Prevalence of Blood parasites in stray and pet Dogs in Hyderabad Area : Comparative sensitivity of different Diagnostic techniqes for the detection of microfilaria

Investigation on the prevalence of blood-parasites in stray and pet dogs in Hyderabad area of Sindh province was carried out during the summer season. A total of 300 blood samples (200 from stray and 100 from pet dogs) were collected and tested for blood parasites. Data was analyzed to determine prevalence of various species of blood parasites to establish the correlation of these infections with age, sex and month. A comparison was also made to evaluate the sensitivity of these techniques for the detection of microfilarae. An overall prevalence of blood-parasites was recorded as 11.66 %; Dirofilaria immitis, Dipetalonema reconditum and Babesia canis being 5.33, 1.33 and 5.00 %, respectively. The prevalence in stray and pet dogs was recorded as 13 and 9 % respectively. The highest percentage of infection was recorded in the month of July (13.3 %). The adult dogs were more commonly affected (14.70%) than pups (7.69%). The percentage of infection was greater in females (18.6%) than males (9.33%). Among the various techniques used, modified Knott’s technique was found to be the most sensitive technique for the detection of microfilariae. [Veterinary World 2008; 1(8.000): 229-232]