Prevalencia de microfilaria en perros en tres sectores del cordón fronterizo en la provincia de El Oro.

Abstract

"Hemoparasitic diseases pose a formidable challenge in veterinary medicine because of the wide range of etiologic agents, including protozoa, rickettsiae, and nematodes, that affect various animal species, particularly canines exposed to arthropod vectors. Microfilaria, transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Culicidae, is the main cause of canine filariasis, with important zoonotic implications. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of microfilaria in the bordering cantons of El Oro (Ecuador). The results show a marked incidence of Dirofilaria immitis, which highlights the imperative need for interinstitutional collaboration to institute surveillance and control programs. The importance of environmental factors, such as climatic conditions and animal migration, in the distribution of the disease is emphasized. Emphasis is placed on integrated control strategies to reduce disease transmission and safeguard public health. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of coordinated control strategies to mitigate the prevalence of microfilariae in border areas, with the aim of curbing the spread of the disease and its ramifications for both the canine and human populations.