Evaluation of blood of dogs suspected of having heartworm in clinics northwest of Tehran using rapid and kite diagnostic kits and comparison of results with echocardiography

Abstract

Introduction: Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) is a worldwide zoonotic parasite. Domestic
dogs and some wild dogs are the ultimate host of the parasite and therefore a reservoir of
infection. Iran is one of the native regions of dirofilariasis infection. This disease is a
common human-animal infection and in areas with severe infection, it is important to
diagnose it in dogs .
Materials & Methods: In order to diagnose Dirofilaria, various methods such as serology,
hematology and molecular methods are used to find an adult worm antigen or to observe a
microfiller in the blood or to detect antibodies against the symbiotic bacterium of this
parasite. Dirofilariosis is one of the most important infections transmitted by more than 60
species of mosquitoes. In the present study, 400 blood samples suspected of having blood
microfillers were collected from veterinary clinics in the northwest of Tehran .
Results: Statistical analysis was collected and classified by Excel 2010 software and then
performed by SPSS software using Chi-square test. In the obtained results, 3% of the
samples were positive in Knut method and 7% in fast test method. According to the obtained
results, no significant relationship was found between infection rate and sex as well as age
in different experimental methods
Conclusion: According to reports, there is a relative agreement between serological
methods and Knott test, but it should be noted that Knott method is less clinically important
in identifying Dirofilaria immitis. So far, no study has been performed using a quick kit and
comparing the results with echocardiography in Tehran province. Therefore, the present
study is the first comprehensive study in the region. To determine the exact status of
pollution, more sampling is needed. It seems that dirofilariasis needs to be comprehensively
considered as a potential joint infection of humans and animals in other provinces of the
country.