[Biological characteristics of the causative agent of dirofilariasis in dogs in the Rostov Region].

This paper assesses the trends in the identification of different Dirofilaria species in the Rostov Region and comparatively analyzes the general clinical and biochemical blood indices in dogs with and Without helminthism. Seasonal variations in the invasion and species composition of the parasite have been established. At present, there is a gradual replacement of the species Dirofilaria repens by Dirofilaria immitis in this area. The blood general clinical and biochemical studies in ill dogs with dirofilariasis have ascertained that the pathogenic action on the animals is more pronounced with Dirofilaria immitis being parasitizing and with the mixed invasion of two helminth species.