Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First Molecular Detection of Dirofilaria repens in a Dog
By Ramos-Lopez, Sandra et al.·Published in Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)·2016·1 Divisió·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First Molecular Identification of Dirofilaria repens in a Dog Blood Sample from Guanajuato, Mexico.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog in Guanajuato, Mexico, was found to have a blood infection caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria repens, which can affect both dogs and humans. Researchers tested blood samples from 177 dogs and discovered 15 positive cases. One sample was confirmed to have D. repens through advanced testing methods. This finding indicates that this parasite, previously thought to be absent in the Americas, is now present in this region. Pet owners should be aware of this potential health risk and discuss any concerns with their veterinarian.
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Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is the causative zoonotic agent of subcutaneous dirofilariosis. Although the American continent is considered currently free of D. repens infections, in the past few years there have been some reports suggesting the presence of this agent in the Americas. In Guanajuato, Mexico, there is a report of the presence of D. repens. To determine whether this parasite is really present in Guanajuato, a total of 177 EDTA blood samples from dogs were tested using the modified Knott's technique. Using this technique, we found 15 positive samples, which were then analyzed using the PCR technique, with a panfilarial set of primers and a specific primer pair for D. repens. In one sample, the expected band was present and the corresponding amplicon, sequenced, displayed a 100% identity to D. repens, confirming the presence of this exotic and zoonotic filarial species in the municipality of Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27631566/