Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog filariasis detected in 32% of Marajo Island dogs by blood tests
By Furtado, Adriano P et al.·Published in Parasitology research·2009·Laborató·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of dog filariasis in Marajo Island, Brazil by classical and molecular methods.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study on Marajo Island in Brazil found that 32% of domestic dogs tested positive for a type of heartworm called Dirofilaria immitis, which can cause serious health issues. The researchers examined 188 dogs and discovered that older dogs were more likely to be infected. Interestingly, there was no difference in infection rates between male and female dogs. This information highlights the importance of testing for heartworm, especially in areas where the disease is common, to ensure early detection and treatment.
People also search for: dog heartworm symptoms · Marajo Island dog health · heartworm treatment for dogs
Abstract
Canine filariasis in domestic and wild dogs, foxes, and wolves is caused by several species of filarids. Although these filarial species inhabit different loci in the vertebrate definitive hosts, they generally release microfilariae into the bloodstream. Data about filarial infection in dogs in Brazil, especially on the Marajo Island, is scarce. For this reason, we conducted an analysis of 188 domestic dogs within two Marajo Island municipalities. The overall prevalence of microfilaremic was 32.45%; taken by blood smear and modified Knott's method. No significant difference of positivity between male and female was observed (X(2) Yates's correction = 0.341; p = 0.559). Significant age-infection ratios were detected (X(2) = 32.943; p < 0.0001). A high occult infection was detected (53.84%). PCR of rDNA and phylogenetic tree indicated that the microfilariae and adult worms found in domestic dogs from Marajo Island were Dirofilaria immitis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19693539/