Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First molecular detection of heartworm and skin worm in dogs
By Aydın, Mehmet Fatih et al.·Published in Acta parasitologica·2020·Department of Public Health·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First Molecular Detection of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in Dogs from Kyrgyzstan.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in Kyrgyzstan was tested for two types of parasites called Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, which can cause serious health issues. Out of 337 dogs screened, two were found to be infected—one with D. immitis, which can lead to heart problems, and the other with D. repens, which can cause skin issues. This study is the first to report these parasites in dogs from Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention of these infections.
People also search for: dog heart problems Dirofilaria · dog skin infection Dirofilaria · Kyrgyzstan dog parasites
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the causative agents of cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. This neglected disease mainly seen in dogs, cats and wild carnivores is re-emerging recent years. No study was conducted on dirofilariosis in dogs in Kyrgyzstan. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate Dirofilaria species using PCR and sequencing in dogs from Kyrgyzstan. METHOD: Dirofilaria spp. infection in dogs was screened via convential PCR and sequencing in 337 dogs from Kyrgyzstan. RESULT: The overall prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. was 0.59% (2/337): DNA of D. immitis was detected in one sample and DNA of D. repens in second positive sample. In second sample, parallel co-infection of D. repens with Wolbachia was also found. While D. immitis sequence showed 98.70-100% similarity with previously reported sequences of D. immitis from dog blood, D. repens shared 100% identity with other sequences of D. repens. CONCLUSION: These results provided first evidence for Dirofilaria spp. in Kyrgyzstan and emphasized the veterinary and medical importance.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32588179/