A Study Of Canine Dirofilariasis In Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

Although much importance has been placed on human filariasis , work on canine filariasis is limited in this country . This study was carried out to obtain a general overview on the status of canine dirofilariasis in Kuala Lumpur. Throughout a one year study , parasitological records were studied and blood samples were collected from stray dogs which were later necropsied . Blood samples were subjected to the modified Knott's concentration technique, the dire ct smear and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which was developed using the adult worm antigen . Information was obtained from private practitioners by the use of questionaires . The period prevalence of canine dirofilariasis was 42. 0 percent and 10.0 percent within the s t ray dog and owned dog populations respectively.