Epidemiological and diagnostic studies of microfilariasis in buffaloes

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of microfilariasis and analysis of diagnostic methods in buffaloes at Veterinary Poly Clinic, Gudiwada with relation to season, age and breed for a period of 1 year (March 2011-February 2012).Out of 1,222 blood smears examination, only 123 samples were found positive for microfilariasis with a prevalence rate of 10.06 %. Highest prevalence was observed in monsoon (12.54 %) followed by summer (9.18 %) and least in winter (7.05 %). Buffaloes above 9 years age were at high risk with a prevalence rate of 12.5 %, followed by 3-9 years (10.7 %) and below 3 years age (6.09 %) respectively. Breed wise prevalence of microfilariasis was higher in graded murrah buffaloes 10.87 % compared to non-descripts (6.19 %). Three commonly used diagnostic techniques viz. Modified Knott's Technique, thick blood smear examination and wet film examination were done to evaluate comparative sensitivity/efficacy. Among these techniques, 100 % efficacy was observed in Modified Knott's Technique and 86.99 % in thick blood smear examination followed wet film examination 78.04 % respectively.