Abstract

Heartworm disease is of considerable economic importance affecting canine populations around the world which has zoonotic implications. This study was carried out to survey the presence of Dirofilaria immitis using parasitological (Buffy coat, wet mount, modified Knott’s test) and serological (ELISA) technique. A total of 250 blood samples were collected from dogs in the study area. A total of 12(4.8%) of dogs were positive for the infection in the study area, 8(3.2%) of males were positive while 4(1.6%) of females were positive. According to age, 2(0.8%) of young were positive while 10(4.0%) of adults were also positive of the infection. However there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the age and sex of the dogs infected. This study revealed the presence of D. immitis infection in the study area with ELISA being the most sensitive technique in the diagnosis of the infection based on the techniques employed in the study.

Key words: ELISA, Heartworm infections, Survey, Zoonosis