Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Coinfection of Wolbachia, filariae, and Leishmania in Mediterranean
By Tabar, M D et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Hospital Veterinario San Vicente, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Wolbachia, filariae and Leishmania coinfection in dogs from a Mediterranean area.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in southeastern Spain were tested for infections with Leishmania (a parasite that causes leishmaniosis) and filariae (worms that can cause heartworm disease). Out of 118 dogs, 98 had Leishmania, and 49 had filarial infections, with 29 dogs being infected with both. Those with both infections showed more severe symptoms. Interestingly, a type of bacteria called Wolbachia was found more often in dogs without Leishmania, suggesting it might play a protective role. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate testing for these infections in dogs.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In an endemic area for leishmaniosis and filariasis, coinfection can occur and the immunomodulation triggered by Wolbachia infection might influence the clinical signs and progression of both diseases. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Wolbachia in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis and other filarial nematodes, to evaluate the prevalence of coinfection of Leishmania infantum, filariae and Wolbachia and their association with clinical presentation. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect filarial species, Wolbachia species and Leishmania in 118 samples of dogs from southeastern Spain with leishmaniosis and/or filariasis. RESULTS: Ninety-eight dogs were infected with Leishmania and 49 had filarial infection (29 were coinfected with both). Wolbachia DNA was detected in 30·6% of filariae-positive dogs (15/49). Dogs coinfected with Leishmania and filaria had more severe clinical signs. Wolbachia infection was significantly (P=0·026) more frequent in dogs that were not infected with Leishmania. There was no correlation between outcome and coinfection with these pathogens. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the increased sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of filariasis, confirms the presence of Wolbachia in dogs from the Mediterranean basin, shows the increased severity of clinical signs when Leishmania-filarial coinfection is present and suggests a protective role of Wolbachia in leishmaniosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23425244/