Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Filarial worm infections in dogs from northeast Brazil
By Rocha, Daniely Oliveira do Nascimento et al.·Published in Acta parasitologica·2024·Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Filarial Nematodes in Dogs from the Northeast Region of Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in northeastern Brazil was tested for filarial infections, which are caused by parasites transmitted by blood-feeding insects. The study found that 6.1% of the dogs had Dirofilaria immitis, a type of heartworm, in their blood. Some dogs tested positive for the parasite's antigens, while others had microfilariae (the larval stage) but not the antigens, indicating different stages of infection. To protect dogs from these infections, it's important for pet owners to have their dogs tested and to use preventive treatments like medications that kill microfilariae and insecticides to reduce exposure to the parasites.
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Abstract
PURPOSE: Medical and veterinary filarial nematodes are transmitted by blood-feeding vectors. In dogs, these parasites are mainly represented by nematodes in which microfilariae dwell in the blood (Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp.) or skin (Cercopithifilaria spp. and Onchocerca lupi). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these filarial infections in dogs residing in a touristic, heavily populated location in the northeastern region of Brazil. METHODS: Blood samples (n = 245) were assessed by a modified Knott test, followed by a qualitative ELISA test (SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, IDEXX Laboratory, Westbrook, Maine, USA) for the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and antigens of Dirofilaria immitis. Skin samples (n = 71) were microscopically examined and molecularly assessed through a PCR targeting the 12 S rRNA gene. RESULTS: Microfilariae and antigen of D. immitis were detected simultaneously in 15 (6.1%; 95% CI = 3.7-9.8) animals. Nine animals (3.6%; 95% CI = 1.9-6.8) were D. immitis antigen positive but microfilariae negative and nine other animals (3.6%; 95% CI = 1.9-6.8) were microfilariae positive but D. immitis antigen negative. D. immitis positive dogs were found in four different municipalities. No filarioids were detected in the skin after microscopical and molecular analyses. CONCLUSION: Data from this study demonstrate that D. immitis is the main filarial nematode infecting dogs in coastal areas in northeastern Brazil. Based on the potential risk of infection in which animals are submitted, it is essential to perform tests to detect microfilariae and D. immitis antigen. Preventive measures must be adopted by using microfilaricidal compounds and anti-feeding insecticides to prevent canine infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38536612/