Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Aydin and Izmir Provinces, Turkey

Authors : Hakan SARALİ, Tülin KARAGENÇ, Hüseyin BİLGİÇ, Serkan BAKIRCI

Pages : 711-715

View : 15 | Download : 4

Publication Date : 2020-12-06

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Mosquito-borne nematodes, Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are among the most important filarial parasites of dogs. D. immitis is the causal agent of heartworm that primarily infects domestic and wild canids. Rarely, humans become accidental hosts to this parasite. D. repens, which is the main agent of human dirofilariosis, usually causes a non-pathogenic, subcutaneous infection in dogs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. in the owned dogs in Aydin and Izmir regions using four different diagnostic techniques. To this end, blood samples were collected from 150 dogs in Aydin insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n: 122); and Izmir insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n: 28); provinces. The presence of the microfilariae of the parasite in the blood samples were examined by wet blood film method, modified Knott’s test, membrane filtration-acid phosphatase staining techniques and polymerase chain reaction insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PCR);. A commercial antigen test kit insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HESKA Solo Step CH Batch Test Strips); was also used to detect adult D. immitis antigens in serum samples. The overall prevalence of D. immitis was % 10,0 as determined by both PCR and the antigen test kit. While the presence of the parasite determined by the modified Knott’s and membrane filtration tests was 4,67%, only four animals were determined to be positive by direct microscopic examination insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2,67%);. All positive samples were detected in Aydin, majority in the Germencik district. The prevalence of D. immitis was higher in male dogs insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(% 11,93); when compared to female dogs insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(%4,87);. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that canine dirofilariosis is prevalent in Aydın province insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(10,0%); of Turkey, even though the positivity is confined to a small area. Reliable epidemiological data is crucial to implement preventive control measures in order to decrease the incidence of canine dirofilariosis, which should be considered under the “One Health” concept in endemic areas.
Keywords : Dirofilaria immitis, prevalence, dog, diagnosis, epidemiology