Low prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Johor Bahru, Malaysia as a reflection of vector availability?
- Author:
Ng, K.L., Lee, E.L.
;
Sani, R.A.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2012;29(1):187-190
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Abstract. This study was conducted to investigate the low prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis
in dogs in Johor Bahru as reported by veterinary practitioners, using wet blood mount, Knott’s
Concentration Test and two heartworm antigen test kits (IDEXX Canine SNAP® 4Dx and
RapiGEN®). This study also compared the two test kits used and determined the microfilaria
species. Blood were collected from 100 owned dogs and 50 stray dogs in Johor Bahru via
cephalic venipuncture. A thick blood smear was done and examined for samples that were
positive for microfilaria species identification. The overall prevalence of D. immitis in dogs
in Johor Bahru was 1.33% (2/150) and the microfilaria identified was D. immitis. The prevalence
of heartworm in owned and stray dogs in this study was 1% and 2% respectively. With only one
false negative result from RapiGEN® test kit, comparing the sensitivity between the two test
kits could not be achieved. The low prevalence of D. immitis found in this study confirmed
anecdotal evidence that prevalence of dirofilariasis is indeed low in Johor Bahru. Additionally,
we speculate that dirofilariasis in dogs might be considered as an indicator of vector
availability.
- Full text:W020150618353423370897.pdf
