Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heartworm infection found in stray dogs in Nepal
By Rimal, Subash et al.·Published in Acta parasitologica·2021·Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in Stray Dogs from Nepal.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of stray dogs in Nepal was found to have a heartworm infection, with 19.3% testing positive for Dirofilaria immitis, the parasite that causes heartworm disease. The study showed that older dogs, particularly those over three years old, were more likely to be infected. Some of the infected dogs also showed signs of liver damage, as indicated by elevated liver enzymes. This research highlights the need for better control measures to protect both dogs and humans from heartworm disease in the area.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria are widespread vector-borne helminths (VBH) of veterinary relevance. Dirofilariosis caused by D. immitis is frequently diagnosed in dogs often showing a severe clinical condition known as heartworm disease. Assessing the distribution pattern of canine dirofilariosis is pivotal to undertake appropriate control measures and define the risk of infection in animals and humans. This study provides original data on the occurrence of D. immitis in naive stray dogs from Nepal. METHODS: An epidemiological study was performed on stray dogs from Siddharthanagar, Lumbini region, Nepal. Alive animals were blood sampled and examined for microfilariae using direct microscopy, buffy coat centrifugation and modified Knott's method. In addition, hematobiochemical parameters, including packed cell volume (PCV), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea and total protein were analysed, along with a clinical scoring (body temperature and respiratory rate). During the observation period, data on autopsies performed on stray dogs showing canine heartworm disease were also included. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of D. immitis in both alive and necropsied dogs was 22.49% (38/169). Out of 150 alive dogs, 29 (19.3%) were positive for D. immitis microfilariae. The prevalence of the infection varied according to the technique used, ranging from 16.0 to 19.3% based on direct blood smear microscopy and modified Knott's technique, respectively. The infection rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in dogs aging more than 3 years. A positive correlation was observed between SGPT and SGOT and the presence of microfilariae (p < 0.05). Among the 19 dead stray dogs, 9 animals showed adult D. immitis nematodes. CONCLUSION: Results of this survey account for the presence of D. immitis in stray dogs from Nepal, thus supporting the existence of a local transmission cycle of diroflariosis in the region. Further investigations are warranted to accurately define the prevalence of the infection in the canine population and to undertake appropriate control measures to reduce the burden on the infection in dogs and, accordingly, the risk of transmission to humans.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33880716/