Prevalencia de dirofilaria immitis en caninos de la fundación el Gran Roque-Guayaquil Prevalence of dirofilaria immitis in canines from the el Gran Roque foundation in Guayaquil
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Abstract
Canine dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, represents an important animal health issue and an emerging zoonotic risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the parasite and describe the hematological alterations observed in dogs attended at the El Gran Roque Foundation in Guayaquil. A non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional investigation was carried out under a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 30 dogs selected by convenience, giving priority to those that had been in contact with previously confirmed positive cases. For the analysis, inductive, analytical, and synthetic methods were applied, along with statistical procedures. These approaches were complemented by clinical observation, a documentary review, the Knott test and its modified version, blood smears, and complete blood counts. A medical record form was also used to document individual information and clinical history. The results showed that 3 out of the 30 dogs (10%) tested positive for D. immitis, confirming the circulation of the parasite in the area. These animals exhibited characteristic hematological alterations, including elevated hematocrit levels (52%–60%), hemoglobin concentrations ranging from 17.6 to 20.9 g/dL, erythrocyte counts up to 9.97×10⁶/µL, marked eosinophilia (11%–16%), and one case of thrombocytopenia with 113×10³/µL. Overall, these findings highlight the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, promote regular deworming, and reinforce vector control measures to reduce risks to both animal and human health
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