title: Prevalence of the Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection, and to examine the relationship between host factors (gender, age and breed) and D. immitis infection in dogs. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. A total of 676 dogs were examined for D. immitis infection. Adult worms (necropsy) and blood samples were collected from all animals for diagnosis of D. immitis. Blood samples were examined using a modified Knott's and thick drop techniques. Fifty-six of 676 dogs were diagnosed infected with D. immitis. The odds of infection were 2.85 times higher in female dogs, compared to male dogs (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.5-5.5, P = 0.01). In addition, the odds of infection were 2.11 times higher in > or =3 years old dogs, compared with younger dogs (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.1-4.2, P = 0.03). This information is important for a better understanding of the epidemiology of D. immitis in dogs in Yucatan, Mexico.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina Interna y Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, Km. 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, CP 97100 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. bgonza@tunku.uady.mx
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bolio-Gonzalez
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Rodriguez-Vivas
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Sauri-Arceo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gutierrez-Blanco
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ortega-Pacheco
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Colin-Flores
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors