Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leishmania, heartworm, and lungworm infections in dogs from southern
By Maia, Carla et al.·Published in Parasites & vectors·2015·Unidade de Parasitologia Mé·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Serological investigation of Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs from southern Portugal.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 170 dogs from southern Portugal were tested for three parasitic diseases: leishmaniosis, heartworm (caused by Dirofilaria immitis), and lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum). The tests showed that 18.2% of the dogs had been exposed to leishmaniosis, and 9.4% had heartworm, while none showed signs of lungworm infection. Older dogs, particularly those aged 7 to 17 years, were more likely to have heartworm. This study highlights the importance of preventive measures for dog owners in this region to protect their pets from these diseases.
People also search for: dog leishmaniosis symptoms · heartworm prevention for dogs · lungworm in dogs Portugal
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Leishmaniosis, dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis are parasitic diseases of established importance in dogs worldwide. The aim of the present report was to determine all together levels of infection with or exposure to Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs from the Algarve region, in southern Portugal. FINDINGS: Serum samples were obtained from a total of 170 apparently healthy dogs. Antibodies to L. infantum were detected by the direct agglutination test; and antigens of D. immitis and of A. vasorum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an immunochromatography test, respectively. Antibodies to L. infantum were found in 18.2% (31/170) of dogs, while D. immitis antigen was detected in 9.4% (16/170). None of 120 dogs tested out of the 170 under investigation had evidence of infection with A. vasorum. D. immitis infection was more prevalent in dogs aged 84-204 months than in those younger than 12 months. Three dogs were positive to both L. infantum and D. immitis. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs living in southern Portugal are at risk of leishmaniosis and dirofilariosis. This scenario should make the veterinary community, local dog owners and also tourists from non-endemic countries coming on vacation with their pets aware of the need of effective prophylactic measures, in order to protect animals and public health.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25890353/