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1.
BMC Pulm Med ; 24(1): 340, 2024 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39010032

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We present an extremely rare manifestation of dirofilariasis in the pleural cavity. This is the first human pulmonary dirofilariasis reported in Lithuania; according to our knowledge, only two other patients were documented with this pathology in the world. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital complaining of dyspnea, left-side chest pain, and a dry cough. She was a retiree living alone in the countryside without domestic pets (sometimes stray dogs appear) or a travel history. A complete blood count was within normal limits, with a CRP level of 16.8 mg/l and D-dimer concentration of 900 µg/l, which raised suspicion of pulmonary embolism. In chest computed tomography angiography, pulmonary embolism was excluded, and only left pleural effusion without abnormal lesions was confirmed. Left thoracocentesis was performed, and the pleural fluid was evaluated as an exudate with a predominance of eosinophils (59%), along with the presence of parasites. These parasites exhibited the morphology of Dirofilaria repens. Oral doxycycline (100 mg, twice daily) and albendazole (400 mg, twice daily) were prescribed for a 14-day course. A month later, there were no pathological findings on the chest X-ray, and the patient no longer had respiratory symptoms. However, the patient presented with an emerged, painful palpable right breastmass, where the rash was previously observed. Ultrasound imaging revealed a 1.5 × 2 cm nodule, which was surgically removed. Parasites consistent with Dirofilaria repens were suspected but not definitively identified. Pharmacological treatment for dirofilariasis was not further prescribed. CONCLUSIONS: This case encourages doctors to be more vigilant because the patient, who neither travelled nor kept any pets, contracted dirofilariasis. Diagnostic and treatment guidelines are lacking, necessitating further research. Treatment with doxycycline and albendazole yielded positive outcomes, suggesting potential efficacy for dirofilarial pleuritis.


Subject(s)
Albendazole , Dirofilariasis , Pleural Effusion , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Humans , Female , Aged , Pleural Effusion/etiology , Pleural Effusion/diagnosis , Pleural Effusion/diagnostic imaging , Pleural Effusion/parasitology , Animals , Albendazole/therapeutic use , Doxycycline/therapeutic use , Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification
2.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 12979, 2024 06 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38839868

ABSTRACT

Subcutaneous dirofilariasis, caused by the parasitic nematode Dirofilaria repens, is a growing concern in Europe, affecting both dogs and humans. This study focused on D. repens Dr20/22, a protein encoded by an alt (abundant larval transcript) gene family. While well-documented in L3 larvae of other filariae species, this gene family had not been explored in dirofilariasis. The research involved cloning Dr20/22 cDNA, molecular characterization, and evaluating its potential application in the diagnosis of dirofilariasis. Although Real-Time analysis revealed mRNA expression in both adult worms and microfilariae, the native protein remained undetected in lysates from both developmental stages. This suggests the protein's specificity for L3 larvae and may be related to a process called SLTS (spliced leader trans-splicing), contributing to stage-specific gene expression. The specificity of the antigen for invasive larvae positions it as a promising early marker for dirofilariasis. However, ELISA tests using sera from infected and uninfected dogs indicated limited diagnostic utility. While further research is required, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular and immunological aspects of host-parasite interactions and could offer insights into the parasite's strategies for evading the immune system.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Animals , Dogs , Dirofilariasis/immunology , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Dirofilaria repens/genetics , Dirofilaria repens/immunology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dog Diseases/immunology , Antibodies, Helminth/immunology , Antibodies, Helminth/blood , Helminth Proteins/genetics , Helminth Proteins/immunology , Helminth Proteins/metabolism , Antigens, Helminth/immunology , Antigens, Helminth/genetics , Larva/immunology , Antibody Formation/immunology
3.
BMC Vet Res ; 20(1): 66, 2024 Feb 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38395823

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria spp., considered an emerging concern in both veterinary and human medicine. Climate changes and human activities, such as pet travel, contribute to the spread of diseases to new non-endemic regions. Poland is dominated by subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by D. repens infections. Cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, also known as a heartworm disease is much more rare with only single autochthonous cases reported so far. Also, imported infections are observed sporadically in dogs traveling to endemic countries. In this study, we report the first case of a dog in Poland, never having traveled abroad, co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old mixed breed, an intact male dog with fever, lightly pale mucosal membranes, moderate abdominal pain, and a mild cough was presented in a veterinary clinic in Warsaw, Poland. The examination of the blood sample collected for complete morphology and biochemistry revealed the presence of live microfilariae. Presence of the DNA of both microfilariae species was detected using Real-Time PCR with species-specific primers. CONCLUSIONS: Since the remaining diagnostic methods like Knott's test, antigen test or echocardiography did not reveal the presence of D. immitis, we discussed the impact of microfilariae periodicity and low worm burden infections on the limited efficiency of these techniques. We strongly recommend using a mixed diagnostic approach for the most sensitive and specific diagnosis since the ideal diagnostic method does not exist, and several factors may contribute to misdiagnosis. Furthermore, we considered factors that contribute to the uncontrolled spread of dirofilariasis such as climate changes, introduction of new species of mosquitoes competent for the transmission of the disease, and wildlife animals as an important reservoir of this parasitosis. Given that Poland shares borders with countries classified as endemic and pre-endemic for D. immitis, such as Slovakia and Ukraine, it is reasonable to anticipate a rise in autochthonous heartworm infections and shifts in the epidemiological pattern of dirofilariasis in the coming years.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Humans , Animals , Dogs , Male , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Dirofilaria repens/genetics , Poland , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Mosquito Vectors , Microfilariae
4.
Trends Parasitol ; 40(3): 257-270, 2024 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38228446

ABSTRACT

Dirofilaria spp. are vector-borne filarial nematodes that affect a variety of animal species, including humans. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the two main zoonotic species, but also other wildlife-associated Dirofilaria species are occasionally reported as causative agents of human dirofilariasis, including Dirofilaria striata, Dirofilaria tenuis, Dirofilaria ursi, Dirofilaria spectans, and Dirofilaria magnilarvata. Since the etiological identity of most of the species mentioned here is arguable, we summarized and critically discussed data concerning infections in humans, focusing on the reliability of Dirofilaria species identification. We advocate the importance of combined morphological and genomic approaches to provide unequivocal evidence for their zoonotic potential and pathogenicity.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Parasites , Animals , Dogs , Humans , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Reproducibility of Results , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dirofilaria repens/genetics
5.
Parasitol Res ; 123(2): 118, 2024 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38296850

ABSTRACT

Dirofilaria immitis is a ubiquitous nematode parasite with zoonotic potential, transmitted by mosquitoes, that causes heartworm disease in various animal species. Dogs are the parasite's typical final host, and wild carnivores represent the parasite's reservoir in nature. Studies on D. immitis infections in wild animals are essential to assess infection pressure for domestic animals, and until now, there has been only one infection case reported in a European badger (Meles meles). The current report describes the first two European badger cases with cardiovascular dirofilariosis in Greece. Two adult male badgers were rescued in Heraklion and Chania, Crete Island, and admitted to "ANIMA -Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre" in Athens. The detailed clinical examination revealed that the first badger suffered from severe broncho-pneumonitis while the second one displayed clinical signs associated with severe brain trauma. Blood samples were taken for haematology and biochemistry analyses during their short hospitalisation period. In addition, different routine diagnostic tests were carried out, including heartworm antigen testing (ELISA) and the modified Knott's test for microfilariae. Both badgers were positive in both tests. The animals died a few hours after their admission and the detailed necropsies followed, revealed the presence of three parasites in each animal's right heart, morphologically identified as adults of D. immitis. These findings add the European badger in the list of additional potential reservoir hosts for D. immitis and highlight the potential role of wildlife for companion animals and human health.


Subject(s)
Carnivora , Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Mustelidae , Male , Animals , Humans , Dogs , Greece/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Prevalence , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Animals, Wild
6.
Vet Res Commun ; 48(2): 1195-1201, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37919542

ABSTRACT

Dirofilaria repens is an endemic mosquito-borne pathogen widely spread throughout Europe and other non-Europen regions. Infection by D. repens has been reported in dogs, although little is known about the occurrence and epidemiological features of this nematode in cats. During the surgical procedure within the framework of a trap, neuter and release sterilization program, two female filarial nematodes with spontaneous movement were removed from the internal part of the spermatic cord from asymptomatic stray cat in Spain (Grao de Castellón, Castellon de la Plana, province of Spain). Moreover, the presence of microfilariae was detected by using three different methods, including direct blood smear technique, the microhematocrit tube test, and Knott´s modified test. PCR performed from the nematodes extracted from the spermatic cord and from microfilariae in EDTA-blood sample tested both positive for D. repens. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates the presence of D. repens in cats in Spain. In this sense, a review of the current scientific status of feline subcutaneous dirofilariosis in Europe was also performed. Future investigations should analyze the epidemiological role of cats in D. repens infection including the prevalence of infection. Veterinarians working in endemic areas should be aware of this infection in cats and their susceptibility.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Male , Cats , Animals , Female , Dogs , Spain/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Dirofilariasis/epidemiology , Europe/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Cat Diseases/epidemiology
7.
Vet Parasitol ; 326: 110096, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38141355

ABSTRACT

Dirofilaria repens is a paradigmatic example of an emerging vector-borne pathogen (VBP) in both human and veterinary fields. The spatial expansion and the increasing zoonotic impact of this VBP can be related to several drivers including the genetic structure of parasite populations. Italy is one of the European countries traditionally endemic with the highest incidence of canine and human cases of subcutaneous dirofilariosis. The present study aimed to assess the genetic identity and variability of D. repens isolates of human and canine origin from areas of Central Italy, compared with those isolated from different areas of Europe by sequence analysis of mtDNA genes (i.e., 12 S rDNA and cox1). A total of twenty isolates of D. repens were obtained from biopsies of subcutaneous and ocular cases of dirofilariosis occurring in 10 dogs and 10 humans. The sequence analysis of 12 S rDNA showed that all the sequences obtained clustered as a monophyletic group with a strong nodal support, indicating that all sequence types represented D. repens. The cox1 and the 12 S sequence analysis did not show host-related polymorphisms between human and dog-derived specimens. The sequence analysis of cox1 was performed including 8 additional sequences previously obtained from human and canine isolates in the same areas. Out of the 28 sequences analyzed, 20 were grouped in a haplogroup comprising 15 haplotypes (i.e., DR1, DR2, DR4, DR5, DR7, DR8, DR10-DR18), 2 sequences matched to DR9, reported for the first time in Italy, and 6 showed peculiar polymorphisms that were not previously described. The results obtained have implications for a better understanding of the epidemiology and phylogeography of this emerging vector-borne zoonotic parasite.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Humans , Animals , Dogs , Dirofilaria repens/genetics , Italy/epidemiology , Dirofilariasis/epidemiology , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Europe/epidemiology , DNA, Ribosomal , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/parasitology
8.
Ter Arkh ; 95(11): 970-975, 2023 Dec 22.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38158954

ABSTRACT

The differential diagnosis of neoplasms of various localizations is the primary task in clinical practice of all physicians. We present a description of the case of invasion with Dirofilaria repens in the lung of a 68-year-old patient. In 2016 the patient was diagnosed with cancer of the left kidney and underwent a left-sided nephrectomy. During the dynamic observation in 2019, a lump was found in the left lung, which was regarded as a metastasis. An atypical SIX resection of the left lung was performed. Microscopy of the removed lump revealed the presence of a nematode of the genus Dirofilaria, presumably D. repens. The species identity of D. repens was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using species-specific primers. It is known that the morphological identification of parasites up to the species in the surgical material presents certain difficulties and requires high professional training of the researcher. Therefore, the diagnosis of dirofilariasis in atypical localizations of nematodes in the human body is of great importance in the differentiation of malignant and benign formations, and the use of the polymerase chain reaction method can significantly increase the accuracy in establishing the final diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Animals , Humans , Aged , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Dirofilariasis/surgery , Dirofilaria repens/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Lung/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential
9.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 29(12): 2548-2550, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37987593

ABSTRACT

We report a case of Dirofilaria repens infection causing microfilaremia in a patient from Serbia. Serum samples tested positive for D. repens IgG by ELISA. Our findings and those of others suggest the parasite's progressive adaptation to humans. Clinicians should be aware that microfilaremia can develop during Dirofilaria spp. infections.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Animals , Humans , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Serbia
10.
BMC Vet Res ; 19(1): 239, 2023 Nov 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37978522

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dirofilarioses are widespread diseases caused by mosquito-borne nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, genus Dirofilaria. The major etiologic agent of canine dirofilariosis in the American continent is the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Existing reports of filarioid nematodes in Cuba are based solely on morphological and immunological analysis which do not allow unambiguous identification and/or direct detection of causal agents. RESULTS: Here we present the molecular characterization of filarioid nematodes found in a dog in Cuba. Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and cox1 gene fragments, the worms were unambiguously classified as D. immitis. Sequence analysis showed high identity of the gene fragments in this study with others previously obtained from D. immitis found in dogs, wolfs and jackals but also from mosquito vectors of D. immitis. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are guarantee to better understand the epidemiological impact of canine dirofilariosis in Cuba as well as the competence of different species of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of Dirofilaria in the country.


Subject(s)
Culicidae , Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Animals , Dogs , Dirofilaria immitis/genetics , Dirofilariasis/epidemiology , Cuba/epidemiology , Phylogeny , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Jackals , Dirofilaria repens/genetics
12.
Parasitol Res ; 122(12): 2945-2950, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37773461

ABSTRACT

The present study was focused on the current state of Dirofilaria species distribution in the territory of the Slovak Danubian Lowland, a region previously identified endemic for Dirofilaria repens. For the research, blood samples of 330 dogs tested positive for dirofilariosis using concentration tests or "rapid heartworm tests" were sent by private veterinary practitioners for further DNA analyses and species determination. The results revealed an unquestionable change in the pattern of Dirofilaria species distribution with Dirofilaria immitis, diagnosed as the agent of mono- and co-infections with D. repens, responsible for 60.00% of all cases. The results showed that in the course of the last 5 years, D. immitis has spread significantly in Slovakia and has become the dominant causal agent of dirofilariosis in the former endemic areas of D. repens distribution, which increases infection risk for both dogs and humans.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Humans , Animals , Dogs , Dirofilaria immitis/genetics , Slovakia/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dirofilariasis/epidemiology , Dirofilaria repens/genetics
13.
Parasitol Res ; 122(10): 2445-2450, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37530869

ABSTRACT

Dirofilariasis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Dirofilaria parasites, affecting both wild and domestic animals, including humans considered as accidental hosts. Dirofilaria repens is the principal causative agent of dirofilariasis in the Old World, with increasing reports of the parasite in countries where it has not been previously identified, due to several factors such as the expansion of mosquito vectors' geographical distribution. By utilizing newly designed primers for molecular detection and confirming through next-generation sequencing, here, we report the first plausible cases of D. repens in dogs from Colombia. Our results support the classification of this species as an emergent pathogen in the Americas. Finally, we encourage an increase in diagnostic and surveillance efforts to prevent and control the current and future dirofilariasis cases in this region.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Animals , Dogs , Humans , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Dirofilariasis/epidemiology , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Dirofilaria repens/genetics , Colombia/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Mosquito Vectors , Dirofilaria immitis/genetics
14.
Vestn Otorinolaringol ; 88(3): 99-102, 2023.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37450400

ABSTRACT

The article presents the clinical case of a young woman with the dirofilariosis of the nose slope on the right side. This disease is quite rare, and therefore there is a difficulty in setting the correct one. This case is a professional interest both for young doctors and for experienced specialists. Specialists,will be able, if necessary, to correctly diagnose and effectively treat this disease analyzing the given clinical example.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Animals , Female , Humans , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Nose
15.
Clin Ter ; 174(4): 322-325, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37378500

ABSTRACT

Abstract: Zoonotic dirofilariasis infestation, caused by Dirofilaria Repens, is described worldwide in different countries. A 31-years-old male patient presented thoracic muscle pain after growth of an ovoidal undefine cyst in left parasternal region. Patient reported several contacts with different species of animals for a familiar activity. In absence of blood inflammatory indices and systemic symptoms, imaging studies showed a suspected muscle cyst infection. Surgical excision was performed and microbiology confirmed parasite nature. Dirofilaria Repens, probably adult female, was identified. Treatment resulted to be definitive and any other clinical and surgical approach was needed. Healing time was uneventful and follow-up showed no further systemic relapses. The case highlights the effectiveness of surgical treatment in this subcutaneous infestation for an increasing number of human cases reported in endemic areas such as Central Italy.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Adult , Animals , Humans , Male , Female , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Dirofilariasis/surgery , Dirofilariasis/epidemiology , Pectoralis Muscles , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Italy
16.
Parasit Vectors ; 16(1): 207, 2023 Jun 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37340314

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dirofilariasis, the disease caused by Dirofilaria spp., and in particular by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in canines, occurs frequently in canids and felids, and occasionally in humans, in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions globally. Although highly effective, safe and convenient preventive medicines have been available for the treatment of dirofilariasis for the past three decades, the disease remains a major veterinary and public health concern in endemic areas. The insect vectors, host-parasite relationships and interactions of Dirofilaria spp. have received little attention in China, and there is very little information in English regarding the prevalence of dirofilariasis in animals and humans in the country. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the status of canine dirofilariasis in China based on the available literature in English and in Chinese. METHODS: We systematically searched five databases for epidemiologic studies on the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China and finally selected 42 studies eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model in the meta package in R v4.2.1. RESULTS: The random effects model gave a pooled and weighted prevalence of Dirofilaria infection among dogs in China in the past 100 years of 13.8% (2896/51,313, 95% confidence interval 8.2-20.4%) with a high level of heterogeneity (I2 =  99.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses indicated that the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China has gradually declined, but that the range of Dirofilaria spp. has expanded. Older and outdoor dogs presented a higher rate of positive infection. The findings indicated that more attention should be paid to host factors for the effective control and management of this disease.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Animals , Dogs , China/epidemiology , Dirofilariasis/epidemiology , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Prevalence
17.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 41: 100872, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37208081

ABSTRACT

Dirofilarosis is spreading among dogs and humans in Europe with infections being established in many countries. Here, we describe the first molecular biologically confirmed case of D. repens infection in an imported dog in Denmark and highlight the potential zoonotic aspects from this emerging zoonotic parasite in central and northern Europe as at least one to two generations of Dirofilaria spp. can occur per year in Denmark.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Humans , Animals , Dogs , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Zoonoses/diagnosis , Denmark
18.
J Vet Intern Med ; 37(3): 992-997, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37185888

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether Dirofilaria repens is capable of causing similar glomerular lesions, as does Dirofilaria immitis. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether D. repens infection could cause albuminuria or proteinuria. ANIMALS: Sixty-five clinically healthy laboratory beagle dogs. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, dogs were tested for D. repens infection (modified Knott test, PCR test, D. immitis antigen test) and were grouped as "D. repens infected" or "control" dogs. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UAC) and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) were measured from samples taken by cystocentesis. RESULTS: Forty-three (26 infected, 17 control) dogs were included in the final study group. UAC but not UPC level was significantly higher in the infected group (UAC median 12.5; range, 0-700 mg/g and UPC median 0.15; range, 0.06-1.06) than in the control group (UAC median 6.3; range, 0-28 mg/g and UPC median 0.13; range, 0.05-0.64; P = .02 and P = .65). Overt proteinuria (UPC > 0.5) was present in 6/26 (23%) of the infected dogs and 1/17 (6%) of the control dogs. Albuminuria (UAC > 19 mg/g) was detected in 9/26 (35%) dogs in the infected group, and 2/17 dogs (12%) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: D. repens might cause similar glomerular lesions to those caused by D. immitis.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Dogs , Animals , Dirofilariasis/complications , Albuminuria/veterinary , Cross-Sectional Studies , Creatinine
19.
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd ; 165(5): 321-331, 2023 May.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37227094

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Infectious diseases are increasingly introduced into Switzerland due to the increased travel activity in recent decades and the import of dogs. Dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis or D. repens, is one of them. An infection with D. repens, the cause of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis, is often asymptomatic in dogs, but represents a potential zoonotic disease risk for humans. Due to the rapidly increasing number of human cases, D. repens is considered an emerging zoonosis in north-eastern Europe. The prevalence of D. repens infections in dogs and humans in Switzerland is unknown. Since 2016 the analysing diagnostic laboratory provided with the newly introduced filaria PCR a realiable diagnostic test to differentiate betweeen D. immitis and D. repens. Total nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) was extracted from 200 µl EDTA blood without prior enrichment followed by a species-specific real-time PCR assay. The analyses for Dirofilariae in the years 2016 to 2021 were examined in a descriptive retrospective study and the proportion of positive tests per year (prevalence with 95 % confidence interval) was calculated. Furthermore, blood samples of 50 imported dogs to Switzerland were analyzed in an exploratory cross-sectional study for the presence of dirofilaria. No D. repens positive case was found in the first two years after the introduction of the PCR. In 2018 five of 546 analyzed samples (5/546, 0,9 %, 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]=0,7 - 1,2 %) tested positive for D. repens, in 2019 four of 591 (0,7 %, 95 % CI=0,5 - 0,9 %), in 2020 15 of 783 (1,9 %, 95 % CI=1,6 - 2,3 %) and in 2021 eleven of 1058 samples (1,0 %, 95 % CI=0,8 - 1,3 %). In the exploratory cross-sectional study, four of the 50 examined dogs were positive for D. repens (8 %, 95 % CI=2,6 - 20,1 %). One dog had a concurrent infection with D. immitis and D. repens. All four positive tested dogs were imported from Hungary. Potentially zoonotic infections with D. repens occur in dogs living in Switzerland. This disease should be included in the differential diagnoses of imported dogs and a monitoring during routine health checks should be done more often. The veterinary profession can thus assume its responsibility for the prevention of zoonoses as part of a One Health approach.


INTRODUCTION: Au cours des dernières décennies, des maladies infectieuses sont de plus en plus souvent introduites en Suisse en raison de l'augmentation des voyages et de l'importation de chiens. La dirofilariose, causée par Dirofilaria immitis ou D. repens, est une de ces maladies. Une infection par D. repens, responsable de la dirofilariose sous-cutanée canine, est souvent asymptomatique chez le chien, mais elle représente un risque potentiel de zoonose pour l'homme. En raison de l'augmentation rapide du nombre de cas humains, D. repens est une zoonose émergente dans le nord-est de l'Europe. La prévalence des infections à D. repens chez les chiens et les humains en Suisse est inconnue. L'introduction de la PCR des filaires dans le laboratoire d'analyse permet depuis 2016 de faire une distinction fiable entre D. immitis et D. repens. L'acide nucléique total (ADN et ARN) a été extrait de 200 µl de sang EDTA sans enrichissement préalable, suivi d'un test PCR en temps réel spécifique à l'espèce. Les résultats des analyses de la dirofilariose de 2016 à 2021 ont été examinés dans une étude rétrospective descriptive et la proportion de tests positifs par an (prévalence avec un intervalle de confiance de 95 %) a été calculée. En outre, des échantillons de sang de 50 chiens importés en Suisse ont été analysés dans le cadre d'une étude transversale exploratoire pour la présence de dirofilaires. Aucun cas positif à D. repens n'a été trouvé au cours des deux premières années suivant l'introduction de la PCR. En 2018, cinq des 546 échantillons analysés (5/546, 0,9 %, intervalle de confiance à 95 % [95 %CI]=0,7­1,2 %) ont été testés positifs pour D. repens, en 2019 quatre des 591 (0,7 %, CI 95 %=0,5 ­ 0,9 %), en 2020 15 des 783 (1,9 %, CI 95 %=1,6 ­ 2,3 %) et en 2021 onze des 1058 échantillons (1,0 %, CI 95 %=0,8 ­ 1,3 %). Dans l'étude transversale exploratoire, quatre des 50 chiens examinés étaient positifs pour D. repens (8 %, CI à 95 % = 2,6 ­ 20,1 %). Un chien présentait une infection concomitante par D. immitis et D. repens. Les quatre chiens testés positifs avaient été importés de Hongrie. Des infections potentiellement zoonotiques par D. repens se produisent chez des chiens vivant en Suisse. La surveillance de cette maladie devrait être davantage incluse dans les contrôles de santé de routine et dans les diagnostics différentiels chez les chiens importés. La profession vétérinaire peut ainsi assumer sa responsabilité dans la prévention des zoonoses dans le cadre d'une approche One Health.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria repens , Dirofilariasis , Dog Diseases , Humans , Animals , Dogs , Dirofilariasis/diagnosis , Dirofilariasis/epidemiology , Switzerland/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Retrospective Studies , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/epidemiology
20.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 39: 100842, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36878627

ABSTRACT

Populations of the coati, Nasua nasua, like the populations of other wild animals, are regulated by several biotic or abiotic factors. For example, parasites act as a biotic factor affecting the dynamics and density of coati populations. The parasitic nematodes of coatis include Dirofilaria species, such as Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, and Dirofilaria incrassata. Considering that there are few records on parasitism by D. incrassata, including information on the life cycle or location in the host body, this study aimed to investigate the infection of N. nasua by D. incrassata in midwestern Brazil. Thus, two coatis (males and adults) from the Cerrado of Goiás, which died (cause unknown) at the Wild Animal Screening Center/IBAMA in the municipality of Goiânia, Goiás, Midwestern of Brazil, were dissected and all helminths found were collected, identified following specific keys and quantified. A total of 85 specimens of D. incrassata were collected, with a mean parasitic intensity of 42.5 and a parasitic amplitude ranging from 40 to 45, measuring 41-93 mm in length and 0.23-0.45 mm in width. All helminths were adults and were distributed in the superficial and deep fascia (at different levels) from the neck to the hind limb. Most helminths were tangled, with some encased in a connective tissue film. Most reported human heartworm cases refer to subcutaneous or ocular heartworm infection, mainly caused by D. repens, although other species of heartworm may be associated. D. incrassata was not reported as zoonotic agent, diferently of other Dirofilaria species associated with wild animals and with zoonotic potential in the Americas. This study reiterates N. nasua as the definitive host for D. incrassata and the subcutaneous tissue as the site of choice for this helminth in the adult form. In addition, it reports new body regions where the parasite occurs. This study is the first to document the occurrence of D. incrassata infestation in the State of Goiás, Brazil.


Subject(s)
Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilaria repens , Animals , Humans , Male , Animals, Wild , Brazil/epidemiology , Hindlimb
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