Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Filarial worm infections found in dogs in northeastern Brazil
By Ramos, Rafael Antonio Nascimento et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2016·Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Filarioids infecting dogs in northeastern Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in northeastern Brazil was tested for filarial infections, which are parasites that can cause health issues. Out of 104 dogs, 22 were found to have at least one type of filarial parasite, with the most common being Dirofilaria immitis, which was detected in 12 dogs. Some dogs were also co-infected with another type called Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The study suggests that because mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are common in the area, pet owners should take preventive measures to protect their dogs from these parasites.
People also search for: dog parasites Brazil · Dirofilaria immitis symptoms · how to prevent dog filarial infections
Abstract
Species of filarial nematodes belonging to the genera Dirofilaria and Acanthocheilonema are recognised as common parasites of dogs throughout the world. Recently, other filarioids featured by the presence of dermal microfilariae (e.g., Onchocerca lupi and Cercopithifilaria spp.) have been recognised in Europe. In Brazil, reports of filarioids in dogs are limited to Dirofilaria immitis, Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Cercopithifilaria bainae. To investigate the distribution of filarial infections in dogs living in an endemic region from northeastern Brazil, blood and skin samples (n=104) were microscopically (modified Knott's test and skin snip sediment examination) and molecularly evaluated. Twenty-two dogs (21.15%) were positive at microscopic and/or molecular examination for at least one filarioid species, with 21 (20.19%) animals positive for blood microfilariae at molecular and/or at microscopic examination. Microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in 12 (11.54%) animals, with co-infection of D. immitis and A. reconditum observed in four (3.85%) individuals. One animal was positive for C. bainae at both microscopic and molecular examination. Analysis of sequence obtained in the present study showed significant alignment identity with that of C. bainae from Europe. Considering that in the area of study arthropod vectors (mosquitoes, fleas and ticks) are prevalent throughout the year, preventive measures should be disposed in order to avoid the animal infestation and pathogen infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27514878/