Article
Parasitology
Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Fateme Manshori-Ghaishghorshagh, Mohammad Ramezani, Hassan Nayebzadeh, Mohammad Bagher Ahoo, Ahdieh Eslamian, Minoo Soltani, Shahram Jamshidi, Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos, Fatemeh Jalousian, Alireza Sazmand, Domenico Otranto
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in stray dogs from five Iranian provinces, revealing a high prevalence of D. immitis, particularly in Gilan province. Analysis of D. immitis populations in different regions of Iran suggests distinct nematode populations. The study emphasizes the need for effective control strategies and a national program for managing stray dogs to minimize the risk of infection in animals and humans.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Andrei Alexandru Cimpan, Gad Baneth, Yaarit Nachum-Biala, Liviu Miron, Alicia Rojas
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, distribution, etiology, and genetic variation of canine filarioid infections in four Southern Romanian counties. The results indicated a high prevalence of canine filarioid infections, with D. repens being the most common species.
COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ettore Napoli, Giovanni De Benedetto, Lavinia Ciuca, Antonio Bosco, Riccardo Paolo Lia, Vincenzo Veneziano, Marcos Antonio Bezerra Santos, Domenico Otranto, Laura Rinaldi, Emanuele Brianti
Summary: In recent decades, the number of autochthonous cases and foci of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from southern regions has increased considerably, suggesting that the distribution of the species is not limited to northern Italian regions. A multicenter cross-sectional survey of canine filariasis was conducted to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the current distribution of D. immitis in southern Italy. The results showed that D. immitis was the most frequent species detected, with an overall prevalence of 11.4%. These data emphasize the importance of proper screening and chemoprophylactic treatments in exposed animals.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
R. R. S. Manoj, M. S. Latrofa, M. A. Cavalera, J. A. Mendoza-Roldan, C. Maia, D. Otranto
Summary: The study found DNA of Onchocerca lupi, Dirofilaria repens, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in Culex spp. for the first time in Portugal, highlighting the importance of understanding vectors and the pathogens they transmit for implementing proper prophylactic and control measures.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Jeff M. Gruntmeir, Nina M. Thompson, Maureen T. Long, Byron L. Blagburn, Heather D. S. Walden
Summary: Heat treatment improves sensitivity of heartworm tests and is unlikely to cause false positive results in dogs infected with Acanthocheilonema reconditum, intestinal helminths, and protozoal parasites.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Younes Laidoudi, Domenico Otranto, Natacha Stolowy, Sophie Amrane, Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari Manoj, Laurine Polette, Stephanie Watier-Grillot, Oleg Mediannikov, Bernard Davoust, Coralie L'Ollivier
Summary: Dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, is an ancient zoonotic infection affecting humans and dogs. A study in southeast France found high molecular prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs, with ocular dirofilariasis mainly seen in elderly patients in the region. Despite a shared genotype between human and dog cases, the parasites were geographically concentrated, highlighting the need for preventive strategies in these areas.
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
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)
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.
Article
Parasitology
Viviane Marques de Andrade Vieira, Nicole Oliveira Moura Martiniano, Priscila Pinho da Silva, Erica Tex Paulino, Priscila do Amaral Fernandes, Norma Labarthe, Gilberto Salles Gazeta, Antonio Henrique Almeida de Moraes Neto
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of filarial nematode infection in Baixada Fluminense, Brazil, and found D. immitis and A. reconditum infections. The high prevalence of D. immitis suggests the establishment and maintenance of the parasite's enzootic cycle, increasing the risk of epidemic cycles and human infections.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Georgiana Deak, Angela Monica Ionica, Izabela Szasz, Marian Taulescu, Andrei Daniel Mihalca
Summary: This study presents a case of atypical localization of D. repens in the peritoneal cavity of a pet dog with inguinal hernia, discussing the associations between hernias and parasitic infections. The findings suggest a potential relationship between parasitic infection and the development of hernias, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Rachel Smith, Daniel Felipe Barrantes Murillo, Kelly Chenoweth, Subarna Barua, Patrick John Kelly, Lindsay Starkey, Byron Blagburn, Theresa Wood, Chengming Wang
Summary: This study is the first nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs and cats in the USA. The results revealed a higher prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in the USA, with a lower prevalence in cats. The Southern states had a significantly higher prevalence compared to other regions, and Dirofilaria repens was not detected in the USA.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Andrew R. Moorhead, Christopher C. Evans, Kaori Sakamoto, Michael T. Dzimianski, Abdelmoneim Mansour, Utami DiCosty, Crystal Fricks, Scott McCall, Ben Carson, C. Thomas Nelson, John W. McCall
Summary: According to the study, using doxycycline prior to adulticide administration can effectively reduce the levels of Wolbachia and its associated metabolites, which are a leading cause of pulmonary pathology. The current guidelines recommend a 30-day wait period after using doxycycline, but this wait period may not be necessary. Therefore, reducing the wait period and doxycycline dosage may bring practical benefits to animals, pet owners, and veterinarians.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lisset Roblejo-Arias, Cristian Diaz-Corona, Elianne Piloto-Sardinas, Adrian A. Diaz-Sanchez, Zbigniew Zajac, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Wozniak, Sara Moutailler, Dasiel Obregon, Angelique Foucault-Simonin, Belkis Corona-Gonzalez, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: This study molecularly characterized filarioid nematodes found in a dog in Cuba as Dirofilaria immitis through analysis of gene fragments, indicating the need for further research to understand the epidemiological impact of canine dirofilariosis in the country and the competence of different species of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of Dirofilaria.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Simone Morelli, Mariasole Colombo, Anastasia Diakou, Donato Traversa, Marika Grillini, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Angela Di Cesare
Summary: The study found that the larval development of A. abstrusus in C. aspersum is positively influenced by the increase in temperature, with a higher mean developmental rate observed at 25 degrees Celsius compared to lower temperatures.
Article
Microbiology
Charalampos Attipa, Christos Yiapanis, Severine Tasker, Anastasia Diakou
Summary: The study found that 32.3% of cats in Cyprus were infected with T. gondii, with factors such as feline immunodeficiency virus and lack of vaccination history being associated with seropositivity. This research highlights the importance of raising public awareness to prevent infection in animals and humans.
Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
Meropi Vergou, Anastasia Diakou, Dimitra Pardali, Anatoli Tachmazidou, Dimitris Timiou, Katerina K. Adamama-Moraitou, Anastasia Komnenou, Simone Morelli, Marika Grillini, Mathios E. Mylonakis
VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Fernanda Viola Tinoco, Simone Morelli, Marilene de Farias Brito, Gabriela Oliveira Pereira, Mariana Correia Oliveira, Anastasia Diakou, Mariasole Colombo, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Donato Traversa
Summary: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is an important parasitic nematode affecting cat airways, and this study describes the unusual case of a kitten with A. abstrusus localized in the central nervous system, causing severe neurological symptoms. Further studies are needed to determine if unusual localization and migration of A. abstrusus are more common than expected.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Anastasia Diakou, Simone Morelli, Donato Traversa
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Simone Morelli, Donato Traversa, Anastasia Diakou, Mariasole Colombo, Ilaria Russi, Anton Mestek, Ramaswamy Chandrashekar, Melissa Beall, Barbara Paoletti, Raffaella Iorio, Athina Tsokana, Domitilla De Cristofaro, Alessandra Barlaam, Giulia Simonato, Angela Di Cesare
Summary: This study investigated the diagnostic reliability of PCR assay for the detection of A. abstrusus infections in domestic cats. The results confirmed that PCR is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of this parasitic infection. Additionally, pharyngeal swabs were found to be the most suitable sample for molecular analysis in clinical settings.
Article
Parasitology
Vasiliki Papanikolopoulou, Shwakat Q. Lafi, Elias Papadopoulos, Anastasia Diakou, Lihua Xiao, Nektarios D. Giadinis
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in sheep and goat herds in northern Greece. The results showed that the animal health status and prevailing environmental conditions played an important role in transmitting the infection.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Kypros Kapnisis, Nikolaos Kassinis, Vasiliki Papanikolopoulou, Anastasia Diakou
Summary: The first survey on endoparasites of Cyprus mouflon found multiple parasites and discussed the impact on animal health and the risk of transmission from domestic ruminants.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lamprini Kalogianni, Zoe S. Polizopoulou, George Kazakos, Konstantina Kontopoulou, Eleftherios Triantafyllou, Victoria I. Siarkou, Jose Joaquin Ceron, Serafeim C. Chaintoutis, Chrysostomos I. Dovas, Androniki Tamvakis, Alexandros Theodoridis, Ioannis Savvas, Anastasia Diakou, Nektarios Soubasis
Summary: This study suggests that the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score can help suspect sepsis and predict prognosis in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Fabrizia Veronesi, Georgiana Deak, Anastasia Diakou
Summary: Wild mesocarnivores in Europe, such as the red fox, golden jackal, European wildcat, Mustelidae, raccoon dog, raccoons, and American mink, play a significant role in the introduction and transmission of parasitic zoonoses. This article discusses the importance of these animals as reservoirs, spreaders, or sentinels for endoparasites and emphasizes the need for surveillance and vigilance in studying their impact on human and domestic animal health.
Article
Microbiology
Anastasia Diakou, Dimitra Sofroniou, Barbara Paoletti, Androniki Tamvakis, Stanislav Kolencik, Dimitris Dimzas, Simone Morelli, Marika Grillini, Donato Traversa
Summary: Ticks and fleas in dogs and cats from Cyprus were investigated in this study, and vector-borne pathogens were detected in these ectoparasites. The results emphasize the importance of systematic ectoparasite control in dogs and cats.
Article
Microbiology
Simone Morelli, Anastasia Diakou, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Mariasole Colombo, Giulia Simonato, Angela Di Cesare, Alessandra Passarelli, Carlo Pezzuto, Zoe Tzitzoudi, Alessandra Barlaam, Melissa Beall, Ramaswamy Chandrashekar, Nikola Pantchev, Donato Traversa
Summary: Canine Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBDs) are prevalent in Europe and other countries. Dogs living in enzootic areas may have no clinical signs but can still transmit CVBDs. The study evaluated the exposure of dogs in Italy and Greece to CVBDs using diagnostic kits and found that 17% of the dogs were seropositive for at least 1 pathogen. Rapid tests are effective for detecting CVBDs in clinical settings. This study highlights the importance of monitoring and diagnosing CVBDs in dogs.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Diana Rammal, Christos K. K. Koutinas, Labrini V. V. Athanasiou, Melpomeni Tangalidi, Camila P. P. Rubio, Jose J. Ceron, Androniki Tamvakis, Michael N. N. Patsikas, Zoe S. S. Polizopoulou
Summary: The study aimed to measure the concentration of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and N-terminal-prohormone-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in dogs with mitral valve disease and determine their association with clinical stage and specific clinico-pathologic and echocardiographic findings. The results showed that PON-1 was not correlated with clinical stage, gender, or concurrent conditions. NT-proBNP, on the other hand, was correlated with clinical stage and echocardiographic indices of cardiomegaly and heart failure. These findings suggest that PON-1 is an insensitive marker for the severity of mitral valve disease and its utility may be hindered by confounding factors.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)