Authors : O.M. Torres-Chable, R.A. Garcia-Herrera, J.A. Peralta-Torres, M. Hernandez-Hernandez and N.F. Ojeda-Robertos
Abstract: The prevalence of microfilaremic dogs with >3 years old and the risk 2 factors (color hair coat, sleeping area and breed) associated with this infection were studied. A total of 86 blood samples were evaluated using the Thick Blood Smear Technique (TBS) and modified Knott test for the circulating microfilarias detection. For determining risk factors, a survey was applied to the owners. The prevalence of microfilaremic dogs was 24.41% (21/86). Two microfilarias species were detected Dirofilaria immitis (19.76%) and Dipetalonema reconditum (4.65%). The pure breed variable showed to be a risk factor of importance (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 0.59-9.54, p = 0.16). A different prevalence was observed according to color hair coat: White 38.46% (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 0.99-7.76, p = 0.03); black 22.22% (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.29-2.08, p = 0.17); white with black 16.66% (OR = 110.6, 95% CI= 0.06-5.4, p = 0.36) and brown 0%. The sleeping area had not differences in this study because and indoor (OR = 0.98, IC = 0.69-1.39, p = 0.20) both outdoor (OR = 1.03, IC = 0.51-2.07, p = 0.20), the dogs were similarly microfilariae infected. The results indicated a high prevalence of microfilaremic dogs in the studied zone, the white hair coat and breed purity seemed to be risk factors of importance for acquiring the microfilarias infection.
O.M. Torres-Chable, R.A. Garcia-Herrera, J.A. Peralta-Torres, M. Hernandez-Hernandez and N.F. Ojeda-Robertos, 2012. Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Microfilarias Infection in Dogs from Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico. Agricultural Journal, 7: 198-202.