Diagnosis of Hepatozoon canis in young dogs by cytology and PCR.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatozoon canis is a widespread tick-borne protozoan affecting dogs. The diagnosis of H. canis infection is usually performed by cytology of blood or buffy coat smears, but this method may not be sensitive. Our study aimed to evaluate the best method to achieve a parasitological diagnosis of H. canis infection in a population of receptive young dogs, previously negative by cytology and exposed to tick infestation for one summer season.

Results

A total of 73 mongrel dogs and ten beagles younger than 18 months of age, living in an animal shelter in southern Italy where dogs are highly infested by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, were included in this study. In March-April 2009 and in October 2009, blood and bone marrow were sampled from each dog. Blood, buffy coat and bon

SUBMITTER: Otranto D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3083373 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature