scholarly journals Differential diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis nematodes (Nematoda, Onchocercidae)

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 642-648
Author(s):  
D. Kryvoruchenko ◽  
Y. Prykhodko ◽  
O. Mazannyі ◽  
O. Titarenko ◽  
I. Reva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Nerve Ring ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Body Width ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Heartworm Disease ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Right

Heartworm disease is a widespread anthropozoonotic disease of carnivorous animals, as well as humans. It is caused by nematodes belonging to the suborder Filariata, family Onchocercidae, genus Dirofilaria. There are about 26 species of heartworms in nature, the most common and pathogenic species in dogs and cats in most countries is Dirofilaria immitis Leidy, 1856. Mature helminths parasitize in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries, large veins of animals and cause heart and vascular disorders, and death. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the features of morphological and metric structure of adult nematodes of D. immitis isolated from the heart of dogs. Morphological studies have shown that in males the most characteristic differential features are the presence of two unequal spicules, specifically positioned relative to each other, as well as well-defined preanal and less pronounced adanal and postanal papillae. In female heartworms, the characteristic morphological features are the shape and location of the vulva. There is a difference in the structure of the esophagus in males and females. In females, the anterior and posterior parts of the esophagus are well expressed, with enlargements, in males these divisions are not pronounced. To increase the efficiency of species identification of D. immitis nematodes, it is proposed to use metric parameters that characterize the overall body size, body and width of esophagus in different areas, length of esophagus, and the location of the nerve ring. In males, 11 indicators are also suggested that characterize the size of the spicules and the location of the cloaca. In females, seven additional parameters are pointed out that characterize the location of the vulva, anus and body width in these areas. The obtained data expand the already existing data on the peculiarities of the morphological structure of parasitic nematodes of the species D. immitis and their identification.

scholarly journals The fatal case of an autochthonous heartworm disease in a dog from a non-endemic region of south-eastern Slovakia

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Miterpáková ◽  
H. Zborovská ◽  
B. Bielik ◽  
M. Halán
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Fatal Case ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Right Heart ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
The Past ◽  
Heartworm Disease ◽  
The Right

SummaryDuring the past few years, several localities with increasing Dirofilaria immitis occurrences have been identified in Slovakia; particularly in areas regarded as endemic for Dirofilaria repens up until now. In terms of that, dogs with clinically manifested heartworm disease have been referred to the veterinary ambulances more frequently. We report in this study, two autochthonous cases of D. immitisinfections diagnosed in two seven-year-old siblings of Tibetan Mastiff dogs from the Košice region of south-eastern Slovakia. The course of the disease in both dogs were very different. The female dog did not manifest any unusual findings, however the male dog exhibited severe clinical signs of heartworm disease that lead to his death. The subsequent autopsy revealed adult D. immitis worms in the right heart ventricle and pulmonary arteries.

scholarly journals Dirofilaria immitis in wolves recolonizing northern Italy: are wolves competent hosts?

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Moroni ◽  
Luca Rossi ◽  
Pier Giuseppe Meneguz ◽  
Riccardo Orusa ◽  
Simona Zoppi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Fertility Status ◽  
Heartworm Infection ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Right ◽  
Return Process

Abstract Background Wild carnivores such as the grey wolf (Canis lupus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackal (Canis aureus) are recognized hosts of Dirofilaria immitis. However, few studies have focused on their actual role in the epidemiology of heartworm infection. This study describes the prevalence and distribution of D. immitis in wolves in a heartworm-endemic area in northern Italy where wolves have recently returned after long-time eradication, and investigates the fertility status of the collected adult nematodes. Methods In the frame of a long-term wolf monitoring programme in northwestern Italy, 210 wolf carcasses from four provinces were inspected for the presence of filarioid nematodes in the right heart and pulmonary arteries. Female heartworms were measured, and their uterine content analyzed according to a previously described “embryogram” technique. Results Three wolves, all originating from a single province (Alessandria), were positive for D. immitis (1.42%, 95% CI: 0.48–4.11%, in the whole study area; 13.6%, 95% CI: 4.7–33.3%, limited to the single province from which infected wolves originated). Mean intensity was 5 worms (range: 3–7) and the female worms measured 21–28 cm in length. Six out of 9 female worms harbored uterine microfilariae: 5 were classified as gravid; 1 showed a “discontinuous gradient”; and 3 were non-gravid. Conclusions The present data show that heartworm infection is already prevalent in wolves that have recolonized the known heartworm-endemic area. Based on “embryogram” results, wolves were shown suitable heartworm hosts. Interestingly, investigated wolves appeared similarly exposed to heartworm infection as sympatric unprotected dogs (owned dogs that have never received any heartworm prevention treatment) sampled at the beginning of the wolf return process.

scholarly journals Influence of technological methods of growing on the anatomy-morphological structure of the stem of winter wheat in conditions of the right-bank Forest-steppe of Ukraine

1970 ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
V.A. Mazur ◽  
H.V. Pantsyreva ◽  
Y.M. Kopytchuk
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
High Resistance ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Morphological Parameters ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Wheat Hybrids ◽  
The Right

Purpose. Study of the anatomical and morphological structure of the stem of winter wheat hybrids depending on fertilization backgrounds and seeding rates in agrocenoses of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe natural zone of Ukraine. Methods. Observation, comparison, analysis and synthesis, forecast, field experiment. Results. The study of the dynamics of formation and functioning of the anatomical and morphological structure of the stem of winter wheat plants was carried out. The influence of the background without fertilizers and against the background of their increased level of application on the length of internodes (1-3) of stems in winter wheat agrocenoses was studied. It has been proven that seeding rates significantly influenced the length of the internodes. The influence of the background of mineral nutrition and seeding rates on the main anatomical and morphological parameters of winter wheat stems, in particular, the thickness of the stem and ring of mechanical tissue, the number and diameter of vascular-fibrous bundles was studied. It was found that the strength of the straw is largely determined by the number of vascular-fibrous bundles, as well as their diameter. It was the biggest on the variants with the increased fertilization background. It is noted that anatomical and morphological studies are needed in order to ensure the development of a more durable straw, which determines high resistance to lodging at a seeding rate of 3 and 1.5 million seeds/ha. Conclusions. On the basis of the conducted studies, it was found that the soil and climatic conditions of the years of the study and the factors that were studied have a direct influence on the anatomical and morphological parameters of wheet. At the same time, the best conditions for the maximum realization of the potential of the Patros hybrid of winter wheat plants were created in the experimental variants with a seeding rate of 3 and 1.5 million seeds/ha, ensuring the development of a more durable straw, which led to a high resistance to lodging.

scholarly journals Co-infection with Angiostrongylus chabaudi and Dirofilaria immitis in a wildcat, Felis silvestris from Romania – a case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-306
Author(s):  
Călin Mircea Gherman ◽  
Angela Monica Ionică ◽  
Georgiana Deak ◽  
Gabriel Bogdan Chișamera ◽  
Andrei Daniel Mihalca
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Felis Silvestris ◽  
Accession Number ◽  
Laboratory Examination ◽  
Cardiac Symptoms ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Angiostrongylus Chabaudi ◽  
The Right ◽  
Southern European Countries

Dirofilaria immitis is a worldwide spread nematode affecting the pulmonary artery and the heart of dogs (rarely reported in cats), especially in areas where the dogs show a high prevalence of infection. Angiostrongylus chabaudi is, in turn, a cardiopulmonary nematode of felids identified in several southern European countries and Germany. Co-infections of Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus spp. are known only in canids. We report a case of D. immitis and A. chabaudi co-infection in a road-killed wildcat originating from Southeastern Romania. Overall, 17 nematodes were collected from the pulmonary arteries of the wildcat and were morphologically identified as A. chabaudi (2 males and 15 females). Another nematode was collected from the right ventricle and identified as adult male D. immitis. Genomic DNA was extracted from one nematode of each of the two species and a fragment of the cox1 gene was amplified and sequenced. The sequences obtained from the nematodes showed 100% similarity to a sequence of A. chabaudi isolated from Romania (Accession number KU521521) and to various D. immitis sequences from Europe, Asia and Australia (e.g. KT716014, EU159111, AJ537512). This is the first report of A. chabaudi and D. immitis co-infection in a felid, revealing the possibility of similar situations in domestic cats. This requires a more in-depth clinical and laboratory examination of animals with respiratory and cardiac symptoms.

Variations in microfilariae and infective stages of two types of Wuchereria bancrofti from the Thai-Myanmar border

1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 317-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Jitpakdi ◽  
W. Choochote ◽  
P. Panart ◽  
D. Insun ◽  
K. Panart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Length ◽  
Wuchereria Bancrofti ◽  
Nerve Ring ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Width ◽  
Space Length ◽  
New Variety ◽  
Body Dimensions ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Space Width

Comparative morphometric and morphological studies of microfilariae and infective stages were undertaken in nocturnally periodic and subperiodic Wuchereria bancrofti. For microfilariae, the body dimensions of nocturnally periodic (NP) were significantly smaller than nocturnally subperiodic (NSP), i.e. body length 268.03 ± 14.75 μm (NP), 307.61 ± 11.52 μm (NSP); cephalic space length 4.21 ± 0.62 μm (NP), 5.32 ± 0.79 μm (NSP); head to nerve ring 49.39 ± 5.43 μm (NP), 57.40 ± 4.46 μm (NSP); innenkörper length 33.05 ± 5.89 μm (NP), 44.02 ± 8.71 μm (NSP); cephalic space width 4.28 ± 0.59 μm (NP), 6.04 ± 0.68 μm (NSP); body width at nerve ring 5.01 ± 0.57 μm (NP), 7.45 ± 0.75 μm (NSP). The number of nuclei between the cephalic space and nerve ring of NP (66.67 ± 5.19) was also significantly less than in NSP (94.74 ± 6.95). For infective stages, the body dimensions of NP were significantly smaller than NSP, i.e. body length 1632.50 ± 131.48 μm (NP), 2002.63 ± 222.60 μm (NSP); head to nerve ring 103.09 ± 7.47 μm (NP), 122.44 ± 9.62 μm (NSP); head to oesophago-intestinal junction 567.69 ± 94.84 μm (NP), 666.75 ± 110.08 μm (NSP); body width at oesophago-intestinal junction 23.15 ± 1.55 μm (NP), 26.78 ± 1.62 μm (NSP). It is too early to infer the NP type as an additional sibling species of W. bancrofti but it is reasonable to treat it as a new variety and additional work is needed to clarify its status.

scholarly journals Canine and Feline Dirofilariasis Currently Spreads in Indonesia Damaging Pulmonary Arteries and Lungs: A Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 814-829
Author(s):  
Marissa Divia Dayanti ◽  
I Wayan Batan ◽  
Aloysiana Margaretha ◽  
Kevin Tri Tama
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Serious Infection ◽  
Heartworm Disease ◽  
Heartworm Infection

Dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, mostly known as heartworm disease, is an important mosquito-borne nematode zoonosis that naturally infects canids and other species such as cats, ferrets, and humans. There have been reports of heartworm infection from many countries in worldwide. Researchers have reported D. immitis is widely distributed in Southeast Asia because this parasitic zoonosis disease lives in temperate, tropical, and subtropical areas and can be found in colder regions. Therefore, the authors intended to provide an overview of Dirofilariasis cases in Indonesia from a global perspective. The published articles of dirofilariasis were collected and retrieved by an electronic literature search of three databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. The literature presented is intended to enhance our current understanding of the overview of D. immitis infection and its prevalence in Indonesia from a global perspective. D. immitis infection can cause caval syndrome in dogs as well as a cardiopulmonary syndrome known as Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Diseases (HARD), which can become fatal as the number of worms infecting the host increases. Whereas in cats, although the number of worms in the host are very few (one to six worms) they can cause pathological changes in the pulmonary arteries which result in a more serious infection than in dogs and endanger life.

scholarly journals First Autochthonous Infection of a Cat with Dirofilaria immitis in Austria

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa-Maria Kulmer ◽  
Maria Sophia Unterköfler ◽  
Hans-Peter Fuehrer ◽  
Varvara Janovska ◽  
Matus Pagac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Heartworm Disease ◽  
History Of ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Right

This case report is about a seven-year-old male neutered European Shorthair cat infected by Dirofilaria immitis as the first reported autochthonous Dirofilaria immitis infection in Austria. There was no history of periods abroad. Echocardiography showed suspected D. immitis in the right cardiac chamber with increased pulmonary pressure and ascites. Surgical removal of the heartworms was performed. Twenty adult heartworms were removed by transvenous jugular approach under general anesthesia and stored in 4% formalin. Five out of 20 specimens were examined via light and stereomicroscopy and feline heartworm infection was confirmed. Amplification of a 203 bp or 724 bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene was unsuccessful. After surgery the cat developed acute renal failure but recovered quickly. One year later, the cat underwent a control examination including echocardiography and blood work. There were no more D. immitis detectable at echocardiography. Lung pressure was mildly increased. Complete blood count and creatinine were unremarkable. The Knott’s test and Dirofilaria-Antigen-test produced negative results. The cat did not show any clinical signs during the follow-up period. The aim of this case report is to highlight the growing risk of acquiring infection with D. immitis not only for Austrian dogs, but also for cats. This case report represents the first report of autochthonous D. immitis infection in Austria. Moreover, even if the prognosis in cats with caval syndrome due to feline heartworm disease is guarded to poor, surgical removal of the filariae can be a successful treatment option.

scholarly journals Evaluation of protective immunity against experimental Dirofilaria immitis infection in Beagle dogs

1970 ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
MH Talukder ◽  
K Ueda ◽  
T Hajime ◽  
S Kanako ◽  
S Kawamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Immunity ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Challenge Infection ◽  
Freund’S Complete Adjuvant ◽  
Freund's Complete Adjuvant ◽  
Third Stage ◽  
Gamma Irradiated ◽  
The Right ◽  
And Control

Prevention of heartworm is a key goal of pet wellness. An experimental trial was carried out to induce the immunologic protection against Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs during the period from July 2005 to November 2006.  To evaluate the three protocols of immunization, dogs were separately immunized with gamma-irradiated infective larvae; with chemical abbreviation of infection; with chemical abbreviation plus Freund's complete adjuvant respectively. Each trial consisted of immunized and control groups and each group composed of two dogs. All dogs used for this study were subcutaneously challenged with 100 intact third-stage larvae at designated times after the last immunization following the above three protocols. The dogs were euthanized and necropsized between 120 to 175 days after challenge infection for the worms in the right ventricle of the heart and pulmonary arteries. Number of worms and sexes were determined. A mean of 36 worms from the immunized groups with irradiated L3; 33 worms from the chemically-abbreviated group whereas 13 worms from the chemical abbreviation plus Freund's complete adjuvant group were recovered. The percentages of the average protection in three groups were 45.80%, 55.05% and 77.90% respectively. The adjuvant enhanced the protective immunity against L3 challenge infection. The ELISA values do not explain the intensity of the protection, but shown adequately the immunized dogs responding to the immunization performed in this experiment. Key words: Heartworm, protective immunity, chemical-abbreviation, gamma-irradiated larvae DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v5i1.1323 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2007). 5 (1 & 2): 93-98

OBSERVATIONS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF APORCELAIMUS AMPHIDYSIS N. SP. (NEMATODA: DORYLAIMOIDEA)

1966 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 815-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. V. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
New Species ◽  
Nerve Ring ◽  
Nervous Systems ◽  
Diagnostic Characters ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Right ◽  
First Time

Fifteen ganglia, associated with the nerve ring are reported. With the exception of the paired lateral cephalic papillary, postlateral papillary, and the amphidial ganglia, nine ganglia are linked by laterolateral commissures which are described for the first time. The laterolateral commissures appear to originate from paired internolateral ganglia located above and below the nerve ring. The longitudinal dorsal and paired ventral, amphidial, and lateral cephalic papillary nerves are traced from origin at their respective ganglia of the central nervous system to their termination. The paired ventral nerves pass to the right and left of the vagina, remaining double throughout most of their length. Portions of the rectosympathetic nervous systems are described in males and females. In the description of the new species based on males and females, the structure of the amphid is clarified, and the position of the plicated guiding ring and the dorsoventral width of the plicated guiding ring, expressed as percentage of spear length, are used as diagnostic characters. Illustrations and photomicrographs are provided.

scholarly journals Vascular, hepatic and renal lesions by Dirofilaria immitis invasion in dogs

2012 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 841-846
Author(s):  
S.A. Pasca ◽  
D. Acatrinei ◽  
O.Z. Oprean ◽  
M. Lazar
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Wall Thickening ◽  
Inflammatory Damage ◽  
Heartworm Disease ◽  
The Right ◽  
Right Ventricular Dilatation

Morphological investigations were conducted on four bodies of dogs who died due to severe clinical symptoms following a massive invasion of cardiac and pulmonary Dirofilaria. The subjects were monitored clinically and diagnosed serologically positive for the Heartworm disease. The necropsy examination of the cardiovascular system (right ventricle and pulmonary artery) revealed the presence of 25 adult parasites in one dog with length ranging between 8 and 33cm. Macroscopically, lesions consistently observed were represented by the right ventricular dilatation and the diffuse wall thickening of the pulmonary artery. Parasitic invasion secondary lesions were present in the lungs, liver and kidneys (cardiac and vascular lesions). The histological examination mainly revealed myocardial injury, vascular (dystrophic), pulmonary (circulatory and inflammatory), hepatic (degenerative) and renal (degenerative and inflammatory) damage.

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