Evaluation of quantitative buffy coat analysis in the detection of canine Dirofilaria immitis infection: a model to determine its effectiveness in the diagnosis of human filariasis.
Quantitative buffy coat (QBC) analysis has been reported to have a high degree of methodical sensitivity in the detection of human filariasis. This study was conducted to evaluate its usefulness in the diagnosis of filariasis using a Dirofilaria immitis/dog model. By necropsy of 244 stray dogs, 40.6% of the animals were found to harbor 1-58 worms of D. immitis (mean 6.5 +/- 8.4 worms/infected dog). The QBC analysis and thick blood smear (TBS) method detected microfilaremia in 31.6% and 21.3% of these dogs, respectively. The results of these two methods were highly correlated with the presence of bisexual worms in the dogs. The QBC analysis was more sensitive (55% versus 39%) and efficient (79% versus 72%) than the conventional TBS method. However, accurate speciation of the microfilariae was impossible using the QBC analysis. Although this technique is more sensitive, simpler, and less time-consuming and does not require as much skill or experience in comparison with the conventional TBS method, the failure in speciation of the parasites may limit its usefulness.
Wang
L C
LC
Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Kwei-San, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
D000818:Animals; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology*; D004285:Dogs; D005368:Filariasis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans