An epidemiological study of canine filarioses in north-west Italy: what has changed in 25 years?
A field survey aimed at updating knowledge of the distribution and prevalence of filarial infections in the Piedmont region was undertaken. Blood samples were collected from 2628 dogs (10-15 dogs/100 km2) which had remained in the local area, were kept in the open overnight, were more than 2 years old and had not previously been treated with microfilaricidal drugs. Infection was diagnosed by a modified Knott test. Comparison of the results with those from a similar survey carried out 25 years ago showed a 3-fold increase in the size of the endemic area, with the colonization of new habitats, and a 4-fold increase in the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection.
Rossi
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Dept. Produzioni Animali, Epidemiologia ed Ecologia, University of Torino, Italy.
Pollono
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F
Meneguz
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Gribaudo
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Balbo
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D000818:Animals; D004154:Dipetalonema Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors