Comparison of microscobic and PCR findings in the diagnosis of hepatozoon canis of dogs in Aydin

Hepatozoon canis is a tick-borne protozoal parasite that causes fatal disease in dogs. In this study, the presence of Hepatozoon canis in dogs in Aydın will be determined by microscopic examination and PCR. It is aimed to compare the results of two diagnostic methods. Blood smears have been prepared from samples collected from dogs brought to Aydin Adnan Menderes University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital for microscopic examination. And also the same samples were investigated by PCR presence of H.canis and the results compared. As a result there were no parasite gamonts detected by microscobic examination while three samples found to be positive by PCR. There are other studies about hepatozoonozis in Turkey. Taken together this studys findings are contribute to the development of diagnostic and treatment procedures.