Prevalencia de hemoparásitos (Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. y Anaplasma spp.) en perros atendidos dentro del proyecto Cuidado Responsable de la UCSG en la ciudad de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Nowadays, dogs have acquired a crucial role in families, making their wellbeing a priority. However, certain serious diseases that affect them, such as those caused by hemoparasites, have the ability to be transmitted to humans. These infections, which mainly affect the blood cells of dogs, are spread by ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas, and are of great relevance both clinically and epidemiologically due to their zoonotic potential. Among the most notable diseases are canine Ehrlichiosis, caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis; babesiosis, caused by the microorganism Babesia canis; and anaplasmosis, generated by the genus Anaplasma, also transmitted by ticks. The importance of these diseases lies in their complications for both public and animal health, given their prevalence, poor diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment. This research was carried out to determine the prevalence of hemoparasites in the Responsible Care project in the city of Guayaquil using diagnosis through blood smears with Giemsa staining, the results of which were classified in an Excel sheet according to the established variables. With the objective of identifying the percentage of canines affected by hemoparasites, which resulted in a prevalence of 57 % of positive cases for Babesia and no positive cases for both Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. This research also aimed to prepare veterinarians to make accurate diagnoses and apply specific treatments. Which will contribute to providing quality care to the pets within the project, guaranteeing good therapeutic plans.