Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heartworm infection risk and rates in dogs from Laguna Brazil
By Sebolt, Ana Paula Remor et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2022·Santa Catarina State University, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence and risk factors for Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 4.62% of dogs in Laguna, Brazil, tested positive for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), with the highest rate of 18.8% in the Bananal suburb, which is a densely forested area. The researchers collected blood samples from 238 dogs and gathered information from their owners about factors like age, gender, and whether the dogs received preventive treatments. While the study confirmed the presence of heartworm in the region, no other significant risk factors were identified. Pet owners in this area should be aware of the risk and consider heartworm prevention for their dogs.
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Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode found worldwide and able to infect several species, such as dogs, cats and, under rare circumstances, humans. In Brazil, most of the infections are related to coastal areas. The present study aimed at determining Dirofilaria immitis prevalence and evaluating the possible risk factors for infection in dogs, in Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Blood samples from 238 dogs were collected and a questionnaire was applied to the owners in order to obtain general information about the animals (age, gender, breed, coat color, home location (region), the use of dewormer/ectoparasiticide drugs, habits and behavior, roaming, insect control and the owner's knowledge about the disease). Samples were processed by blood smear techniques, modified Knott's test, immunochromatographic assay and PCR. Data were statistically analyzed by χ2 and OR. 4.62% was the overall prevalence of canine dirofilariasis and the suburb of Bananal, in Laguna, showed the highest prevalence (18.8%) when comparing with other regions (p < 0.05). However, there was no other significant factor related to the prevalence of D. immitis infection. Thus, the research have confirmed the presence of D. immitis in Laguna region, with a high prevalence in Bananal suburb, a dense forested area.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35256124/