Revalence of ehrlichiosis in dogs in the rural parish of Guachanama comparing diff quick vs snap*4dx

Abstract

Introduction.  In the field of veterinary medicine, the choice of diagnostic methods to identify pathogens plays a crucial role in directing the treatment and prognosis of diseases. In field settings, method selection is often influenced by challenges such as difficulty, lack of equipment and cost of testing. In this context, Diff Quick and Snap*4dx tests emerge as viable alternatives, as they are characterized by rapid execution and ease of application in the field, in addition to providing a high level of reliability in diagnostic determination. Objective. The objective of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of canine ehrlichiosis in the rural parish of Guachanama, by comparing two diagnostic methods: Diff Quick and Snap*4dx. Methodology. Within the framework of the present investigation, 100 blood samples from canines in the rural neighborhoods of Limon, Linuma and La Hamaca, located in the parish of Guachanama, Canton Paltas, were examined. The diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis was carried out using the Diff Quick and Snap*4dx methods, allowing us to make a diagnostic comparison between these two approaches. Results. After obtaining the results, it was evident that the diagnostic efficacy of the Diff Quick technique was inferior, revealing a total of 38 positive samples. In contrast, the Snap*4dx technique showed superior performance with a total of 40 positive and 60 negative samples. The difference was significantly more pronounced in samples taken from canines younger than one year, with a total of 12 positives, compared to samples from canines older than one year, where 20 positives were recorded. In relation to the prevalence by sectors, it was observed that in the La Hamaca neighborhood, located at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level, with a climatic range of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, the highest number of positive cases was recorded, totaling 19. In the Linuma neighborhood, 12 positive patients were identified, while in the Limon neighborhood, located at 1100 meters above sea level with a warm climate, 7 positive cases were detected. Conclusion. Based on the results obtained in the present study, it can be inferred that the diagnosis of canine Ehrlichiosis through the Diff Quick method showed inferior efficacy, revealing a total of 38 positive (38%) and 62 negative (62%) samples. In contrast, the Snap4dx technique exhibited superior performance, with a total of 40 positive (40%) and 60 negative (60%) samples. These findings highlight the higher diagnostic accuracy of the Snap4dx technique compared to the Diff Quick method in the field of Veterinary Medicine. Area of knowledge: Veterinary Medicine