Relación entre la presencia de microfilariasis y parámetros hematológicos en perros atendidos en clínica docente de especialidades veterinarias “utmach, 2023”

Abstract

Microfilariasis is a parasitic disease that affects canines and is zoonotic in some cases. Sandflies act as vectors. In areas with high prevalence, there are reports of the disease infecting other animal species. Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as the "heartworm," is the parasite responsible. Early detection is crucial as diagnostic tests may vary in sensitivity and specificity, including molecular, parasitological, and serological tests. The disease is endemic in certain areas, especially coastal regions. Early diagnosis is vital since late diagnosis can result in pulmonary hypertension, hemolytic syndromes, and patient death. Detecting and correcting early hematological alterations improves the quality of life for the animal. This study was conducted at the Veterinary Specialty Teaching Clinic "UTMACH" in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the Technical University of Machala, El Oro Province. It was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional, and prospective study. Hemograms were performed on canine patients who tested positive for microfilariae using the Woo or Thick Smear test, of which 9.9% tested positive with the Woo test, and 14.4% tested positive with the Thick Smear test. The study included 15 patients who were completely healthy and exhibited symptoms related to the disease, all over 1 year old, and free of other hematological pathologies. The most significant results obtained were that out of the 15 patients who underwent hemogram testing, 33.3% had leukocytosis, 6.7% had leukopenia, 26.7% had lymphocytosis, 6.7% had lymphopenia, 13.3% had monocytosis, 20% had neutrophilia, and 53.3% had eosinophilia in the white blood cell series. In the red blood cell series, 20% had red blood cell counts below the minimum reference value, and 13.3% had hemoglobin below the reference value, 26.7% had anemia, 6.7% had microcytosis, and 86.7% had hypochromia. In the platelet series, 20% had thrombocytopenia, and 6.7% had thrombocytosis.