1
|
de Andrade Vieira VM, da Silva PP, Paulino ÉT, do Amaral Fernandes P, Labarthe N, Gazêta GS, de Moraes Neto AHA. Epidemiological analysis of Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) infecting pet dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758) in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1360593. [PMID: 38756520 PMCID: PMC11096569 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1360593] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis infection is routinely detected in dogs during veterinary care in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Parasitological tests for the detection of this infection are routinely performed only in areas with a high prevalence. Baixada Fluminense, a region in Rio de Janeiro, was considered heartworm-free until local veterinarians began to receive blood exams results indicating the presence of microfilariae (MF). A laboratory database was hence used to collect data from 2017 to 2020 to understand the extent of spread of the parasite in this area. The results of complete blood count analysis and MF or heartworm antigen detection tests conducted on canine samples sent from veterinary clinics in Baixada Fluminense (Magé, Duque de Caxias, Guapimirim, Nova Iguaçu, and São João de Meriti municipalities) were included. In total, the results of 16,314 hematological tests were considered. The overall prevalence of D. immitis was 3.4% (554/16,314), considering that only one test result was obtained per animal on the same day. This study is highly relevant because it indicates the spreading geographic distribution of the worms, heightens awareness among local health professionals and the general population, and encourages compliance with prophylactic measures to prevent further spread of parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Marques de Andrade Vieira
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LITEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Program, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Priscila Pinho da Silva
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LITEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Program, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Érica Tex Paulino
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LITEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Program, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Norma Labarthe
- National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (ENSP/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Salles Gazêta
- Laboratory of Ticks and Other Apterous Arthropods - National Reference Laboratory for Vectors of Rickettsioses, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LAC/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Antonio Henrique Almeida de Moraes Neto
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LITEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gomes-de-Sá S, Santos-Silva S, Moreira ADS, Barradas PF, Amorim I, Cardoso L, Mesquita JR. Assessment of the circulation of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from northern Portugal through combined analysis of antigens, DNA and parasite forms in blood. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106799. [PMID: 36572345 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease frequent in many countries. Not only infected dogs, but also cats and wild canids (including wolves and foxes), represent important sources of infection for mosquitoes, which are the pathogen vectors. The disease is endemic in Mediterranean countries with increasing incidence in Italy, France, Greece and Spain, but limited epidemiological data is available from Portugal regarding its distribution and impact. Aiming to clarify this, canine whole blood samples (n = 244) from the north of Portugal were tested for Dirofilaria spp. antigens by use of a commercial rapid immunomigration test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the modified Knott test were also used to assess the presence of microfilariae. Results were also compared to assess the performance of each test used. Of the 244 animals tested, 118 (48.4%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) in the serological adult worm rapid antigen detection test, and 36 (14.8%) had circulating microfilariae, identified as D. immitis. A combined positivity of 51.6% (126/244) was found. Results indicate that the risk of exposure to D. immitis in dogs is high in this region of Portugal, and that prophylaxis against the parasite is advisable to decrease the occurrence of canine infection and disease. The present study highlights the diagnostic value of serological and molecular tests in determining the prevalence of D. immitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Gomes-de-Sá
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Patrícia Ferreira Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Sciences, CESPU, CRL, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Gandra, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and CECAV - Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Panarese R, Moore R, Page AP, McDonald M, MacDonald E, Weir W. The long-distance relationship between Dirofilaria and the UK: case report and literature review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1128188. [PMID: 37180057 PMCID: PMC10172649 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1128188] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) have changed their distribution across the globe as a consequence of a variety of environmental, socioeconomic and geopolitical factors. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are perfect exemplars of European VBPs of One Health concern that have undergone profound changes in their distribution, with new hotspots of infection appearing in previously non-endemic countries. Some areas, such as the United Kingdom, are still considered non-endemic. However, a combination of climate change and the potential spread of invasive mosquito species may change this scenario, exposing the country to the risk of outbreaks of filarial infections. Only a limited number of non-autochthonous cases have been recorded in the United Kingdom to date. These infections remain a diagnostic challenge for clinicians unfamiliar with these "exotic" parasites, which in turn complicates the approach to treatment and management. Therefore, this review aims to (i) describe the first case of D. repens infection in a dog currently resident in Scotland, (ii) summarise the available literature on Dirofilaria spp. infections in both humans and animals in the United Kingdom and (iii) assess the suitability of the United Kingdom for the establishment of these new VBPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Panarese
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rossella Panarese,
| | - Rhiannon Moore
- Dundas Veterinary Group Limited, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P. Page
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mike McDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emma MacDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gruntmeir J, Kelly M, Ramos RAN, Verocai GG. Cutaneous filarioid nematodes of dogs in the United States: Are they emerging, neglected, or underdiagnosed parasites? Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1128611. [PMID: 36908516 PMCID: PMC9995907 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1128611] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Filarioid nematodes, which are vector-borne parasites of cosmopolitan distribution, of dogs are medically important. They are represented by species in which microfilariae were found to be circulating in the bloodstream (e.g., Dirofilaria sp., Acanthocheilonema sp., and Brugia sp.) or skin-dwelling (e.g., Cercopithifilaria sp. and Onchocerca sp.). Those species whose microfilariae are detected in blood have been extensively studied, especially Dirofilaria immitis, due to their clinical importance. In recent decades, there has been an increased interest by the scientific community in filarioid nematodes whose microfilariae are detected in the skin because of the zoonotic aspect of Onchocerca lupi. In the United States (US), although D. immitis has been considered the main filarioid infecting dogs, the intense animal movement and global canine filarioid diversity may indicate that the likely presence of cutaneous filarioid nematodes is more common than previously expected. Hence, a question remains: Are these canine filarioid nematodes emerging, neglected, or simply underdiagnosed in the US? In this review, we provide an overview of pertinent information that briefly summarizes the biology of the different canine filarioid nematode species, clinical signs associated with infections, and currently available diagnostic tools using molecular and microscopy-based methods and highlight knowledge gaps where research and surveillance efforts remain necessary. The data herein presented serve as an alert to the scientific community about the importance of filarioid nematodes infecting dogs other than D. immitis. Additionally, the zoonotic potential of several filarioid species reinforces the necessity of a proper diagnosis and the need for broader surveillance to understand their diversity and distribution, to highlight the potential introduction of certain species, and mitigate their establishment in the country and new animal and human cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Gruntmeir
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Maureen Kelly
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Guilherme Gomes Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Cavalera MA, Mendoza‐Roldan JA, Maia C, Otranto D. Molecular detection of zoonotic filarioids in Culex spp. from Portugal. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:468-477. [PMID: 33948978 PMCID: PMC8453905 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of dipterans in the transmission of Onchocerca lupi and other zoonotic filarioids, samples were collected from different sites in Algarve, southern Portugal, morphologically identified and molecularly tested for filarioids. Culex sp. (72.8%) represented the predominant genus followed by Culicoides sp. (11.8%), Ochlerotatus sp. (9.7%), Culiseta sp. (4.5%), Aedes sp. (0.9%) and Anopheles sp. (0.3%). Nineteen (2.8%) specimens scored positive for filarioids, with Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (2%) positive for Dirofilaria immitis (1.4%), Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Onchocerca lupi, unidentified species of Filarioidea (0.2%, each) and Onchocercidae (0.6%). Additionally, Culiseta longiareolata (6.5%), Ochlerotatus caspius (3%) and Culex laticinctus (0.2%) scored positive for unidentified Onchocercidae, A. reconditum and for O. lupi, respectively. This is the first report of the occurrence of DNA of O. lupi, D. repens and A. reconditum in Culex spp. in Portugal. Information regarding the vectors and the pathogens they transmit may help to adopt proper prophylactic and control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. R. S. Manoj
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | - M. S. Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | - M. A. Cavalera
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | | | - C. Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT)Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100Lisbon, 1349‐008Portugal
| | - D. Otranto
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
- Faculty of Veterinary SciencesBu‐Ali Sina UniversityHamedanIran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Noack S, Harrington J, Carithers DS, Kaminsky R, Selzer PM. Heartworm disease - Overview, intervention, and industry perspective. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 16:65-89. [PMID: 34030109 PMCID: PMC8163879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis, also known as heartworm, is a major parasitic threat for dogs and cats around the world. Because of its impact on the health and welfare of companion animals, heartworm disease is of huge veterinary and economic importance especially in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Within the animal health market many different heartworm preventive products are available, all of which contain active components of the same drug class, the macrocyclic lactones. In addition to compliance issues, such as under-dosing or irregular treatment intervals, the occurrence of drug-resistant heartworms within the populations in the Mississippi River areas adds to the failure of preventive treatments. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the disease, summarize the current disease control measures and highlight potential new avenues and best practices for treatment and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Noack
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Binger Str. 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - John Harrington
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 1730 Olympic Drive, 30601, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Douglas S Carithers
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 3239 Satellite Blvd, 30096, Duluth, GA, USA
| | - Ronald Kaminsky
- paraC Consulting, Altenstein 13, 79685, Häg-Ehrsberg, Germany
| | - Paul M Selzer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Binger Str. 173, 55216, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Savić S, Stosic MZ, Marcic D, Hernández I, Potkonjak A, Otasevic S, Ruzic M, Morchón R. Seroepidemiological Study of Canine and Human Dirofilariasis in the Endemic Region of Northern Serbia. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:571. [PMID: 33134332 PMCID: PMC7550424 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused mainly by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens that affect dogs and humans all over the world. Serbia is considered an endemic country to both forms of dirofilariasis, although most of the population is concentrated in the north of the country. The aims of this study were to show the prevalence of D. immitis and D. repens in dogs and the seroprevalence in humans compared to previous studies in Northern Serbia. In total, 346 dog sera samples and 265 human samples were analyzed. Dog blood samples were analyzed using the modified Knott's method to check whether there were Dirofilaria spp. microfilariae and serum samples were checked by a commercial D. immitis antigen test. Human serum samples were analyzed with a non-commercial ELISA for detection of specific anti-D. immitis, anti-D. repens, and anti-Wolbachia IgG antibodies, and confirmed by western blotting. The overall prevalence for Dirofilaria spp. in dogs was 29.19%. The overall prevalence for D. immitis was 26.30%. The percentages of D. immitis and D. repens microfilaremia in dogs were 25.72 and 1.45%, respectively, while D. immitis./D. repens microfilaremia co-infections were also 1.45%. The overall seroprevalence for Dirofilaria spp. in humans was 3.77%. The overall seroprevalence for D. immitis was 1.51, 1.13% for D. repens, and for D. immitis/D. repens co-infections was 1.13%. The results indicate that D. immitis and D. repens are present in dogs and humans in the province of Vojvodina, in the northern part of Serbia. It is most likely associated with the presence of many rivers, the climate, and presence of mosquitoes in the area, so there could be a real public health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Doroteja Marcic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Isabel Hernández
- Group of Animal and Human Dirofilariasis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Maja Ruzic
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Group of Animal and Human Dirofilariasis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Esteban-Mendoza MV, Arcila-Quiceno V, Albarracín-Navas J, Hernández I, Flechas-Alarcón MC, Morchón R. Current Situation of the Presence of Dirofilaria immitis in Dogs and Humans in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:488. [PMID: 32851048 PMCID: PMC7426359 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is a vector-borne infection, which can be transmitted to humans. The main hosts are both domestic and wild canids. This species mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical climates, and temperature and humidity are the main factors that favor the presence and proliferation of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of the disease. There are few reports of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and humans in Colombia, a region with favorable climatic conditions which favors the presence of mosquitoes that act as vectors of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to examine its current prevalence in dogs and the risk of human exposure to the disease in Bucaramanga, one of the most populated areas in Colombia located at the center of the country. Furthermore, its demographic and environmental characteristics could be useful as a study model for other similar locations and neighboring countries. Serum samples from 351 dogs and 506 humans from the Bucaramanga Metropolitan area were analyzed. All dog samples were analyzed by Knott's technique and tested with a commercial immunochromatographic to detect the presence of circulating antigens of D. immitis. Human samples were analyzed using a non-commercial ELISA test kit to detect IgG against the somatic antigens of adult D. immitis and Wolbachia. Positive results were further confirmed using western blot analysis. Thirty-eight dogs tested positive with a overall prevalence of 10.82%. Of these dogs, 18 showed D. immitis microfilariae, being 5.12% of the total population. The overall seroprevalence in humans was 6.71%; seroprevalence was significantly higher in individuals aged 16-34 years-old and in women than in men. To our knowledge, this study describes seropositivity to D. immitis for the first time in a Colombian human population located in the same area as that of dogs infected with D. immitis, which represents a potential threat to public health. In humans, age and gender can be considered risk factors for exposure to D. immitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Esteban-Mendoza
- Animal Science Research Group (GRICA), School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Master's in Animal Health and Production, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Víctor Arcila-Quiceno
- Animal Science Research Group (GRICA), School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Master's in Animal Health and Production, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Javier Albarracín-Navas
- Animal Science Research Group (GRICA), School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Master's in Animal Health and Production, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Isabel Hernández
- Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Department of Faculty, Parasitology Area, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Department of Faculty, Parasitology Area, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Prevalence of canine and human dirofilariosis in Puebla, Mexico. Vet Parasitol 2020; 282:109098. [PMID: 32402821 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to determine the risk of exposure to Dirofilaria immitis in the stray dog population and people living in the metropolitan area of Puebla City, Mexico, using serologic methods. A total of 283 blood salmples were collected from dogs and 254 salmples from people. The canine samples were analyzed using a commercial kit to detect D. immitis antigens and the Knott test to detect microfilariae. Human samples were analyzed by ELISAs to detect antibodies against D. immitis and Wolbachia anti-WSP, as well as Western blot to identify specific bands of the parasite in the adult antigenic extract of D. immitis. Positive results were represented on a GIS map that included layers with geoenvironmental information relevant to parasite transmission in the study area. The prevalence of D. immitis in the canine stray population was 2.12 %, with positive cases found in individuals aged 1-10 years. Human seroprevalence was established at 5.11 %, with women and men similarly affected. By age, a significantly higher seroprevalence was observed in younger individuals (<18 years) than in the rest of the population. The geolocation of the results showed that positive cases were found in the environment (within 2 km) of potentially favorable areas for mosquito breeding. The importance of human influence in the creation and maintenance of favorable conditions for the transmission of canine and human dirofilariosis within an urban area is highlighted, both by the lack of environmental sanitation and by the absence of measures to limit or eliminate the canine reservoir population.
Collapse
|