Prevalence of circulating microfilariae detected by thin smear and associated haematological and biochemical alterations in hunting dogs in Jos, Nigeria

Résumé fourni par la source

Canine filarial infections are emerging vector-borne diseases of both veterinary and zoonotic importance. This study determined the prevalence of circulating microfilariae and evaluated their haematological and serum biochemical effects in hunting dogs in Jos, Nigeria. Forty (40) adult hunting dogs were sampled, and microfilariae were detected using thin blood smear examination. Haematological and biochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods, and group comparisons were performed using an independent samples t-test. Circulating microfilariae were detected in 17.5% of dogs. Infected dogs showed a significant increase in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, total white blood cells, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. Total protein and globulin levels were also significantly elevated, while albumin and liver enzymes showed no significant differences. Haematological ratios, including eosinophil-neutrophil ratio (ENR), and eosinophil-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) were significantly elevated in infected dogs, while eosinophil-monocyte ratio (EMR) did not show any significant change between the two groups. This therefore suggests the need for clinicians and researchers to consider microfilariae when monitoring the health of dogs.