Article
Parasitology
Erich W. Zinser, Tom L. McTier, Nicole S. Kernell, Debra J. Woods
Summary: Research has shown that cryopreserved microfilariae of Dirofilaria immitis can develop into third-stage larvae in vector mosquitoes and are infectious to both dogs and ferrets, where they undergo normal development into adult worms and complete the heartworm lifecycle.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Patchana Kamkong, Wanarit Jitsamai, Kritsada Thongmeesee, Panan Ratthawongjirakul, Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
Summary: This study aims to characterize the Wolbachia species in canine filarial nematodes in Thailand and determine their association. Blood samples from infected dogs were analyzed to identify the filarial nematode species using microscopy and molecular techniques. The results showed that Dirofilaria immitis and Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis samples were grouped into Wolbachia supergroup C, while Brugia spp. and Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis samples were classified into Wolbachia supergroup D. This study provides the first genetic diversity analysis of Wolbachia in Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis in infected dogs in Thailand.
Letter
Immunology
Martina Miterpakova, Daniela Antolova, Jana Rampalova, Miroslava Undesser, Tomas Krajcovic, Bronislava Vichova
Summary: The emergence and spread of Dirofilaria immitis in Europe highlights the critical need for proper diagnosis of infection.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Katharina Riebenbauer, Philipp B. Weber, Julia Walochnik, Franz Karlhofer, Stefan Winkler, Sonja Dorfer, Herbert Auer, Julia Valencak, Martin Laimer, Alessandra Handisurya
Summary: The incidence of human dirofilariosis cases has significantly increased over the past four decades in Austria, with a notable rise in cases after 1998. Most patients with the disease had a history of travel to regions endemic for Dirofilaria species, indicating changes in human behavior and travel activities as contributing factors to the rise in cases.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Laidoudi Younes, Helene Barre-Cardi, Samia Bedjaoui, Nazli Ayhan, Marie Varloud, Oleg Mediannikov, Domenico Otranto, Bernard Davoust
Summary: The study conducted in Corsica, France reveals that Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens have a potential transmission period and diversity, with mosquitoes as their vectors. Implementing preventive measures is suggested to reduce the infection risk in both human and animal populations.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lavinia Ciuca, Valeria Caruso, Sergio Illiano, Antonio Bosco, Maria Paola Maurelli, Laura Rinaldi
Summary: The number of autochthonous cases of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs has increased considerably in southern Italy, especially in coastal areas of the Campania region. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Dirofilaria spp. in a local dog shelter in Castel Volturno.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Remy Betous, Anthony Emile, Hua Che, Eva J. Guchen, Didier Concordet, Thavy Long, Sandra Noack, Paul M. Selzer, Roger Prichard, Anne Lespine
Summary: Nematode parasites enter their definitive host as infectious larvae and DAF-12 plays a role in their development to adulthood. The filarial nematodes' DAF-12 exhibit higher sensitivity to ligands and can be specifically activated by mammalian sera. These findings suggest that filarial nematodes have evolved to sense and adapt to their host environment to resume larval development.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wanarit Jitsamai, Pimsiri Piromkij, Patchana Kamkong, Sudchit Chungpivat, Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of two mosquito-borne parasites in dogs in Thailand, as well as the effects of season and environmental parameters on their prevalence. The findings suggest that environmental parameters may not have a significant impact on the prevalence of these parasites, but the threat of B. pahangi and D. immitis should still be considered, especially in subtropical regions. Owners and veterinarians should prioritize filarial prevention and control measures for these parasites.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Sonia Gomes-de-Sa, Sergio Santos-Silva, Alicia de Sousa Moreira, Patricia Ferreira Barradas, Irina Amorim, Luis Cardoso, Joao R. Mesquita
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of D. immitis antigenemia and microfilaremia in Iberian wolves and red foxes in northern Portugal. The results showed that red foxes had antigenemia but no microfilaremia, while two Iberian wolves tested positive for D. immitis microfilaremia. These findings suggest that Iberian wolves may serve as important reservoirs for the transmission of D. immitis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Meysam Sharifdini, Mahan Karimi, Keyhan Ashrafi, Mostafa Soleimani, Hamed Mirjalali
Summary: This study determined the high prevalence of D. immitis in road killed canids in northern Iran and characterized its molecular features. The results showed a significantly higher infection rate in dogs compared to jackals, with no significant difference between males and females. Furthermore, the gene sequences of D. immitis were highly similar to isolates from different hosts in Europe, Asia, and South America.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rodrigo Morchon, Ivan Rodriguez-Escolar, Ricardo E. Hernandez Lambrano, Jose angel Sanchez Agudo, Jose Alberto Montoya-Alonso, Irene Serafin-Perez, Carolina Fernandez-Serafin, Elena Carreton
Summary: In this study, a more accurate transmission risk model for heartworm disease in the Canary Islands was developed. By calculating different variables and using an ecological niche model, potential areas of infection risk were identified, and the model also predicted future transmission patterns under different climatic conditions. The results showed that all islands had a risk of transmission, with higher risk in coastal areas, moderate risk in midland areas, and lower risk in higher altitude areas.
Article
Parasitology
Sonia Gomes-de-Sa, Sergio Santos-Silva, Alicia de Sousa Moreira, Patricia Ferreira Barradas, Irina Amorim, Luis Cardoso, Joao R. Mesquita
Summary: Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease that is prevalent in many countries and is transmitted to mosquitoes through infected dogs, cats, and wild canids. In Portugal, limited epidemiological data is available regarding the distribution and impact of this disease. A study was conducted on canine blood samples from the north of Portugal to assess the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. The results indicate a high risk of D. immitis infection in dogs in this region.
Review
Parasitology
Timothy G. Geary
Summary: Despite the perception that heartworm is a solved problem in veterinary medicine, increasing frequency and geographic distribution of heartworm infections, along with resistance to preventative therapies, pose ongoing challenges. The lack of basic information on heartworms limits research into new prevention and treatment methods. Recent advances in technical platforms and laboratory animal models offer opportunities for discovering new drugs, diagnostic biomarkers, and parasite-derived molecules, as well as insights into the host-parasite relationship.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Jehan Zeb, Baolin Song, Munsif Ali Khan, Haytham Senbill, Muhammad Umair Aziz, Sabir Hussain, Abdul Waris, Ala E-Tabor, Olivier Andre Sparagano
Summary: This study assessed the genetic diversity and prevalence pattern of vector-/tick-borne pathogens (V/TBPs) in ixodid ticks infesting dogs in Pakistan. The results revealed a diverse array of V/TBPs that pose a potential threat to public and canine health.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Hans-Peter Fuehrer, Simone Morelli, Maria Sophia Unterkoefler, Anna Bajer, Karin Bakran-Lebl, Dorota Dwuznik-Szarek, Robert Farkas, Giulio Grandi, Mike Heddergott, Pikka Jokelainen, Tanja Knific, Michael Leschnik, Martina Miterpakova, David Modry, Heidi Huus Petersen, Karl Skirnisson, Aleksandra Vergles Rataj, Manuela Schnyder, Christina Strube
Summary: The relevance of Dirofilaria and Angiostrongylus parasites in causing diseases in dogs and cats has been increasing in Central and Northern Europe. Factors such as housing conditions, pet movements, vector spread, and climate change play important roles in their spread. Further monitoring and research are needed for both Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum in Europe.
