Comparative evaluation of peripheral blood smear preparation techniques as a diagnostic method for hemoparasitosis in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

Hemoparasitoses are diseases of great importance for animal health, because they cause variable clinical changes, leading to death if not treated. They are caused by intracellular blood parasites like Ehrlichia spp, Anaplasma spp, Babesia spp and Hepatozoon spp, which are of main concern. Hemoparasitoses are called tick born diseases and Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most involved species, in what concerns to transmission. In addition to several clinical signs, these etiologic agents also cause hematological changes such as anemia. The diagnosis can be made through direct microscopic examination and, also, through more sensitive techniques such as serological and molecular techniques. The goal of this research was to evaluate the most suitable site for peripheral blood collection, used to perform blood smears for direct parasitological examination. Besides, to detect the prevalence of hemoparasites in dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, situated in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil. From the 66 tested animals, 17 of them (25.75%) were considered positive. Regarding to the performed exams, the buffy coat smears obtained the highest number of positive results, followed by peripheral blood smears and, finally, the ear tip blood smears. Among the most commonly found etiological agents were Anaplasma platys (64.72%), followed by Hepatozoon spp. (17.64%), Babesia spp . (11.76%) and Ehrlichia spp . (5.88%). It is concluded that parasitological direct microscopic examination can be used as a reliable diagnostic method, despite its low sensitivity. Additionally, the observed prevalence of hemoparasites in tested canine population was significant enough to justify an improvement in routine control methods of transmission.