Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat infected with Dirofilaria repens parasite in Spain case report
By Villanueva-Saz S et al.·2024·Veterinary Faculty, Spain·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: First report on natural infection by Dirofilaria repens in a cat in Spain: case report and literature review of feline subcutaneous dirofilariosis in Europe.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A stray cat in Spain was found to have a rare infection caused by a type of parasite called Dirofilaria repens, which is usually associated with dogs. During a routine sterilization procedure, two live parasites were discovered in the cat's spermatic cord, even though the cat showed no symptoms of illness. Tests confirmed the presence of these parasites in the cat's blood as well. This case is significant as it marks the first known instance of D. repens infection in cats in Spain, highlighting the need for veterinarians in affected areas to be aware of this potential health risk for cats.
People also search for: cat parasite infection · Dirofilaria repens in cats · stray cat health issues · symptoms of cat infections
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is an endemic mosquito-borne pathogen widely spread throughout Europe and other non-Europen regions. Infection by D. repens has been reported in dogs, although little is known about the occurrence and epidemiological features of this nematode in cats. During the surgical procedure within the framework of a trap, neuter and release sterilization program, two female filarial nematodes with spontaneous movement were removed from the internal part of the spermatic cord from asymptomatic stray cat in Spain (Grao de Castellón, Castellon de la Plana, province of Spain). Moreover, the presence of microfilariae was detected by using three different methods, including direct blood smear technique, the microhematocrit tube test, and Knott´s modified test. PCR performed from the nematodes extracted from the spermatic cord and from microfilariae in EDTA-blood sample tested both positive for D. repens. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates the presence of D. repens in cats in Spain. In this sense, a review of the current scientific status of feline subcutaneous dirofilariosis in Europe was also performed. Future investigations should analyze the epidemiological role of cats in D. repens infection including the prevalence of infection. Veterinarians working in endemic areas should be aware of this infection in cats and their susceptibility.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/37919542