. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if digestive signs, visible worms, poor growth, weight loss, or possible exposure to contaminated environments are present, since roundworm eggs can survive in the environment for long periods.
Blastocystis hominis is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can be detected in stool. In dogs, exposure can occur through contaminated water, food, soil, faeces, or environments where faecal contamination is present. Low levels may occur without obvious digestive signs. Higher levels may suggest that Blastocystis is present in greater amounts in the intestinal tract, which may be more relevant when the gut environment is irritated or the gut microbiome pattern is less balanced. Higher levels may be seen together with altered stool quality, soft stools, diarrhoea, gas, mucus in stool, reduced appetite, or digestive discomfort. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing digestive signs are present or if there are concerns about hygiene or environmental exposure.
Blastocystis hominis is a common protozoan parasite found in the intestines and often detected in individuals experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. While its role in causing disease remains debated, it is frequently linked to various digestive issues and is commonly identified in stool examinations around the world.
Cryptosporidium species are microscopic intestinal parasites that can be detected in stool. In dogs, exposure usually occurs through contaminated water, food, soil, faeces, or environments where faecal contamination is present. Cryptosporidium can affect the intestinal lining and may interfere with normal fluid balance in the gut. Higher levels may suggest a greater amount of the parasite in the intestinal tract, which may be more relevant in puppies, older dogs, or dogs with reduced immune resilience. Higher levels may be seen together with watery or loose stools, diarrhoea, mucus in stool, gas, reduced appetite, weight loss, or dehydration risk. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing diarrhoea, fluid loss, poor general condition, or hygiene concerns are present.
Cryptosporidium spp. are a group of protozoan parasites that cause cryptosporidiosis, an infectious gastrointestinal disease. Known for their resilience in diverse environments, especially in water, these parasites play a key role in outbreaks of diarrheal illness affecting both humans and animals.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can be detected in stool. It is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Detection may reflect exposure through contaminated water, food, soil, faeces, or environments where faecal contamination is present. Cyclospora can affect the intestinal lining and may disturb fluid balance and nutrient absorption. Higher levels or relevant findings may be associated with diarrhoea, loose or watery stools, mucus in stool, gas, reduced appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or digestive discomfort. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing diarrhoea, weight loss, poor general condition, fluid loss, or hygiene concerns are present.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic protozoan parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection marked by prolonged and recurring diarrhea. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas and has been linked to numerous foodborne outbreaks worldwide.
Dientamoeba fragilis is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can be detected in stool. It is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Detection may reflect exposure through faecal contamination, contaminated food or water, soil, or environments contaminated with faeces. Dientamoeba is mainly associated with the intestinal tract, where it may irritate the gut lining and be associated with irregular bowel patterns. Higher levels or relevant findings may be seen together with loose or fluctuating stools, gas, abdominal discomfort, mucus in stool, reduced appetite, tiredness, or recurring digestive upset. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing digestive signs, repeat findings, or hygiene concerns are present.
Dientamoeba fragilis is a single-celled parasite that resides in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is linked to dientamoebiasis, a condition that may cause various digestive symptoms. Its exact mode of transmission and role in disease remain under investigation.
Dwarf tapeworms (Hymenolepis nana) are common parasites that infect humans, particularly children. They are unique because they can complete their entire lifecycle within a single host, allowing direct transmission without needing an intermediate host. While infections are often without symptoms, they can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, weight loss and malnutrition.
Entamoeba histolytica is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can be detected in stool. It is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Detection may reflect exposure through water, food, or surroundings that have been contaminated with faeces. Entamoeba histolytica is mainly linked to the large intestine, where it may irritate the intestinal lining and, in more significant cases, affect the tissue more deeply. Relevant findings may be associated with persistent diarrhoea, loose stools, mucus in stool, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, weight loss, or poor general condition. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing diarrhoea, blood or mucus in stool, weight loss, lethargy, fluid loss, or hygiene concerns are present.
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite responsible for amoebiasis, an infection that can range from mild or asymptomatic to severe forms, including dysentery and liver abscesses. It is a major public health concern in regions with poor sanitation, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries.
Enterobius vermicularis is a pinworm that can be detected in stool. It is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome and is not a typical intestinal worm infection in dogs. Detection in a dog’s stool may reflect exposure to contaminated material, household surfaces, bedding, soil, or faecal contamination rather than an established dog infection. Enterobius vermicularis is mainly known as a human pinworm, and dogs are not considered its usual host. A finding in a dog sample should therefore be interpreted carefully, especially if it appears without digestive signs or other relevant findings. If digestive signs are present, they may include digestive irritation, altered stool quality, mild abdominal discomfort, or signs that another intestinal issue may be present. A positive or repeated finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing digestive signs, hygiene concerns, or shared household exposure are present.
Enterocytozoon species are microscopic intestinal parasites that can be detected in stool. They are not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Detection may reflect exposure through contaminated water, food, faeces, or surroundings where infectious spores are present. Enterocytozoon belongs to a group called microsporidia, very small parasites that can live inside intestinal cells. In the gut, they are mainly linked to the small intestine, where they may interfere with normal absorption of fluids and nutrients. Relevant findings may be associated with recurring diarrhoea, loose or watery stools, weight loss, reduced appetite, tiredness, signs of reduced nutrient absorption, or poor general condition. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing diarrhoea, weight loss, tiredness, poor general condition, fluid loss, or signs of reduced nutrient absorption are present.
Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon species are microsporidia — spore-forming unicellular parasites that can infect humans. They are capable of causing gastrointestinal and systemic diseases, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms vary by the site of infection but commonly include diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
Flatworms and tapeworms are parasitic worms that can infect the human digestive tract, most commonly through the consumption of undercooked or contaminated meat. Tapeworms belong to the class Cestoda and can grow several meters long inside the intestines. Once inside the host, they attach to the intestinal wall and absorb nutrients, often leading to symptoms such as digestive issues, weight loss, or fatigue. In many cases, however, the infection can be asymptomatic and go undetected for long periods. Diagnosis typically involves stool sample analysis to detect eggs or worm segments.
Giardia intestinalis is a microscopic intestinal parasite that can be detected in stool. It is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs are usually exposed by swallowing Giardia cysts from contaminated water, food, soil, faeces, or surfaces in the environment. Giardia mainly affects the small intestine, where it attaches to the surface of the intestinal lining rather than living inside intestinal cells. This may disturb digestion, reduce nutrient absorption, and affect stool quality. Relevant findings may be associated with soft or watery diarrhoea, mucus in stool, gas, foul smelling stool, reduced appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or recurring digestive upset. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if ongoing digestive signs are present or if there are concerns about hygiene, environmental exposure, or reinfection, since Giardia cysts can persist in the environment.
Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, an intestinal infection marked by diarrhea and digestive discomfort. Known for its resilience, it can survive in harsh environments, especially contaminated water, making it a common source of waterborne outbreaks.
Hookworms are parasitic worms that live in the small intestine and feed on the host’s blood. They are commonly found in areas with poor sanitation and can cause anemia, protein deficiency, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Infection usually occurs through skin contact with soil contaminated with hookworm larvae.
Hymenolepis spp are tapeworms that can be detected in stool. They are intestinal worms and are not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs may be exposed by swallowing tapeworm eggs from faecally contaminated surroundings or, depending on the species, by eating small insects, rodents, or other intermediate hosts that carry tapeworm stages. Tapeworms mainly live in the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal lining and absorb nutrients from the gut contents. Relevant findings may be associated with altered stool quality, mild diarrhoea, digestive discomfort, weight changes, irritation around the anus, scooting, or visible tapeworm segments in stool or around the rear end. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if digestive signs, visible worm segments, or possible exposure to intermediate hosts are present.
Microsporidia are a group of microscopic, spore-forming parasites that primarily infect the intestinal tract but can also affect the eyes, muscles, and other organs, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. These organisms are classified as fungi or fungus-like and are known to cause a condition called microsporidiosis. Transmission typically occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contact with infected animals or surfaces. Symptoms can include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort.
Necator americanus is a hookworm that can be detected in stool. It is an intestinal worm and is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Unlike the more typical canine hookworms, Necator americanus is mainly known as a human hookworm, so detection in a dog sample should be interpreted carefully. A finding may reflect exposure to contaminated soil, sand, grass, or environments where infected faeces may have been present, especially warm, moist, or shaded ground. Hookworm larvae are known for their ability to enter through the skin, but in dogs this specific species is not considered a typical established hookworm infection. Relevant findings may be associated with digestive irritation, altered stool quality, dark or bloody stool, weakness, reduced appetite, or signs related to blood loss. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if digestive signs, possible exposure to contaminated ground, or signs of blood loss are present.
New World hookworms (Necator americanus) are a type of parasitic worm commonly found in the Americas. These parasites attach to the intestinal walls of their hosts, causing chronic blood loss, anemia, and protein deficiency. The larvae can penetrate the skin from contaminated soil, putting individuals who come into contact with such environments at risk of infection.
Pinworms (Oxyuris), also known as threadworms, are common intestinal parasites, especially in children. These small, white worms cause itching around the anus, disrupted sleep, and irritability due to their nighttime egg-laying. Infection spreads through the fecal-oral route, often by ingesting microscopic eggs from contaminated hands, surfaces, or food.
Roundworms are parasitic nematodes that can infect the human digestive system, typically causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and discomfort. Transmission often occurs through contaminated soil, water, or undercooked food. If left untreated, infections can lead to more serious health complications.
Strongyloides spp are roundworms that can be detected in stool. They are intestinal worms and are not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs may be exposed to Strongyloides larvae from contaminated soil, bedding, kennels, damp ground, or areas where infected faeces have been present. Unlike many worms that are mainly swallowed as eggs, Strongyloides larvae can also enter through the skin, especially in warm, moist environments. Strongyloides mainly affects the small intestine, where it can irritate the intestinal lining and disturb normal digestion. Relevant findings may be associated with diarrhoea, loose stool, mucus in stool, weight loss, reduced appetite, poor growth in puppies, coughing during larval migration, or poor general condition. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if digestive signs, young puppies, damp environmental exposure, or signs of poor condition are present.
Taenia species are tapeworms that can be detected in stool. They are intestinal worms and are not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Dogs are usually exposed by eating raw or undercooked meat, offal, carcasses, or prey animals such as rodents or rabbits that carry Taenia larval stages. Taenia tapeworms mainly live in the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal lining and absorb nutrients from the gut contents. Relevant findings may be associated with altered stool quality, mild digestive discomfort, weight changes, reduced appetite, irritation around the anus, scooting, or visible tapeworm segments in stool or around the rear end. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if visible worm segments, digestive signs, or exposure to raw meat, carcasses, or prey animals are present.
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can affect humans and animals. These flat, segmented worms can grow to considerable lengths. They typically enter the body through the consumption of contaminated food or water. While tapeworm infections may sometimes be asymptomatic, they can also cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Threadworms (Strongyloides stercoralis) are tiny intestinal parasites that cause strongyloidiasis. They can be asymptomatic or lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, malabsorption. Transmission occurs through skin contact with contaminated soil. These worms are notable for their ability to reproduce within the host, which can result in persistent, long-lasting infections.
Trichuris trichiura is a whipworm that can be detected in stool. It is an intestinal worm and is not considered a normal part of the dog’s gut microbiome. Trichuris trichiura is mainly known as a human whipworm, while dogs are more typically associated with other Trichuris species. A finding in a dog sample should therefore be interpreted carefully. Exposure may reflect contact with whipworm eggs from faecally contaminated soil, grass, dog areas, kennels, or other environments where infected faeces may have been present. Whipworm eggs can persist in the environment for a long time. Whipworms mainly affect the large intestine and caecum, where they can attach to the intestinal lining and may irritate it. Relevant findings may be associated with diarrhoea, mucus or blood in stool, straining, altered stool quality, weight loss, reduced appetite, or poor general condition. A positive finding may be useful to review with a veterinarian, especially if large bowel signs, possible exposure to contaminated ground, or repeated digestive issues are present.
Whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) are intestinal parasites named for their distinctive whip-like shape. Infection occurs through ingestion of eggs present in soil contaminated with human feces. While many cases are symptom-free, heavy infestations can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, rectal prolapse. Children are especially vulnerable, as chronic infections may impact growth and cognitive development.
