The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs with different breed, ages and sex

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in stray dogs with different ages, sexes and breeds. A total of 142 dogs were examined in this study. Blood samples were examined with nativ, modified Knott's and antigen ELISA techniques. Of the total of 142 dogs, 31 were positive for D. immitis with a prevalance value of 22%. In addition 35.5% of positive dogs determine to have occult D. immitis infections. The highest prevalance of D. immitis infections were observed in ≥7 age group (%53,3), and this prevalance was followed by 4-6 (%20,5) and 0.6-3 age group (%17). The difference between ≥7 age group and other age groups (0.6-3 and 4-6 age groups) were found significant (P<0.05), whereas no statistically difference was observed between 0.6-3 and 4-6 age groups (P>0.05). Our results suggest that heartworm treatment and prophylaxis should be considered in Burdur region.