Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Filarial worm infections found in dogs in Cyprus despite no heartworm
By Kokkinos, Panagiotis et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2019·General Veterinary Practitioner·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Filarial infections in dogs in Cyprus, an apparently heartworm free island.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study in Cyprus found that some dogs can be infected with a type of blood parasite called Acanthocheilonema reconditum, even though the island is generally considered free of heartworm. Out of 200 dogs tested, 9 had this microfilariae, and only one showed signs of another type of parasite related to heartworm. This is the first time A. reconditum has been reported in dogs in Cyprus, highlighting the need for veterinarians to stay alert for potential heartworm infections, especially in dogs that travel to areas where these parasites are common.
People also search for: dog blood parasite Cyprus · heartworm prevention for dogs · symptoms of dog filarial infection
Abstract
The current study investigated for the first time the occurrence of filarial infections in dogs in Cyprus. Blood samples of dogs from five districts of Cyprus (Lefkosia, Lemessos, Larnaka, Pafos and Ammochostos) were examined by the modified Knott's method and by serology, and the morphological classification of microfilariae was confirmed by molecular methods. A total of 200 dogs, 153 living in shelters and 47 owned dogs, were included in the study. Acanthocheilonema reconditum microfilariae were found in 9 (4.5%) samples and one (0.5%) sample was seropositive for D. immitis. No statistical significance was observed between microfilaraemic samples and the evaluated variables apart from the district (p = .005). The present study showed that dogs in Cyprus can be infected with blood circulating microfilariae and for the first time A. reconditum was reported as autochthonous infection in dogs in the country. No microfilariae of Dirofilaria spp. were detected. However, veterinarians should remain vigilant regarding Dirofilaria infections and should consider preventive protection to the animals, at least in case of travel in enzootic areas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31796181/