PREVALENCE OF A ZOONOTIC PARASITE, Dioctophyma renale (GOEZE, 1782), AMONG MALE CANINES IN A WILD RIVERSIDE AREA OF LA PLATA RIVER, PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES, REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA

Abstract

Dioctophymosis is an helminthiasis with an indirect life cycle caused by Dioctophyma renale. It mayaffect both humans and other mammals. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalenceof the parasite in male canines of different ages, living in a wild riverside area of La Plata Riverwith favourable characteristics for the development of eggs, intermediate or paratenic hosts andcompletionof the life cycle of D. renale. 171 animals were surveyed and samples were collectedthrough urethral catheterization. The samples were processed by means of centrifugation at a relativecentrifugal force of 700 g and microscopic observation of sediments. 42.1% of canines exhibitedpatent Dioctophymosis in their kidneys. Male canines between the ages of 2 and 5 showed thehighest frequency of positive results. Several epidemiological risk factors are discussed that, whenassociated, might favour the high prevalence of this parasite in the area. The need for equipmentfor the indirect diagnosis of the disease in canines and other animals prone to infection is clearlydemonstrated.