A Preliminary Parasitological Survey of Hepatozoon Spp. Infection in Dogs in Mashhad,Iran |
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Authors: | AA Rahmani Amoli J Khoshnegah GhR Razmi |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran;2.Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran |
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Abstract: | BackgroundWe attempted to determine the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection in Mashhad, northeast of Iran, via blood smear parasitology.MethodsThe prevalence was investigated by examination of blood smear parasitology, using blood samples collected from 254 dogs (51 strays and 203 privately owned-dogs).ResultsTwo stray dogs (2/51; 3.92%) and two privately-owned dogs (2/203; 0.98%) were infected with Hepatozoon spp. Therefore, as per blood smear parasitology, the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection was 1.57% (4/254). Sixteen out of 254 dogs (6.29%) were infested with ticks; all of which were Rhipicephalus sanguineus. One of the dogs infected with Hepatozoon spp. exhibited ticks at the time of examination. Concurrent infection with Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania infantum was not detected in the four Hepatozoon spp. infected dogs.ConclusionThis is the first epidemiological study on the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection in dogs in Iran. |
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Keywords: | Hepatozoon Prevalence Blood Parasitology Dog Iran |
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