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Esteves-Guimarães J, Matos JI, Leal-Sousa B, Oliveira P, Lobo L, Silvestre-Ferreira AC, Soares CS, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Carretón E, Morchón R, Fontes-Sousa AP, Montoya-Alonso JA. Current State of Canine Heartworm in Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1300. [PMID: 38731304 PMCID: PMC11083104 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The favourable geo-climatic conditions in Portugal have made it highly conducive to the development of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, leading to its identification as an endemic region. This nematode is rapidly spreading across Europe, particularly in northeastern countries. The objective of this study was to provide an updated assessment of the prevalence of this disease in Portuguese dogs, analysing the results in relation to epidemiological and geo-environmental factors, and to identify potential risk factors. A total of 1367 dogs from all continental and insular districts were included in the study and tested for D. immitis antigens. The overall prevalence was found to be 5.9%. It was observed that the disease is spreading northward, with previously unaffected districts now reporting cases, and that the prevalence in coastal districts exceeded that of inland ones. Notably, the Aveiro district exhibited a significant increase in D. immitis prevalence, while in certain districts such as Setúbal, Santarém, Madeira, or Faro, a stabilisation or decrease in prevalence was noted. Furthermore, outdoor and older dogs were found to be at a higher risk of infection. No positive cases were detected in the Azores. Most of the infected dogs were located in areas of high and medium risk of infection. This study underscores the importance of implementing pharmacological prophylaxis, vector control strategies, and public awareness programs to control the spread of this zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
| | | | - Pedro Oliveira
- EPIUnit, ICBAS—Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Luís Lobo
- Veterinary Hospital of Porto, 4250-475 Porto, Portugal;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA) da Universidade do Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Silvestre-Ferreira
- Center for Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.C.S.-F.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Carla S. Soares
- Center for Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.C.S.-F.); (C.S.S.)
- VetLamaçães, Veterinary Clinic, 4715-303 Braga, Portugal
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacological Research and Drug Innovation (MedInUP), Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto (UPVET), ICBAS—Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
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Bawm S, Khaing Y, Chel HM, Hmoon MM, Win SY, Bo M, Naing T, Htun LL. Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis and its Wolbachia endosymbionts in dogs from Myanmar. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100148. [PMID: 38021190 PMCID: PMC10665652 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Heartworm disease in dogs and cats caused by Dirofilaria immitis continues to be a major clinical issue globally. This study focused on dogs suspicious of having tick-borne diseases (TBD) brought to a clinic and a veterinary teaching hospital in Myanmar. Blood samples were collected and initially screened using SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test kit. All dog blood samples were subjected to conventional PCR to detect both Dirofilaria spp. (cox1 gene) and Wolbachia spp. (16S rDNA) infections. Infection with D. immitis was detected in 14 (28.0%) of 50 examined samples, while the detection rate of TBD causative agents, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis, was 26.0% (13/50) and 26.0% (13/50), respectively, as determined by ELISA rapid test. In this study, D. immitis infection was moderately but significantly correlated with TBD infections (Pearson's r = 0.397, P = 0.008). Comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses provided molecular identification of D. immitis in Myanmar and confirmed the identity of its Wolbachia endosymbiont with Wolbachia endosymbionts isolated from D. immitis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Aedes aegypti. The present study contributes to our understanding of the coexistence of D. immitis and Wolbachia endosymbiosis in dogs, and the findings may benefit the future prevention and control of dirofilariasis in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saw Bawm
- Department of Livestock and Aquaculture Research, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
| | - Yadanar Khaing
- Department of International Relations and Information Technology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
| | - Hla Myet Chel
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
| | - Myint Myint Hmoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
| | - Shwe Yee Win
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
| | - Min Bo
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
| | - Tint Naing
- Crown Veterinary Resources, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Lat Lat Htun
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 15013, Myanmar
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Cai D, Tian B, Liu Y, Rehman MU, Ranucci D, Veronesi F, Varcasia A, Jia W, Liu J. The seroprevalence of canine dirofilariosis in dogs in the eastern coastal areas of China. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17009. [PMID: 37484229 PMCID: PMC10361107 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The present study was carried out to assess the presence of canine Dirofilaria immitis infection in pet dogs in China. Materials and methods From October 2018 to November 2019, a total of 216 sera were collected from pet hospitals in Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Fujian regions of Eastern China. The sera were tested by using a commercial canine heartworm antibody ELISA test kit. Results 70.8% of the pets had significant clinical symptoms resembled to heartworm infection; the overall dirofilariosis positivity found was 12.5% (27/216); Significant positive rates differences were observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs (P < 0.05) (i.e. 15.7% and 4.7% respectively).The prevalence of infection in Shandong Province (15.5%) was the highest among the surveyed areas, but the difference among the geographic regions was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence detected in summer (28.2%) was significantly higher than in other seasons (P < 0.05). In addition, no significant difference was observed between male and female sex (P > 0.05). Conclusions Altogether, these results suggest that an epidemic of dirofilariosis exists in eastern coastal China, as such preventive measures should be taken to control the spread of dirofilariosis to reduce the risk of human and pet infection with heartworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Bin Tian
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yongxia Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Mujeeb Ur Rehman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - David Ranucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, 07100, Italy
| | - Wanzhong Jia
- Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Jianzhu Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
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Rodríguez-Escolar I, Hernández-Lambraño RE, Sánchez-Agudo JÁ, Collado M, Pérez-Pérez P, Morchón R. Current Risk of Dirofilariosis Transmission in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the Balearic Islands (Spain) and Its Future Projection under Climate Change Scenarios. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1764. [PMID: 37465861 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease whose distribution is linked to the presence of culicid mosquitoes. Spain and Portugal are considered endemic countries; however, the distribution of dirofilariosis is not uniform. Our aim was to develop a more accurate risk model of dirofilariosis transmission for the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the Balearic Islands (Spain). To do this, we used a set of key variables related to parasite transmission: the potential distribution of suitable habitats for Culex pipiens calculated via an ecological niche model (ENM) and the potential number of Dirofilaria spp. generations. The resulting model was validated with the prevalence and geolocation of D. immitis-infected dogs from all provinces and districts. In addition, the impact of possible future climatic conditions was estimated. A quantitative estimate of the risk of infection by Dirofilaria spp. was obtained at a resolution of 1 km2. The entire analyzed territory was susceptible to contact with the parasite. The highest risk of infection was found throughout the eastern coastal strip and the south of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, as well as in the areas surrounding the basins of the main rivers, and the lowest risk was located in the higher-altitude areas. We found a robust and positive relationship between the risk of dirofilariosis and the observed prevalence of infested dogs in the study area (β ± SE = 3.32 ± 1.43 p < 0.05). In 2080, the percentage of territory gain for Cx. pipiens will increase to 49.98%, which will increase the risk of infection. This new model provides a high predictive value for the current and predicted presence and risk and can serve as a tool for the management and control of dirofilariosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo E Hernández-Lambraño
- Biodiversity, Human Diversity and Conservation Biology Research Group, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Ángel Sánchez-Agudo
- Biodiversity, Human Diversity and Conservation Biology Research Group, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Collado
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Pérez-Pérez
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Constantinoiu C, Croton C, Paterson MBA, Knott L, Henning J, Mallyon J, Coleman GT. Prevalence of canine heartworm infection in Queensland, Australia: comparison of diagnostic methods and investigation of factors associated with reduction in antigen detection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:63. [PMID: 36765417 PMCID: PMC9921331 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05633-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs is increasing globally and spreading into new areas. Prevalence of dirofilariosis in the state of Queensland, Australia, was as high as 90% before the introduction of macrocyclic lactones. Limited research on prevalence of D. immitis infection in dogs in Queensland has been reported in the last 30 years. Antigen testing is the most common method for detection of dirofilariosis but its accuracy is reduced by antigen getting trapped (blocked antigen) in immune complexes (ICs). The objectives of this research were to determine the prevalence of D. immitis infection in dogs from two geographical areas (Brisbane and Townsville) in Queensland, to determine the extent to which blocked antigen affects the validity of antigen testing, and to explore whether this was associated with microfilaraemia, location, age or sex. METHODS Blood samples from Brisbane (sub-tropical climate) and Townsville (tropical climate) shelter dogs were evaluated for the presence of D. immitis antigen before (conventional antigen testing, CAT) and after dissociation of ICs by heat treatment (antigen testing after heat treatment, ATHT), using a commercially available test. Microfilariae were detected using modified Knott's test (MKT). Test proportions were compared with McNemar's test and the association between antigen test-discordant results (positive for antigen after dissociation of ICs) and microfilaraemia, location, sex and age was modelled using logistic regression. RESULTS Dirofilaria immitis prevalence in dogs from Townsville (22% by CAT, 32.1% by ATHT and 16.7% by MKT) was significantly higher than in dogs from Brisbane (1.1% by CAT and MKT and 1.7% by ATHT) [Formula: see text]. Dissociation of ICs allowed detection of significantly more D. immitis infected dogs than either conventional antigen testing or microfilariae detection, or the combined antigen and microfilariae detection [Formula: see text]. The odds of dogs being positive for antigen after dissociation of ICs were significantly higher for microfilaraemic, 3-4-year-old female dogs from Townsville. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of infection with D. immitis in dogs from Townsville poses a health risk for local susceptible host species, including humans. Dissociation of ICs increases antigen detection and should be considered in dogs suspected of D. immitis infection but negative on routine testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catriona Croton
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - Mandy B. A. Paterson
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - Lyn Knott
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - Joerg Henning
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - John Mallyon
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
| | - Glen T. Coleman
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD Australia
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Scavo NA, Zecca IB, Sobotyk C, Saleh MN, Lane SK, Olson MF, Hamer SA, Verocai GG, Hamer GL. High prevalence of canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, in pet dogs in south Texas, USA, with evidence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes contributing to transmission. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:407. [PMID: 36329477 PMCID: PMC9635171 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The canine heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, a filarioid nematode of dogs and other carnivores, is widespread in the USA and the world. Over 20 different mosquito species serve as intermediate hosts of D. immitis, but their contribution to transmission varies according to factors like host feeding patterns, geographic locations and climatic conditions. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is a competent vector of D. immitis but is often dismissed as a vector of veterinary relevance given its anthropophilic feeding behavior. We evaluated the prevalence of D. immitis in pet dogs along the USA-Mexico border and assessed whether Ae. aegypti in the area are naturally infected with heartworm and are potentially acting as a vector. Methods A total of 200 whole blood samples collected from pet dogs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas from 2016 to 2019 were included in this study. Canine serum samples for D. immitis were tested using the DiroCHEK® Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit pre- and post-immune complex dissociations (ICD) and blood samples were tested using high-resolution melt (HRM) quantitative PCR (qPCR) and a probe-based qPCR. Additionally, mosquito specimens were collected and identified, and Ae. aegypti heads, abdomens and pools were tested using conventional PCR (cPCR) and HRM qPCR. Results Overall, heartworm prevalence in dogs aged > 6 months was 40.8% (64/157) when the results from all testing modalities were considered. Heartworm antigen was detected in 33.5% and 40.7% of the dogs using DiroCHEK® pre- and post-ICD, respectively. By molecular screening, 20.1% of dogs tested positive with probe-based qPCR, while only one tested positive with HRM qPCR. Of the Ae. aegypti abdomens from blood-fed Ae. aeygpti tested, 20 (21.7%) from mosquitoes that fed on dogs and four (7%) from those that fed on humans tested positive for heartworm. Among Ae. aegypti heads from blood-fed Ae. aeygpti, two (1.1%) were positive based on cPCR and four (2.5%) were positive based on HRM qPCR. No D. immitis DNA was detected in the 208 pools of whole bodies (358 individuals) of Ae. aegypti gravid females. Conclusions Our study highlights a high prevalence of heartworm in dogs in south Texas and provides evidence that Ae. aegypti could be contributing to heartworm transmission in canine populations in this region. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Scavo
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Caroline Sobotyk
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Meriam N. Saleh
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Sarah K. Lane
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Mark F. Olson
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
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Morchón R, Montoya-Alonso JA, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Carretón E. What Has Happened to Heartworm Disease in Europe in the Last 10 Years? Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091042. [PMID: 36145474 PMCID: PMC9503846 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a vector-borne disease that affects canids and felids, both domestic and wild, throughout the world. It is a chronic disease which causes vascular damage in pulmonary arteries, and in advanced stages, the presence of pulmonary hypertension and right-sided congestive heart failure can be evidenced. Moreover, pulmonary thromboembolism is caused by the death of the worms, which can be lethal for the infected animal. Furthermore, it is the causative agent of human pulmonary dirofilariosis, being a zoonotic disease. The aim of this review was to update the current epidemiological situation of heartworm in Europe in dogs, cats, wild animals, and vectors insects, and to analyse the factors that may have contributed to the continuous spread of the disease in the last decade (2012–2021). In Europe, the disease has extended to eastern countries, being currently endemic in countries where previously only isolated or imported cases were reported. Furthermore, its prevalence has continued to increase in southern countries, traditionally endemic. This distribution trends and changes are influenced by several factors which are discussed in this review, such as the climate changes, presence of vectors in new areas, the appearance of new competent vector species in the continent, increased movement of pets that travelled to or originated from endemic countries, the urbanisation of rural areas leading to the formation of so-called “heat islands”, or the creation of extensive areas of irrigated crops. The continuous expansion of D. immitis must be monitored, and measures adapted to the situation of each country must be carried out for adequate control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (E.C.)
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Arucas, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Arucas, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (E.C.)
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Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonotic parasites which affect mainly dogs and humans worldwide. In Iran, information about the distribution of those nematodes is scant in several regions. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of these filarial parasites in stray dogs from five Iranian provinces where no information about these parasites is available. Methods Blood samples were collected from 344 stray dogs in five provinces of Iran (i.e. Mazandaran, Gilan, Esfahan, Qazvin and Loresan). The presence of microfilariae was assessed using direct smear, modified Knott’s test, molecular detection of filarial DNA (cox1 gene) and Wolbachia endosymbiont of parasitic nematodes (ftsZ gene) by conventional PCR (cPCR). All of the PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Results In total, 75 dogs (21.8%) were found to be positive for D. immitis by cPCR. Infection was detected in all provinces, with the highest prevalence in Gilan province (22/28; 78.6%). Acanthocheilonema reconditum was diagnosed in five dogs (1.4%) from three provinces (i.e. Esfahan, Mazandaran, Gilan). Two dogs were infected with both parasites and three were only infected with A. reconditum. Dirofilaria repens infection was not found in the examined population. Representative sequences of the D. immitis cox1 gene from dogs from the northern provinces (Mazandaran, Gilan, Qazvin) were grouped together and distinctly separate from the ones from western and central provinces (Lorestan and Esfahan), suggesting that different nematode populations are present in the country. Conclusion The data reported herein fill existing gaps in knowledge about canine filarial infection in two Iranian provinces and record the highest prevalence of D. immitis ever reported in the country (i.e. 78.6%). A geographical review of the literature about Dirofilaria spp. and A. reconditum infections in dogs and humans has also been summarized, indicating that D. immitis and D. repens are distributed in 22 of 31 provinces in Iran, whereas A. reconditum is present in fewer regions. Effective control strategies are advocated for owned dogs, and a national program for the management of stray dogs is needed to minimize the risk of infection in animals and humans. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Gutiérrez-Jara JP, Salazar-Viedma M, González CR, Cancino-Faure B. The emergence of Dirofilaria repens in a non-endemic area influenced by climate change: dynamics of transmission using a mathematical model. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106230. [PMID: 34801478 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a nematode affecting domestic and wild canids, transmitted by several species of mosquitoes of different genera. It usually causes a non-pathogenic subcutaneous infection in dogs and is the principal agent of human dirofilariasis in the Old World. The geographic distribution of D. repens is changing rapidly, and several factors contribute to the spread of the infection to non-endemic areas. A mathematical model for transmission of Dirofilaria spp. was built, using a system of ordinary differential equations that consider the interactions between reservoirs, vectors, and humans. The transmission simulations of D. repens were carried out considering a projection in time, with intervals of 15 and 100 years. For the dynamics of the vector, seasonal variations were presented as series with quarter periodicity during the year. The results of the simulations highlight the peak of contagions in the reservoir and in humans, a product of the action of the vector when it remains active throughout the year. A 300% infection increase in the reservoir was observed during the first decade and remains present in the population with a representative number of cases. When the vector maintains its density and infectivity during the year, the incidence of the infection in humans increases. Accumulated cases amount to 45 per 100,000 inhabitants, which corresponds to a cumulative incidence of 0.05%, in 85 years. This indicates that early prevention of infection in canids would significantly reduce the disease, also reducing the number of accumulated cases of human dirofilariasis by D. repens. The interaction between the simulations generated by the model highlights the sensitivity of the epidemiological curve to the periodicity of seasonality, reaffirming the hypothesis of the probability of movement of the zoonotic disease to non-endemic areas, due to climate change.
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10
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Jacobson LS, DiGangi BA. An Accessible Alternative to Melarsomine: "Moxi-Doxy" for Treatment of Adult Heartworm Infection in Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:702018. [PMID: 34386540 PMCID: PMC8353148 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.702018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine heartworm infection, caused by the filarial parasite Dirofilaria immitis, represents a serious and expanding animal welfare concern that is expected to increase due to the effects of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. A body of evidence has emerged to support the use of a non-arsenical adulticide treatment protocol, using moxidectin and doxycycline to kill adult heartworms over a prolonged period. While a three-dose protocol using the arsenical drug melarsomine is currently the safest and most effective treatment for heartworm infection, this drug is not available in some countries and is inaccessible for many owners and animal shelters. Moxidectin-doxycycline (moxi-doxy) provides a viable alternative to no treatment at all, in cases where arsenical treatment is not possible. Based on current evidence, the most effective non-arsenical treatment regimen is doxycycline 10 mg/kg PO q 12 or 24 h for 28 days, combined with topical moxidectin at label dose. Moxidectin is repeated monthly until no antigen detected (NAD) status is confirmed. Sustained release injectable moxidectin, in combination with doxycycline, may provide an alternative in remote regions or in settings where significant compliance or accessibility concerns exist, but more studies are needed. In moxi-doxy protocols, doxycycline should be repeated annually until NAD. This review summarizes the safety and efficacy of moxi-doxy, addresses controversies surrounding this treatment approach, and provides detailed recommendations for treatment regimens and post-treatment testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda S. Jacobson
- Shelter Medicine Advancement, Toronto Humane Society, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian A. DiGangi
- Shelter and Veterinary Services, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY, United States
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11
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Laidoudi Y, Davoust B, Varloud M, Niang EHA, Fenollar F, Mediannikov O. Development of a multiplex qPCR-based approach for the diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:319. [PMID: 32571427 PMCID: PMC7309989 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum are the main causative agents of zoonotic canine filariosis. Methods We developed a combined multiplex approach for filaria and Wolbachia detection using the 28S-based pan-filarial and 16S-based pan-Wolbachia qPCRs, respectively, involving a fast typing method of positive samples using triplex qPCR targeting A. reconditum, D. immitis and D. repens, and a duplex qPCR targeting Wolbachia of D. immitis and D. repens. The approach was complemented by a duplex qPCR for the differential diagnosis of heartworms (D. immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum) and pan-filarial cox1 and pan-Wolbachia ftsZ PCRs to identify other filarial parasites and their Wolbachia, respectively. A total of 168 canine blood and sera samples were used to validate the approach. Spearmanʼs correlation was used to assess the association between filarial species and the strain of Wolbachia. Positive samples for both the heartworm antigen-test after heating sera and at least one DNA-positive for D. immitis and its Wolbachia were considered true positive for heartworm infection. Indeed, the presence of D. repens DNA or that of its Wolbachia as well as A. reconditum DNA indicates true positive infections. Results The detection limit for Wolbachia and filariae qPCRs ranged from 5 × 10−1 to 1.5 × 10−4 mf/ml of blood. When tested on clinical samples, 29.2% (49/168) tested positive for filariae or Wolbachia DNA. Filarial species and Wolbachia genotypes were identified by the combined multiplex approach from all positive samples. Each species of Dirofilaria was significantly associated with a specific genotype of Wolbachia. Compared to the true positives, the approach showed excellent agreement (k = 0.98–1). Unlike D. immitis DNA, no A. vasorum DNA was detected by the duplex qPCR. The immunochromatographic test for heartworm antigen showed a substantial (k = 0.6) and a weak (k = 0.15) agreements before and after thermal pre-treatment of sera, respectively. Conclusions The proposed approach is a reliable tool for the exploration and diagnosis of occult and non-occult canine filariosis. The current diagnosis of heartworm disease based on antigen detection should always be confirmed by qPCR essays. Sera heat pre-treatment is not effective and strongly discouraged.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 Avenue de la Ballastière, 33500, Libourne, France
| | - El Hadji Amadou Niang
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,VITROME, UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, SSA, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France. .,IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.
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12
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Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Overview on Dirofilaria immitis in the Americas, with notes on other filarial worms infecting dogs. Vet Parasitol 2020; 282:109113. [PMID: 32464570 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Canine dirofilariosis in the Americas is primarily caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a mosquito-borne filarial worm infecting dogs, which may also infect and cause disease in other mammalian hosts, including humans. Morphological and molecular evidence gathered in the past decades suggest that other Dirofilaria spp. may infect dogs in the American continent, though the actual taxonomic identity of them still needs to be elucidated. In addition, filarial worms belonging to distinct genera have also been reported in dogs in this part of the world, including Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Cercopithifilaria bainae, and Onchocerca lupi. Among these, O. lupi is a species of major clinical significance, which has been reported not only in dogs, but also in cats and humans in North America. The present article provides a current overview on canine dirofilariosis in the Americas, with notes on other filarial worms infecting dogs. It also provides some insights into outstanding research questions that should be responded to fill some of the several knowledge gaps related to this group of parasites in this continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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13
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Mihalca AD, Păstrav IR, Sándor AD, Deak G, Gherman CM, Sarmaşi A, Votýpka J. First report of the dog louse fly Hippobosca longipennis in Romania. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:530-535. [PMID: 31280502 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hippobosca longipennis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), the dog fly or dog louse fly, is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite of wild and domestic carnivores in Africa and the Middle East. Outside its typically known geographic range, H. longipennis has been reported occasionally on mainly domestic dogs in Asia and southern Europe, and infrequently in other areas (central Europe and the U.S.A.). This paper presents the first report of H. longipennis in Romania and the second record of Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), a potentially invasive species. Hippobosca longipennis was found on domestic dogs in two regions of the country (northern Romania in Maramures and southwestern Romania in Dobrogea) and on two road-killed wildcats in Maramures. Lipoptena fortisetosa was found on domestic dogs in Maramures. In both species identification was based on morphology and confirmed by barcoding of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. It is not clear for how long H. longipennis has been present in central Europe, nor if it was introduced (via the movement of domestic dogs or import of exotic carnivores) or present historically (Holocene remnants). This paper discusses the possible origins of H. longipennis in central Europe as its current distribution in the area is sparse and patchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - I R Păstrav
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - G Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - C M Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A Sarmaşi
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - J Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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14
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Abstract
Dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) is a zoonosis, considered an endemic disease of dogs and cats in several countries of Western Europe, including Portugal. This study assesses the levels of D. immitis exposure in humans from Northern Portugal, to which end, 668 inhabitants of several districts belonging to two different climate areas (Csa: Bragança, Vila Real and Csb: Aveiro, Braga, Porto, Viseu) were tested for anti-D. immitis and anti-Wolbachia surface proteins (WSP) antibodies. The overall prevalence of seropositivity to both anti-D. immitis and WSP antibodies was 6.1%, which demonstrated the risk of infection with D. immitis in humans living in Northern Portugal. This study, carried out in a Western European country, contributes to the characterisation of the risk of infection with D. immitis among human population in this region of the continent. From a One Health point of view, the results of the current work also support the close relationship between dogs and people as a risk factor for human infection
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15
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Satjawongvanit H, Phumee A, Tiawsirisup S, Sungpradit S, Brownell N, Siriyasatien P, Preativatanyou K. Molecular Analysis of Canine Filaria and Its Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Domestic Dogs Collected from Two Animal University Hospitals in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030114. [PMID: 31362350 PMCID: PMC6789508 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine filariasis is caused by several nematode species, such as Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Brugia pahangi, Brugia malayi, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Zoonotic filariasis is one of the world's neglected tropical diseases. Since 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted a global filarial eradication program to eliminate filariasis by 2020. Apart from vector control strategies, the infection control of reservoir hosts is necessary for more effective filariasis control. In addition, many studies have reported that Wolbachia is necessary for the development, reproduction, and survival of the filarial nematode. Consequently, the use of antibiotics to kill Wolbachia in nematodes has now become an alternative strategy to control filariasis. Previously, a case of subconjunctival dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria spp. has been reported in a woman who resides in the center of Bangkok, Thailand. Therefore, our study aimed to principally demonstrate the presence of filarial nematodes and Wolbachia bacteria in blood collected from domestic dogs from the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand. A total of 57 blood samples from dogs with suspected dirofilariasis who had visited veterinary clinics in Bangkok were collected. The investigations for the presence of microfilaria were carried out by using both microscopic and molecular examinations. PCR was used as the molecular detection method for the filarial nematodes based on the COI and ITS1 regions. The demonstration of Wolbachia was performed using PCR to amplify the FtsZ gene. All positive samples by PCR were then cloned and sequenced. The results showed that the filarial nematodes were detected in 16 samples (28.07%) using microscopic examinations. The molecular detection of filarial species using COI-PCR revealed that 50 samples (87.72%) were positive; these consisted of 33 (57.89%), 13 (22.81%), and 4 (7.02%) samples for D. immitis, B. pahangi, and B. malayi, respectively. While the ITS1-PCR showed that 41 samples (71.93%) were positive-30 samples (52.63%) were identified as containing D. immitis and 11 samples (19.30%) were identified to have B. pahangi, whereas B. malayi was not detected. Forty-seven samples (82.45%) were positive for Wolbachia DNA and the phylogenetic tree of all positive Wolbachia was classified into the supergroup C clade. This study has established fundamental data on filariasis associated with Wolbachia infection in domestic dogs in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. An extensive survey of dog blood samples would provide valuable epidemiologic data on potential zoonotic filariasis in Thailand. In addition, this information could be used for the future development of more effective prevention and control strategies for canine filariasis in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atchara Phumee
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Disease-Health Science Centre, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training on Viral Zoonoses, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sonthaya Tiawsirisup
- Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sivapong Sungpradit
- Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Narisa Brownell
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kanok Preativatanyou
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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16
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Little S, Saleh M, Wohltjen M, Nagamori Y. Prime detection of Dirofilaria immitis: understanding the influence of blocked antigen on heartworm test performance. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:186. [PMID: 29554955 PMCID: PMC5859648 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2736-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of circulating antigen of Dirofilaria immitis has been a mainstay of identifying heartworm infection in clinical practice for the past three decades. Several validated commercial antigen tests have very good sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values, especially when used in patients for which heartworm infection is likely. In some dogs and cats infected with heartworm, antigen may not be available for detection although present in the patient sample; heat pretreatment of these samples reveals the antigen, changing the false negative to positive. This phenomenon was documented in the literature in the 1980s but subsequently overlooked by the heartworm research community for many years. In this review, we provide a summary of the current understanding of the role of heat reversal in diagnosing heartworm infection. This additional diagnostic step is most important for patients in which heartworm infection is likely, such as dogs or cats in an endemic area with an inconsistent history of heartworm preventive use, or dogs with a prior diagnosis of heartworm infection that were recently treated. To illustrate the concept, we share a summary of results from canine samples tested at the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Oklahoma, USA in 2017 by modified Knott test and by commercial antigen test before and after heat treatment of samples; in this sample set, heat treatment changed all D. immitis microfilaria-positive but antigen-negative samples to antigen-positive. Pet dogs with a history of consistent preventive use are unlikely to become positive with heat pretreatment; for that reason, routine pretreatment of all samples tested in a veterinary practice is not recommended. We also review known causes of false negative and false positive results on heartworm antigen tests that, although uncommon, can complicate accurate diagnosis in individual patients. Together, this review provides a primer to aid understanding of strategies that can enhance accurate diagnosis of heartworm infection in veterinary practice and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - Meriam Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Megan Wohltjen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Yoko Nagamori
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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17
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Alho AM, Meireles J, Schnyder M, Cardoso L, Belo S, Deplazes P, de Carvalho LM. Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum: The current situation of two major canine heartworms in Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2018; 252:120-126. [PMID: 29559132 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary nematodes are life-threatening pet parasites increasingly reported throughout Europe, with overlapping endemic areas. Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne whilst Angiostrongylus vasorum is a snail-borne pathogen. Both adult nematodes reside in the pulmonary arteries and right cardiac ventricle of domestic and wild canids, causing a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from cough, dyspnoea and exercise intolerance to severe vascular and pulmonary disease with hearth failure that may lead to death. Information about the prevalence and distribution of cardiopulmonary parasites is essential for the control of animal diseases and, in the case of D. immitis, for the control of potentially associated illnesses in humans. However, in Portugal, heartworm studies are limited to few surveys and case reports, possibly underestimating the relevance of these nematodes. The present work reviews the data on cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis in dogs in Portugal, providing a comprehensive update of the epidemiological situation during the past 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - José Meireles
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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18
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Milanović Z, Ilić A, Andrić JF, Radonjić V, Beletić A, Filipović MK. Acute-phase response in Babesia canis and Dirofilaria immitis co-infections in dogs. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:907-914. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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19
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Papadopoulos E, Komnenou A, Poutachides T, Heikkinen P, Oksanen A, Karamanlidis AA. Detection of Dirofilaria immitis in a brown bear (Ursus arctos) in Greece. Helminthologia 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/helm-2017-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
Dirofilaria immitis (canine heartworm) is a filarial nematode found in the pulmonary circulation and the heart of susceptible hosts. It represents an important zoonotic vector-borne disease of domestic dogs and several wildlife species. Herein we report for the first time, the finding of Dirofilaria immitis worms in a brown bear killed in a vehicle collision in Northern Greece. The worms were morphologically identified; molecular examination, based on the analysis of the mitochondrial genes 12S (433 bp) and CO1 (610 bp), verified the identification by demonstrating 100% similarity to D. immitis specimens deposited in GenBank. Brown bears in Greece occupy habitats that are shared with the potential wild and domestic hosts and the vectors of D. immitis and thus may be particularly susceptible to this parasite. This report contributes to the knowledge of dirofilariosis spread in Europe and on the epidemiological threats that may affect the survival of the endangered brown bear in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , 541 24 Thessaloniki Greece
| | - A. Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , 541 24 Thessaloniki Greece
| | - T. Poutachides
- School of Veterinary Medicine , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , 541 24 Thessaloniki Greece
| | - P. Heikkinen
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira , Oulu , Finland
| | - A. Oksanen
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira , Oulu , Finland
| | - A. A. Karamanlidis
- ARCTUROS , Civil Society for the Protection and Management of Wildlife and the Natural Environment , Aetos, GR-53075 Florina , Greece
- Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management , Norwegian University of Life Sciences , NO-1432 Ås, Norway
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20
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Ferreira C, Afonso A, Calado M, Maurício I, Alho AM, Meireles J, Madeira de Carvalho L, Belo S. Molecular characterization of Dirofilaria spp. circulating in Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:250. [PMID: 28526036 PMCID: PMC5438543 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilariosis is a potentially zoonotic parasitic disease, mainly transmitted by mosquito vectors in many parts of the world. Data concerning the canine Dirofilaria species currently circulating in Portugal is scarce. Thereby, a large-scale study was conducted to determine the Dirofilaria spp. present in Portugal, based on a molecular approach, and also to optimize a reliable and highly sensitive species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that could be used for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, and other concurrent filarial species in animal reservoirs. Methods Blood samples were collected from three districts of Portugal (Coimbra, Santarém and Setúbal) between 2011 and 2013. Samples were tested using rapid immunomigration tests (Witness® Dirofilaria), modified Knott’s technique and acid phosphatase histochemical staining. In addition, molecular analysis was performed by amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using two different PCR protocols, specific for molecular screening of canine filarial species. Results Of the 878 dogs sampled, 8.8% (n = 77) were positive for D. immitis circulating antigen and 13.1% (n = 115) positive for microfilariae by the modified Knott’s technique. Of the 134 samples tested by acid phosphatase histochemical staining, 100 (74.6%) were positive for D. immitis. Overall, 13.7% (n = 120) were positive by PCR for D. immitis by ITS2, of which 9.3% (67/720) were also positive by ITS1. ITS2 PCR was the most sensitive and specific method, capable of detecting mixed D. immitis and A. reconditum infections. Heterozygosity, in the form of double peaks, was detected by sequencing of both ITS regions. No D. repens was detected by any of the diagnostic methods. Conclusions The present study confirmed D. immitis as the dominant species of the genus Dirofilaria infecting Portuguese dogs, based on sequencing of ITS1 and ITS2 PCR fragments. Additionally, ITS2 PCR was the most adequate method for diagnosis and prevalence estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Ferreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Afonso
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Calado
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Maurício
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Meireles
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Wang S, Zhang N, Zhang Z, Wang D, Yao Z, Zhang H, Ma J, Zheng B, Ren H, Liu S. Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs in Henan province, central China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:43. [PMID: 27739399 PMCID: PMC5782855 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2016054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The heartworm Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and cats, and also infects humans. However, there has been no study on dirofilariasis in dogs in central China. From March 2015 to February 2016, sera from 1176 randomly selected household dogs from Henan province, central China were examined for D. immitis antigen using the Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit. The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dogs in Henan province was 13% (155/1176). The prevalence was significantly higher in older dogs and dogs kept outdoors, compared to the younger ones and those sheltered indoors. No significant difference of prevalence was observed between sexes. The results suggest that the risk of exposure to D. immitis in dogs is high in Henan, and prophylaxis against the parasite is advisable to decrease the incidence of canine dirofilariosis in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Nian Zhang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China - Xinxiang Assegal Medical Examination Institute, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Zhijun Yao
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Haizhu Zhang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Jingbo Ma
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Hongbin Ren
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Shiguo Liu
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
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22
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Alho AM, Giannelli A, Colella V, Otranto D, de Carvalho LM, Correia JJ. Pathology in Practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016; 249:751-3. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.249.7.751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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23
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Diakou A, Kapantaidakis E, Tamvakis A, Giannakis V, Strus N. Dirofilaria infections in dogs in different areas of Greece. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:508. [PMID: 27646111 PMCID: PMC5029097 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nematodes Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are enzootic in Greece. In the light of evidence of dirofilariosis spreading to new areas around the world, the aim of the present study was to update and enrich the current knowledge on the prevalence of Dirofilaria infections in dogs in Greece, to assess the risk factors of heartworm infection, and to initiate the drawing of the epizootiological map of canine dirofilariosis, investigating Dirofilaria infections in five locations along the north-south axis of the country, i.e. municipalities of Thessaloniki, Larissa, Achaia, Attica and Heraklion, associated with the five largest urban centres of Greece. Methods Blood samples collected from 750 dogs in total, were examined by the modified Knott’s method and by serology. A questionnaire including information about each examined dog was filled in and statistical analysis of the results was performed using the Chi-square test and a Binary Multiple Univariate Generalized Linear Model. Results In total, 31 (4.1 %) out of 750 examined animals were found positive for D. immitis by any of the tests applied (Knott’s method and serological examination). Moreover, microfilariae of D. repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum were detected by the Knott’s method in 17 (2.3 %) and 10 (1.3 %) of the animals, respectively. At the municipality level, the prevalence of infection was 14, 7, 5.3, 0.7 and 0 % for D. immitis, 1, 2, 8.7, 0.3 and 0 % for D. repens, and 0, 3, 2.7, 0.7 and 1 % for A. reconditum in Thessaloniki, Larissa, Achaia, Attica and Heraklion, respectively. In addition, in three dogs (one each in Thessaloniki, Achaia and Attica) mixed D. immitis - D. repens infections were detected by the Knott’s method. The area of the country, dog’s usage and age were determined as risk factors for heartworm infection. Conclusions Northern areas of Greece have higher Dirofilaria prevalence and the prevalence in a western province (Achaia) is recorded for the first time. The mosquito population dynamics recorded in the past is likely to play an important role in the distribution of Dirofilaria infections in Greece, and needs further investigation. Similarly, the role of wild reservoirs of filarial parasites in different areas needs to be clarified. Promotion by veterinarians of preventive treatment and compliance by pet owners is essential in all parts of Greece, regardless of the recorded prevalence of infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1797-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Emmanouil Kapantaidakis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Androniki Tamvakis
- Department of Marine Sciences, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81100, Mytilene, Greece
| | | | - Nina Strus
- Companion Animal CEE, Elanco Animal Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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24
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DE Pinho Mixão V, Mendes AM, Maurício IL, Calado MM, Novo MT, Belo S, Almeida APG. Molecular detection of Wolbachia pipientis in natural populations of mosquito vectors of Dirofilaria immitis from continental Portugal: first detection in Culex theileri. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 30:301-309. [PMID: 27279553 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia pipientis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) protects mosquitoes from infections with arboviruses and parasites. However, the effect of its co-infection on vector competence for Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in the wild has not been investigated. This study aimed to screen vectors of D. immitis for wPip, to characterize these, and to investigate a possible association between the occurrence of W. pipientis and that of the nematode. The presence of W. pipientis was assessed in the five mosquito potential vectors of D. immitis in Portugal. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were sequenced, and wPip haplotypes were determined by PCR-restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results showed that wPip was detected in 61.5% of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) pools and 6.3% of Culex theileri pools. wPip 16s rRNA sequences found in Cx. theileri exactly match those from Cx. pipiens, confirming a mosquito origin, rather than a nematode origin, as some specimens were infected with D. immitis. Only wPip haplotype I was found. No association was found between the presence of wPip and D. immitis in mosquitoes and hence a role for this endosymbiont in influencing vectorial competence is yet to be identified. This study contributes to understanding of wPip distribution in mosquito populations and, to the best of the authors' knowledge, is the first report of natural infections by wPip in Cx. theileri.
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Affiliation(s)
- V DE Pinho Mixão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A M Mendes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - I L Maurício
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M M Calado
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M T Novo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A P G Almeida
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, UEI Medical Parasitology, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zoonosis Research Unit, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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25
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Rjeibi MR, Rouatbi M, Mabrouk M, Tabib I, Rekik M, Gharbi M. Molecular Study of Dirofilaria immitis
and Dirofilaria repens
in Dogs from Tunisia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2016; 64:1505-1509. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. R. Rjeibi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Université Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
| | - M. Rouatbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Université Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
| | - M. Mabrouk
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Université Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
| | - I. Tabib
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Université Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
| | - M. Rekik
- Département de Production Animale; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Université Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
| | - M. Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Université Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
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26
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Bravo-Barriga D, Parreira R, Almeida AP, Calado M, Blanco-Ciudad J, Serrano-Aguilera FJ, Pérez-Martín JE, Sánchez-Peinado J, Pinto J, Reina D, Frontera E. Culex pipiens as a potential vector for transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and other unclassified Filarioidea in Southwest Spain. Vet Parasitol 2016; 223:173-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pereira A, Martins Â, Brancal H, Vilhena H, Silva P, Pimenta P, Diz-Lopes D, Neves N, Coimbra M, Alves AC, Cardoso L, Maia C. Parasitic zoonoses associated with dogs and cats: a survey of Portuguese pet owners' awareness and deworming practices. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:245. [PMID: 27160667 PMCID: PMC4862121 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1533-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasitic diseases of companion animals comprise a group of globally distributed and rapidly spreading illnesses that are caused by a wide range of arthropods, helminths and protozoa. In addition to their veterinary importance, many of these parasites can also affect the human population, due to their zoonotic potential. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the knowledge of Portuguese pet owners regarding the zoonotic potential of parasites that dogs and cats can harbour, most common drugs, frequency of use and reasons for endo- and ectoparasite control. Methods Seventy hundred and fifty multiple-choice questionnaires designed to obtain data knowledge about the meaning of zoonosis, knowledge about parasitic diseases and perception regarding their zoonotic potential, as well as the drugs, frequency and reason for deworming their animals were delivered to dog and/or cat owners from non-rural (i.e. urban or semi-urban) and rural parishes who attended veterinary medical centres from continental Portugal. Results A total of 536 (71.5 %) questionnaires were retrieved. Two hundred and ninety five (56.5 %) responders had heard of zoonosis/zoonoses, but only 184 (35.2 %) knew their meaning. Tick fever, mange, leishmaniosis and ascaridiosis/roundworms were the parasitic diseases from pets most frequently identified. The number of owners who recognized the different parasitoses, who stated to have heard about zoonoses and who were aware of the potential transmission of parasites from animals to humans was significantly higher in those with intermediate (i.e. ≥9 and ≤ 12 years of schooling) and/or higher academic degree (i.e. licentiate, master’s and/or doctorate degrees). The combinations of febantel-pyrantel-praziquantel (23.5 %) and milbemycin-praziquantel (34.5 %) were the most widely endoparasitic drugs used in dogs and in cats, respectively. The most common ectoparasiticide used in dogs was a combination of imidacloprid-permethrin (33.4 %), while in cats it was imidacloprid (26.3 %) followed by fipronil (25.4 %). The most used treatment schedule against internal and external parasites in dogs and cats was an administration every three months and the main reason to do it was as a prophylactic purpose. Conclusions The majority of Portuguese owners that attended veterinarian clinics use endoparasiticides and ectoparasiticides in/on their pets as a prophylactic measure, although in many cases not in the correct schedule of treatment. In addition, most of them are not aware of the possible transmission of parasites from their dogs and cats to themselves, a fact which highlights the important role of veterinarians in the continuous implementation of effective control measures to reduce the risk of parasitic infections in both humans and companion animals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1533-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Hugo Brancal
- Clínica Veterinária da Covilhã, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Agrarian College, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Hugo Vilhena
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University School Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal.,Hospital Veterinário do Baixo Vouga, Águeda, Portugal
| | - Pedro Silva
- Amivet - Clínica Veterinária, Évora, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pimenta
- Hospital Veterinário de Trás-os-Montes, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Duarte Diz-Lopes
- VetSantiago - Clínica Veterinária Dr. Duarte Diz-Lopes, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Nuno Neves
- Clube Animal - Centro Veterinário, Beja, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Catarina Alves
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Maia C, Altet L, Serrano L, Cristóvão JM, Tabar MD, Francino O, Cardoso L, Campino L, Roura X. Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum, filariae and Wolbachia spp. in dogs from southern Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:170. [PMID: 27160085 PMCID: PMC4862134 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and dirofilariosis caused by the nematodes Dirofilaria immitis or Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonoses widely present in the Mediterranean basin. In addition, some studies reported that the endosymbiont Wolbachia spp. play a role in the biology and pathogenesis of filarial parasites. The aim of this work was to evaluate the frequency of mono- and co-infections by L. infantum, filariae and Wolbachia spp. and their association with clinical signs in dogs from the south of Portugal. Leishmanial, filarial and Wolbachia spp. DNA were evaluated by specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays in blood samples from 230 dogs. Findings One hundred and thirty-nine (60.4 %) dogs were qPCR-positive for L. infantum and 26 (11.3 %) for filariae (24 for D. immitis only, one D. immitis and for Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and another one for Acanthocheilonema reconditum only). Wolbachia spp. DNA was amplified from 16 (64.0 %) out of the 25 D. immitis-positive dogs. Nineteen (8.3 %) dogs were co-infected with L. infantum and D. immitis, including the one (0.4 %) A. drancunculoides-positive animal. In dogs without clinical signs consistent with leishmaniosis and/or dirofilariosis, L. infantum prevalence was 69 %, whereas in those dogs with at least one clinical manifestation compatible with any of the two parasitoses prevalence was 42.7 %. Leishmania prevalence was significantly higher in apparently healthy mongrels (77.2 %) and pets (76.9 %) than in defined-breed dogs (including crosses; 58.8 %) and in dogs with an aptitude other than pet (i.e. farm, guard, hunting, shepherd or stray), respectively, whereas in those dogs with at least one clinical sign, the detection of L. infantum DNA was higher in males (53.3 %) and in those dogs not receiving insect repellents (52.8 %). Conclusions The molecular detection of canine vector-borne disease (CVBD) agents, some of which are zoonotic, reinforces the need to implement efficient prophylactic measures, such as insect repellents and macrocyclic lactones (including compliance to administration), in the geographical areas where these agents are distributed, with the view to prevent infection and disease among mammalian hosts including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Laura Altet
- Vetgenomics, Parc de Recerca Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Serrano
- Vetgenomics, Parc de Recerca Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Olga Francino
- Vetgenomics, Parc de Recerca Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,SVGM, Departamento de Ciencia Animal y de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Lenea Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Alho AM, Schnyder M, Schaper R, Meireles J, Belo S, Deplazes P, de Carvalho LM. Seroprevalence of circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and parasite-specific antibodies in dogs from Portugal. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2567-72. [PMID: 27000086 PMCID: PMC4914520 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode that lives in the pulmonary arteries and right cardiac ventricle of domestic dogs and wild canids. It is increasingly being reported in several European countries and North America. This parasite induces inflammatory verminous pneumonia, causing severe respiratory disease in dogs. In some instances, coagulopathies, neurological signs and even death may occur. Scant data are available regarding the occurrence of A. vasorum in Portugal. Therefore, sera of 906 shelter dogs from North to South mainland Portugal were collected. ELISAs to detect A. vasorum circulating antigen and specific antibodies against this parasite were performed. A total of six dogs [0.66 %, 95 % confidence intervals (CI) 0.24–1.43] were positive for both A. vasorum antigen and antibody detection, indicating an active infection, and 12 dogs (1.32 %, CI 0.68–2.30) were A. vasorum antibody-positive only. Regions with antigen- and antibody-positive animals overlapped and were distributed over nearly all sampled areas in the country. This is the first large-scale ELISA-based serological survey for A. vasorum in dogs from Portugal. The endemic occurrence of A. vasorum in dogs from different geographical areas of Portugal is therefore confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULisboa, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - José Meireles
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULisboa, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Silvana Belo
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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Parasite control practices and public perception of parasitic diseases: A survey of dog and cat owners. Prev Vet Med 2015; 122:174-80. [PMID: 26404913 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Drugs used in the control of internal and external parasites in companion animals play a crucial role in Animal and Public Health. To ensure continuing protection, these drugs should be administered regularly and in intervals, as suggested by the manufacturers. To assess parasite control practices and other related factors, including the degree of public awareness on the topic, 312 dog and cat owners were surveyed while attending the Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University. Results showed that 89.7% of the dogs were currently being treated with endoparasitic drugs. Of these, 74.3% were dewormed every four months or longer and merely 11.8% with the recommended treatment regimen (minimum quarterly). In cats, 63.6% were being treated with endoparasitic drugs and 85.7% of these were irregularly dewormed every four months or longer and merely 5.5% with the recommended treatment regimen (minimum quarterly). Combinations of praziquantel, pyrantel embonate and febantel were the most commonly used drugs in dogs, whereas macrocyclic lactones were more frequently used in cats. Regarding external parasitic control, 92.2% of the dogs were being treated, 50.5% of these at monthly intervals (all-year round or seasonally). The most common ectoparasitic drug formulation used on dogs was the spot-on imidacloprid+permethrin (89%). Only 28.4% of the dogs were uninterruptedly protected throughout the year from the main canine vector borne diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, sandflies and mosquitoes. Merely 63.6% of the cats were being controlled with ectoparasitic drugs, most at infrequent drug intervals and imidacloprid was the most frequently used drug on cats (44.4%). Additionally, 85% of the respondents had never heard of the word "zoonosis" and 37% of them did not collect their dog's faeces in all public places. Scabies, toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis were the most frequent parasitic diseases identified by the public in this survey. Although the majority of pet owners give antiparasitic drugs, our results show that most of them do not follow the manufacturers recommendations, deworming at irregular and consequently ineffective intervals. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for the veterinarians to educate pet owners regarding parasite cycles, methods of prevention and transmission mechanisms, as well as to follow the drug recommendations, in order, respectively, to increase their awareness and thereby improve the effectiveness of the available control measures.
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Ferreira CAC, de Pinho Mixão V, Novo MTLM, Calado MMP, Gonçalves LAP, Belo SMD, de Almeida APG. First molecular identification of mosquito vectors of Dirofilaria immitis in continental Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:139. [PMID: 25886610 PMCID: PMC4369802 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0760-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria immitis is known to be endemic in continental Portugal. However, information about the transmitting mosquito species is still scarce, with only Culex theileri identified to date, albeit with L1-2, through dissection. This study was carried out to investigate the potential vectors of Dirofilaria spp. in continental Portugal. Methods Mosquitoes were collected in three distinct seasons (Summer, Autumn and Spring), 2011–2013, in three districts. CDC traps and indoor resting collections were carried out in the vicinity of kennels. Mosquitoes were kept under controlled conditions for 7 days to allow the development of larval stages of Dirofilaria spp.. DNA extraction was performed separately for both head+thorax and abdomen in order to differentiate infective and infected specimens, respectively, in pools, grouped according to the species and collection site (1–40 specimen parts/pool), and examined by PCR using pan-filarial specific primers. Mosquito densities were compared using non-parametric tests. Dirofilaria development units (DDU) were estimated. Results In total, 9156 female mosquitoes, from 11 different species, were captured. Mosquito densities varied among the 3 districts, according to capture method, and were generally higher in the second year of collections. From 5866 specimens screened by PCR, 23 head+thorax and 41 abdomens pools, corresponding to 54 mosquitoes were found positive for D. immitis DNA. These belonged to 5 species: Culex (Cux) theileri (estimated rate of infection (ERI)=0.71%), Cx. (Cux) pipiens f. pipiens and f. molestus (ERI=0.5%), Anopheles (Ano) maculipennis s.l. (ERI=3.12%), including An. (Ano) atroparvus, Aedes (Och) caspius (ERI=3.73%) and Ae. (Och) detritus s.l. (ERI=4.39%). All but Cx. pipiens, had at least one infective specimen. No D. repens infected specimens were found. Infection rates were: 3.21% in Coimbra, 1.22% in Setúbal and 0.54% in Santarém. DDU were at least 117/year in the study period. Conclusions Culex theileri, Cx. pipiens, An. maculipennis s.l. An. atroparvus, Ae.caspius and Ae. detritus s.l. were identified as potential vectors of D. immitis in three districts of Portugal, from Spring to Autumn, in 5 of the 6 collection dates in 2011–2013. Implications for transmission, in the context of climate changes, and need for prophylactic measures, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Alexandra Costa Ferreira
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit-UPMM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Verónica de Pinho Mixão
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit-UPMM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Teresa Lourenço Marques Novo
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit-UPMM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Manuela Palmeiro Calado
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit-UPMM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luzia Augusta Pires Gonçalves
- International Public Health and Biostatistics Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco C6 - Piso 4, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Silvana Maria Duarte Belo
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit-UPMM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - António Paulo Gouveia de Almeida
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit-UPMM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Zoonosis Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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