Serological evidence of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in Iran

Ehrlichia canis has a worldwide geographic distribution, but little is known about the occurrence of Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) in Iran. The current study was carried out to evaluate the seroprevalence and factors associated with a positive antibody response to E. canis in dogs from Kerman city, southeast of Iran. One hundred and twenty-three privately owned dogs were chosen from apparently healthy animals referred to veterinary hospital for health check or vaccination. All dogs were subjected to physical, hematological, and biochemical examinations and serological tests. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) and rapid immunochromatography assay (ICA) used to detect antibodies against E. canis in all sera. The overall seroprevalence of CME was 14.63% which was determined as 13.8% and 10.6% using IFA and ICA, respectively. Hyperglobulinemia (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.005), and elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level (p = 0.02) showed a statistical relationship with seropositivity. Hematological abnormalities did not differ significantly between seronegative and seropositive dogs except for the group with high IFA titer. In blood smears from three infected dogs (16.66%), typical morulae of E. canis were observed in monocytes. All three cases were seropositive for E. canis and displayed obvious hyperglobulinemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia, and high ALP level. There was no sex and breed predilection among seropositive dogs. This is the first report that describes serological evidences of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in southeast of Iran. Additional molecular studies are necessary to confirm E. canis infection and to identify the local strains of the organism.     

Clinical,serological, and molecular evidence of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in dogs in Tunisia

A seroepidemiological survey was conducted in five bioclimatic areas of Tunisia to determine the prevalence of antibodies to Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum antigens, surrogate markers of the agents of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis, respectively. Among 286 collected sera, 54.2% and 25.2% were seropositive for E. canis and A. phagocytophilum, respectively, by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test. Clinical and hematological tests were done only for 58 sick dogs from Tunis area. A reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization was then used to identify isolated Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species infecting dogs (n = 228). Among them, only two dogs were infected by A. phagocytophilum; ten sample dogs were demonstrated infected by E. canis and ten infected by Ehrlichia sp., from which one dog showed a mixed infection with A. phagocytophilum and E. canis and one with A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp. RLB findings were confirmed by sequencing; BLAST search against GenBank revealed high similarity of the sequence of Ehrlichia sp. PCR/RLB amplicons with Anaplasma platys 16S rRNA partial sequence.     

Epidemiological aspects on vector-borne infections in stray and pet dogs from Romania and Hungary with focus on Babesia spp

Canine arthropod-borne infections are of major interest in small animal practice and have been widely investigated in Central and Western Europe. However, only limited epidemiological data are available from South-Eastern European countries, although diseases including babesiosis or dirofilariosis are widely recognised as important canine infections in these countries. A steadily increasing number of dogs imported from South-Eastern Europe into Germany require particular attention by small animal practitioners. In this study, a total of 216 dogs [29 local Romanian pet dogs presented at Salvavet Veterinary Clinic in Bucharest, Romania, and 187 imported stray dogs from Romania (n = 109) and Hungary (n = 78) into Germany] were screened by molecular biological, serological and haematological methods for canine arthropod-borne infections. Eleven different parasitic and bacterial vector-borne pathogens—Babesia canis canis, Babesia canis vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia felis-like, Hepatozoon canis, Leishmania spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Mycoplasma haemocanis—were detected. Fifty-six percent of the dogs were positive by direct methods. B. canis canis was the most prevalent pathogen in dogs imported to Germany (42.8%) and dogs submitted for clinical consultation in Bucharest (44.8%). Our data strongly suggest the introduction of an adjusted screening panel in dogs from South-East Europe in view of increasing importation of dogs into Germany.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hepatozoon canis</Emphasis> infection in ticks during spring and summer in Italy

Hepatozoon canis is a common protozoan of dogs, being among the most prevalent tick-borne pathogens infecting dogs around the world. It is primarily transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick. In this study we tested ticks collected from dogs and from the environment in order to track the origin of an outbreak of H. canis infection detected in October 2009 in a private dog shelter in southern Italy. Ticks from dogs (n = 267) were collected during the spring of 2009, whereas ticks from environment (n = 300) were found on sticky traps placed in the same shelter during the summer of 2009. All ticks were tested by PCR for the detection of a H. canis 18S ribosomal RNA gene fragment. Four (1.5%, one female and three males) ticks collected from dogs were PCR positive. None of the larvae collected from the environment were positive, but a relatively high infection rate (8.0%) was detected in nymphs. These findings point out that dogs became infected during the summer, when ticks were abundant and highly infected by H. canis. Moreover, this study suggests that castor oil sticky traps might be useful to collect engorged immature ticks in highly infested environments (e.g., dog shelters). This might be particularly interesting to evaluate the level of infection by certain pathogens in free-ranging ticks R. sanguineus, as done in the present study.     

Canine dirofilariasis and concurrent tick-borne transmitted diseases in Bangkok, Thailand

A retrospective study in dogs presented to the Chulalongkorn Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, from January 2001 to December 2003 was carried out. A total of 917 dogs were diagnosed with canine dirofilariasis and other concurrent tick-borne transmitted diseases by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University. The highest occurrence within each year was observed in November 2001 (40 cases), April 2002 (41 cases), and July 2003 (36 cases), respectively. Of the total 917 positive cases, a single infection of dirofilariasis was detected in 869 dogs (94.8%; group 1), while 37 dogs (4.0%; group 2) were diagnosed with dirofilariasis and ehrlichiosis, 4 dogs (0.4%; group 3) with dirofilariasis and hepatozoonosis, and 7 dogs (0.8%; group 4) with dirofilariasis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis, respectively. Laboratory data comprising hematological and blood chemistry profiles were evaluated and compared among groups. Group 4 was defined as moderate microcytic anemia and was significantly different with regard to hematological profiles from others (P < 0.05). In addition, severe thrombocytopenia was observed in both groups 2 and 4 (65.4 × 10³ and 59.0 × 10³ cells/μl, respectively). The hepatobiliary profiles in all groups revealed increases in serum alanine aminotransferase and serum alkaline phosphatase activities indicative of hepatocellular damage. These epidemiological results serve as baseline information for preventive strategies against blood parasites in the endemic area. Moreover, both biochemical and hematological abnormalities should be considered as appropriate monitors during disease interventions.     

Improved detection of canine Angiostrongylus vasorum infection using real-time PCR and indirect ELISA

This study reports the development of a real-time PCR assay and an indirect ELISA to improve on current detection of canine Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. A highly specific fluorescent probe-based, real-time PCR assay was developed to target the A. vasorum second internal transcribed spacer region and detected DNA in EDTA blood, lung tissue, broncho-alveolar larvage fluid, endotracheal mucus, pharyngeal swabs and faecal samples. PCR was fast (∼1 h), highly efficient when using EDTA blood samples, consistently detected a single molecule of parasite DNA and did not amplify DNA from other parasitic nematodes or definitive host species. An indirect ELISA was also developed using the soluble protein fraction from adult A. vasorum worms. Some cross-reactive antigen recognition was observed when tested against sera from dogs infected with Crenosoma vulpis (n = 8), Toxocara canis (n = 5) and Dirofilaria immitis (n = 5). This was largely overcome by setting the cut-off for a positive result at an appropriately high level. Field evaluation of the real-time PCR and ELISA was conducted by testing sera and EDTA blood from dogs with suspected A. vasorum infection (n = 148) and compared with the Baermann's larval migration test in faeces. Thirty-one dogs were positive by at least one test. Of these, 20 (65%) were detected by the Baermann method, 18 (58%) by blood PCR, 24 (77%) by ELISA and 28 (90%) by blood PCR and ELISA together. Combined testing using real-time PCR and ELISA therefore improved the detection rate of A. vasorum infection and holds promise for improved clinical diagnosis and epidemiological investigation.     

Serum protein alterations in dogs naturally infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Toxoplasma gondii</Emphasis>

We conducted this study to describe the serum electrophoretic pattern in dogs associated with the infection of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The serum protein pattern of 25 dogs with confirmed T. gondii infection and 15 clinically healthy dogs were evaluated using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin bands were seen from the serum electrophoresis of infected and healthy dogs. Compared to the control group, significant decreases in the mean percentages of albumin (from 46.1 ± 7.2 to 40.8 ± 4.5%, P < 0.05), alpha-1 globulin (from 3.9 ± 0.4 to 0.8 ± 0.2%, P < 0.001), alpha-2 globulin (from 9.0 ± 0.4 to 8.3 ± 0.8%, P < 0.01), and beta globulin (from 18.4 ± 1.2 to 12.1 ± 0.6%, P < 0.001) in the infected group were determined. In contrast, gamma globulin fraction was significantly higher in infected dogs (38.1 ± 4.6%) than in control dogs (22.7 ± 7.2%; P < 0.001). Moreover, significant correlations were determined between the percentages of the albumin and gamma globulin fractions and liver enzyme tests including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in infected dogs; however, no correlation was observed for the other protein fractions. In conclusion, marked alterations in serum protein pattern associated with strong modifications of serum protein concentrations are in accordance with the hepatic injury as affirmed by liver enzyme tests that were demonstrated in the canine toxoplasmosis. These findings showed that serum protein electrophoresis can be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of canine toxoplasmosis as a supplementary analysis in combination with serological, clinical, and laboratory findings of this disease.     

Development of a real-time PCR to detect <Emphasis Type="Italic">Demodex canis</Emphasis> DNA in different tissue samples

The present study reports the development of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Demodex canis DNA on different tissue samples. The technique amplifies a 166 bp of D. canis chitin synthase gene (AB 080667) and it has been successfully tested on hairs extracted with their roots and on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded skin biopsies. The real-time PCR amplified on the hairs of all 14 dogs with a firm diagnosis of demodicosis and consistently failed to amplify on negative controls. Eleven of 12 skin biopsies with a morphologic diagnosis of canine demodicosis were also positive. Sampling hairs on two skin points (lateral face and interdigital skin), D. canis DNA was detected on nine of 51 healthy dogs (17.6%) a much higher percentage than previously reported with microscopic studies. Furthermore, it is foreseen that if the number of samples were increased, the percentage of positive dogs would probably also grow. Moreover, in four of the six dogs with demodicosis, the samples taken from non-lesioned skin were positive. This finding, if confirmed in further studies, suggests that demodicosis is a generalized phenomenon in canine skin, due to proliferation of local mite populations, even though macroscopic lesions only appear in certain areas. The real-time PCR technique to detect D. canis DNA described in this work is a useful tool to advance our understanding of canine demodicosis.     

Canine packed red blood cell transfusions in Spain

Transfusion medicine is a relatively new and rapidly growing area of research in veterinary medicine. Packed red blood cell transfusion (PRBC) is indicated for treatment of symptomatic anemia resulting from hemorrhage, hemolysis, or ineffective erythropoiesis. The objective of this retrospective study was to identify clinical manifestations and underlying diseases of dogs that received PRBC and determine possible transfusion complications and outcome. Donors were blood typed and previously tested for infectious diseases potentially transmitted by transfusion (Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burdogferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma phagocytophila, Anaplasma platys, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., and Rickettsia spp, and Leishmania infantum). Recipients were also blood typed and cross-matching was routinely performed before any transfusion. Packed cell volume (PCV) was performed before and after transfusion. Every PRBC transfusion was delivered by a bedside leukoreduction filter. Sixty-five PRBC transfusions were administered to 56 dogs. Twenty-two dogs resulted DEA 1.1 positive and 34 DEA 1.1 negative. Reasons for transfusion included anemia secondary to hemorrhage (n = 48; 74%), hemolysis (n = 8; 12%), and ineffective erythropoiesis (n = 9; 14%). Median PCV before transfusion was 14.7% (range: 7–36%) and the mean post-transfusion was 21% (range: 9–39%). Mean increase in PCV was 6.5%. Thirty-one (70%) dogs were discharged and 17 (30%) dogs died or were euthanized. Transient hyperthermia was the only adverse reaction found. PRBC transfusion for symptomatic treatment of anemia is a safe and useful procedure, if the transfusion is closely supervised throughout its duration.     

Principal intestinal parasites of dogs in Tirana,Albania

From 2004 to 2009, the digestive tracts of 111 dogs from suburban areas around Tirana, Albania, were examined for intestinal helminths. In addition, rectal faecal samples of all dogs were examined for protozoan infections and 48 faecal samples from dogs >6 months of age were processed with the Baermann technique to test for the excretion of lungworm larvae. The heart and pulmonary arteries of 30 dogs >6 months of age also were examined for nematode parasites. The intestinal parasite fauna of the dogs included three protozoan species (Cystoisospora canis, Cystoisospora ohioensis/burrowsi, Sarcocystis spp.), three cestode species (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia hydatigena, Echinococcus granulosus), five nematode species (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis) and one acanthocephalan (Centrorhynchus buteonis). Rates of infection were: 15.3% for C. canis, 31.5% for C. ohioensis/burrowsi, 1.8% for Sarcocystis spp., 65.8% for D. caninum, 16.2% for T. hydatigena, 2.7% for E. granulosus (genotype G1), 13.5% for A. caninum, 64.9% for U. stenocephala, 75.7% for T. canis, 0.9% for T. leonina, 21.6% for T. vulpis and 0.9% for C. buteonis. Up to six species of gastrointestinal parasites were found per dog. The 63 ≤6-month-old dogs harboured significantly (p < 0.001) fewer gastrointestinal parasite species concurrently (mean 2.65 ± 1.25 species per animal) than the 48 older animals (mean 3.77 ± 1.45 species per animal). Dogs >6 months of age harboured significantly (p < 0.05) more D. caninum, T. hydatigena, A. caninum, U. stenocephala and T. vulpis compared to younger dogs. Conversely, the younger dogs harboured significantly (p < 0.001) more T. canis than the older ones. There was no difference in the male and female dogs’ counts of individual intestinal helminth species apart from T. hydatigena in dogs >6 months of age: Male dogs harboured significantly (p < 0.05) more tapeworms than female dogs. Based on faecal examination, there was no indication for lungworm infection; however, two adult heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) were found in the right ventricle of one dog.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trypanosoma evansi</Emphasis> in three dogs in Iran

Three crossbreed dogs were referred to the Small Animal Hospital of Tehran University. Corneal opacity was obvious in two of these cases. The animals were pyretic (T: 40–41°C) but other vital signs were normal. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic veins of the dogs using EDTA. Complete blood cell count showed a nonregenerative anemia with low packed cell volume, Hb, RBC, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular Hb and mean corpuscular Hb concentration. Thin smears were made and stained by Giemsa method after fixation in methanol and then examined under a light microscope (×100). Trypanosoma evansi detected with 17–36 μm length (mean = 25 μm). The kinetoplasts of the parasites were subterminal, the undulating membranes were well-developed and there was a substantial free flagellum. Serum analysis showed hyperproteinemia and normal values of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin. Serum analysis showed a polyclonal gammopathy and a beta–gamma bridge in the electrophoresis of serum samples of two dogs. After confirming the disease, treatment started by diminazen aceturate (Berenil, Intervet).     

C-<Emphasis Type="Italic">erb</Emphasis>B-2 oncogene and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P21</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">WAF/CIP1</Emphasis></Superscript> tumor suppressor gene expression as prognostic factors in canine mammary adenocarcinomas

To evaluate the use of c-erbB-2 oncogene and p21 ^WAF1/CIP1 suppressor gene products as the prognosis markers for canine mammary tumors, expression of these gene products were examined immunohistochemically using tumor tissues and clinical data from 96 dogs with malignant mammary tumors. Semiquantitative data was compared with histopathological grades, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive index, and clinicopathological matters. The expression c-erbB-2 protein was found in the cellular membrane and cytoplasm of neoplastic epithelial cells, and the positive index had no significant relation to the histopathological features and PCNA-positive index, except for the individual age of affected dogs (P < 0.05). The product of p21 ^WAF1/CIP1 was mostly found in cytoplasm and occasionally in the nucleus of neoplastic cells. The quantitative data had significant association to the malignancy grade and size of tumors (P < 0.05). However, that had no significant relationship to the PCNA-positive index. The present study concluded that both gene products could not apply as the direct markers to evaluate the prognosis of canine mammary tumors. The detection of c-erbB-2 product may be partly beneficial to the differential diagnosis of epithelial type of mammary cancer. The use of p21 ^WAF1/CIP1 product in prognosis of canine mammary cancer needs further investigation.     

Supplemental utility of nested PCR for the pathological diagnosis of disseminated trichosporonosis

Disseminated trichosporonosis is known to be a severe opportunistic mycosis and has a high mortality rate. In autopsy cases, it is often difficult to diagnose as trichosporonosis because the causative Trichosporon species are pathologically similar to other fungi, especially the Candida species. Immunohistochemical analysis is essential for the differential diagnosis, but an antibody to Trichosporon is not available commercially. In the present study, we investigated the supplemental utility of nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the pathological diagnosis of trichosporonosis from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues. Total DNA was purified from 30 major organs in three autopsy cases, and Trichosporon DNA was specifically amplified by nested PCR using three sets of primers. Of 22 organs in which Grocott’s stain was positive for fungal infection, 170- and 259-bp PCR products were detected in 20 (91%) and 12 (55%) organs, respectively. In short-term fixation (about 1 day), these bands were highly detected in ten (100%) and nine (90%) organs, whereas the detection efficiency tended to decrease after long-term fixation and decalcification. No PCR product of 412 bp was detected in any organs. These findings suggest that nested PCR from short-term-fixed tissues is useful for supportive pathological diagnosis of disseminated trichosporonosis.     

Molecular identification and characterization of canine Hepatozoon species from Brazil

Canine Hepatozoon species from Brazil was molecular identified and characterized for the first time. From 31 dogs, 7 were positive for blood smear examination and 21 positive for PCR. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene from eight naturally infected dogs were analyzed. Sequences revealed that Brazilian Hepatozoon is closely related with the Japanese Hepatozoon, that has 99% nucleotide identity with Hepatozoon canis from Israel, and different from Hepatozoon americanum. These results indicate that the canine Hepatozoon species from Brazil is H. canis.     

Amplification of Ehrlichial DNA from Dogs 34 Months after Infection with Ehrlichia canis

In order to determine whether dogs in the subclinical phase of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) are carriers of Ehrlichia canis and to determine the significance of persistent indirect immunofluorescent anti-E. canis antibody titers during this phase, PCR was performed with blood, bone marrow, and splenic aspirates collected 34 months postinoculation from six clinically healthy beagle dogs experimentally infected with E. canis. At least one of the three samples (spleen, bone marrow, and blood) from four of the six dogs was PCR positive. The spleens of all four of these dogs were PCR positive, and the bone marrow and blood of two of the four dogs were PCR positive. Indirect immunofluorescent-antibody titers increased progressively during the first 5 months postinfection, remained high for an additional period of more than 11 months, and declined thereafter, suggesting that the dogs were recovering from the disease. Five of the dogs remained seropositive 34 months postinfection. The data obtained in this study demonstrate for the first time that clinically healthy dogs in the subclinical phase of CME are carriers of the rickettsia. It was shown that dogs can harbor E. canis for years without developing the chronic clinical disease and that dogs can eliminate the parasite and recover from CME without medical treatment. Our findings suggest that the spleen is the organ most likely to harbor E. canis parasites during the subclinical phase and the last organ to accommodate the parasite before elimination. It was concluded that PCR of DNA extracted from splenic aspirates is a reliable method for determining the carrier state of CME.     

Absence of Myelofibrosis in Dogs with Myelosuppression Induced by Ehrlichia canis Infection

Bone marrow (BM) pathology was assessed in 10 dogs with Ehrlichia canis-induced aplastic pancytopenia. BM core biopsy sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and with haematoxylin/van Gieson and Gordon and Sweets' reticulin stain for the detection of collagen and reticulin fibres, respectively. Iron stores were assessed by Perls' Prussian blue staining. There was no significant deposition of collagen or reticulin in any sample, but in seven dogs the BM was depleted of haemosiderin. These findings suggest that myelofibrosis does not play a significant role in the development of BM failure in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and that iron deficiency may exacerbate the anaemia in the myelosuppressive phase of the disease.     

Giardia and other intestinal parasites in dogs from veterinary clinics in Japan

The present study is the first report that describes the national survey of intestinal parasites in private household dogs brought to veterinary clinics in Japan. A total of 2,365 fresh feces were collected. Giardia-specific coproantigen was examined by ELISA kit (SNAP^? Giardia, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.; Maine, USA). Other intestinal parasites were determined microscopically using the formalin–ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. According to age categories, Giardia duodenalis, Cystoisospora spp., Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, and Strongyloides spp., at ≦6-months-old showed significantly (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001 or P < 0.01, respectively) higher prevalence compared to >6 months old (31.5% vs. 2.3%, 9.1% vs. 0.05%, 1.8% vs. 0.4%, 1.1% vs. 0%, and 1.1% vs. 0.05%, respectively). In clinical categories, prevalences of G. duodenalis (14.8%) and Cystoisospora spp. (4.7%) in symptomatic dogs were significantly (P < 0.05, respectively) higher than those in asymptomatic ones (7.9% and 1.6%, respectively). G. duodenalis and Cystoisospora spp. were dominant parasites in private household dogs in Japan, especially ≦6-month-old dogs.     

Efficacy of eprinomectin against Toxacara canis in dogs

This study was made to investigate efficacy of eprinomectin against to Toxocara canis in dogs. In the study, 20 stray dogs naturally infected with T. canis were divided into two groups as treatment (ten dogs) and control (ten dogs). Eprinomectin (100 μg/kg, Eprinex 250 ml) was given to treatment group dogs orally, and eggs per gram were determined in the faeces on the day of pre-treatment and the second, fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth days of post-treatment. No side effects associated with nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal systems and some haemotological parameters were observed. In conclusion, eprinomectin was determined to be 100% effectual against T. canis.     

Goblet cells: are they an unspecific barrier against Giardia intestinalis or a gate?

Giardiosis is one of the major intestinal parasitic diseases of human beings as well as wild and domesticated animals. Several protective mechanisms against infection have been described. However, specific information about relationship between giardiosis and the increased proliferation of goblet cells (GC) in patients infected with Giardia intestinalis (Syn. G. duodenalis, G. lamblia) is scarce. In this work, we compare and quantify the number of GC, and have inferred their metabolic state in the small intestine of dogs parasitized with Giardia intestinalis compared to dogs without parasites. Small intestine segments were processed using routine methods for histology and electron microscopy; areas and cells were screened with an Axiovision Ver. 4.0 system. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and comparison of averages. Parasitized dogs showed higher GC numbers than nonparasitized ones. Averages were: 20 ± 0.81 GC/25 μm² with independent mucin granules and 11 ± 1.53 GC/25 μm² that were expelling mucus, compared to 11 ± 0.94 GC/25 μm² and 1 ± 0.27 GC/25 μm², respectively, in nonparasitized dogs (Tukey, p < 0.001). The increases in GC number seem to be an unspecific defensive mechanism against Giardia trophozoites. However, we found some evidence supporting that GC hyperplasia could be a prejudicial to epithelial barrier that gives rise to gates allowing for Giardia-tissue invasion.     

Detection of dog filariasis in Marajo Island,Brazil by classical and molecular methods

Canine filariasis in domestic and wild dogs, foxes, and wolves is caused by several species of filarids. Although these filarial species inhabit different loci in the vertebrate definitive hosts, they generally release microfilariae into the bloodstream. Data about filarial infection in dogs in Brazil, especially on the Marajo Island, is scarce. For this reason, we conducted an analysis of 188 domestic dogs within two Marajo Island municipalities. The overall prevalence of microfilaremic was 32.45%; taken by blood smear and modified Knott’s method. No significant difference of positivity between male and female was observed (X ² Yates’s correction = 0.341; p = 0.559). Significant age–infection ratios were detected (X ² = 32.943; p < 0.0001). A high occult infection was detected (53.84%). PCR of rDNA and phylogenetic tree indicated that the microfilariae and adult worms found in domestic dogs from Marajo Island were Dirofilaria immitis.