engleski

Preliminary study of Dirofilaria imitis in dogs and their impact on human health in Istria County, Croatia

Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the seroprevalence of D. immitis in healthy dog population in Istria County and to evaluate age, keeping (indoors or outdoors) and use (pets, watchdogs, hunting dogs or truffle dogs) as risk factors. Material and methods: The samples were taken from 134 healthy dogs in the Istrian County tested by SNAP* 4Dx* Plus screening test and modified Knott test. Risk factors (breed, age, sex, keeping, housing, moving, feeding, communication with other dogs, use (pet, hunting dog, truffle dog) were analysed. The prevalence ratio and odds ratio were used to calculate the risk and statistical significances (level of 95%) among groups tested using Chi Square Test and Regression Analysis. ResuIts: Out of 134 healthy dogs examined, antigen for D. immitis was found in 16 (11.94 %, CI 95 % 6.45-17.43 %). In dogs tested both by SNAP* 4Dx* Plus and modified Knott test, microfilria (modified Knott test) was found in 51.72 % (CI 95 % 33. 82- 70.19 %) while antigen for D. immitis (SNAP* 4Dx* Plus test) was confirmed in 20.69 % (CI 95 % 6.18 % do 35.72 %) of dogs. This implies that D. immitis was present in 40% of the modified Knott test positive dogs. Dogs kept outdoors were infected twice as much as indoor pets. The most significant differences were found between truffle dogs and other hunting dogs (OR = 12.37, P = 0.0046). Conclusion: This preliminary study shows the potential risk of exposure to D. immitis in the Istrian County. Relevance: The results of this study can help better understand risk factors and support risk-mitigation strategies to prevent and control D. immitis.

D. immitis, prevalence, risk factor analysis

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