Identity of Microfilariae Circulating in Dogs from Western and South-Western Romania in the Last Decade

Dirofilaria infections in dogs are recognized as widespread mosquito-borne diseases with zoonotic potential, that are caused by the filarioid nematode (Onchocercidae) species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. The long-term survey conducted in western and south-western Romania was undertaken in order to provide valuable data on the occurrence of Dirofilaria infections in dogs. Blood samples from 1088 dogs, originating from 73 localities of 11 western and south-western counties in Romania, were collected and examined using the modified Knott test. Subsequently, all of the microscopically positive samples were subjected to molecular analysis for confirmation. Altogether, the data obtained showed the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae to be 21.42% (233/1088) of dogs tested in the investigated region. The identified species, in cases of monoinfections, were D. immitis, D. repens, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in 106 (9.74%) samples, 102 (9.38%) samples, and 1 (0.09%) sample, respectively. Twenty-four (2.21%) samples were simultaneously positive for D. immitis and D. repens. There was no association (p > 0.05) between infection status and breed; however, sex and lifestyle were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae and might be regarded as risk factors for infection. The results of the present investigation indicate potential zoonotic risks for humans living in the screened area and support the imperative to increase awareness among both veterinarians and physicians, regarding the continuous spread of these zoonotic filariae.

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Surveys of Canine Filarioids In Nigeria: The Path Travelled and the Way Forward

Nigerian Veterinary Journal ◽

10.4314/nvj.v41i3.5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Kamani Joshua ◽

Javier Gonzlez-Miguel

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Dirofilaria Immitis ◽

Human Infection ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Zoonotic Potential ◽

Laboratory Methods ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Acanthocheilonema Reconditum ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Canine Filarioids

Filarioid worms infecting dogs have recently received increased attention globally because of their zoonotic potential. In Africa and, particularly, in Nigeria, however, where there is preponderance of the risk factors for vector-borne diseases transmission, there are few reports of the disease in the canid and felid definitive hosts, the wild/domestic reservoirs and humans. Thus, the epidemiology of the disease in Nigeria remains sketchy and needs to be investigated. A retrospective analysis of reported canine filarioids in Nigeria was undertaken with the view to highlight what has been done and reported, existing gaps in knowledge, what needs to be done to bridge the gap and possibly how it could be done. Thirteen published works on canine filarioids using classical laboratory methods in Nigeria, reported the finding of Dirofilaria immitis (0.4–15.1%), Dirofilaria repens (0.1–9.4%), Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.4–9.2%) and a case of A. dracunculoides in an unspecified dog population. In most instances, the species identification of the filarioids reported was not conclusive due to limitation of the diagnostic methods employed. No human infection due to any zoonotic canine filarioid has been reported in Nigeria. Suggestions for prospective filarioids research in Nigeria were made. Keywords: Filarioids, dog, zoonosis, diagnosis, Nigeria

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Canine filarial infections in Tuscany, central Italy

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1017/s0022149x11000113 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 86 (1) ◽

pp. 113-116 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

M. Magi ◽

L. Guardone ◽

M.C. Prati ◽

G. Tozzini ◽

B. Torracca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dirofilaria Immitis ◽

Dominant Species ◽

Central Italy ◽

Histochemical Staining ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Zoonotic Potential ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Acanthocheilonema Reconditum ◽

High Level ◽

Modified Test

AbstractThis study was conducted in order to investigate the epidemiology of filarial species in a region of central Italy (Tuscany) in dogs that did not undergo prophylaxis for filariasis. From 2007 to 2009, 630 blood samples were collected from 40 kennels throughout the regional territory. Samples were analysed with Knott's modified test and with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigens, those positive for microfilariae were also subjected to histochemical staining for acid phosphatase activity to validate the identification of the species. An overall elevated prevalence of filariasis (23.2%) was found. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens were found to be the dominant species, with similar prevalences (12.5% and 12.1% respectively), while Acanthocheilonema reconditum was less common (1.9%). Results of this study indicate that monitoring for filariasis should be kept at a high level. A constant monitoring of the canine sanitary status should also be carried out for the protection of human health, considering the zoonotic potential of filarial worms.

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The Danish comorbidity in liver transplant recipients study (DACOLT): a non-interventional prospective observational cohort study

BMC Gastroenterology ◽

10.1186/s12876-021-01733-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Magda Teresa Thomsen ◽

Julie Høgh ◽

Andreas Dehlbæk Knudsen ◽

Anne Marie Reimer Jensen ◽

Marco Gelpi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Liver Transplant ◽

Transplant Recipients ◽

Short Term ◽

Term Survival ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Liver Transplant Recipients ◽

Short Term Survival

Abstract Background Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. Short-term survival has improved due to improved surgical techniques and greater efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs. However, long-term survival has not improved to the same extent as the short-term survival, and the 10-year survival after liver transplantation is 60%. In addition to liver- and transplant-related causes, comorbidities such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and metabolic diseases have emerged as leading causes of morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients. The objective of this study is to assess the burden of comorbidities and identify both liver- and transplant-related risk factors as well as traditional risk factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of comorbidity in liver transplant recipients. Methods/design The Danish Comorbidity in Liver Transplant Recipients (DACOLT) study is an observational, longitudinal study. We aim to include all adult liver transplant recipients in Denmark (n = approx. 600). Participants will be matched by sex and age to controls from the Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS) and the Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS). Physical and biological measures including blood pressure, ankle–brachial index, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide, electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) angiography of the heart, unenhanced CT of chest and abdomen and blood samples will be collected using uniform protocols in participants in DACOLT, CGPS, and CCHS. Blood samples will be collected and stored in a research biobank. Follow-up examinations at regular intervals up to 10 years of follow-up are planned. Discussion There is no international consensus standard for optimal clinical care or monitoring of liver transplant recipients. This study will determine prevalence, incidence and risk factors for comorbidity in liver transplant recipients and may be used to provide evidence for guidelines on management, treatment and screening and thereby contribute to improvement of the long-term survival. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04777032; date of registration: March 02, 2021.

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Prevalence of microfilaraemia in episodic weakness and clinically normal dogs belonging to hunting breeds

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1017/s0022149x00014413 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 68 (3) ◽

pp. 243-245 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

M.G. Papazahariadou ◽

A.F. Koutinas ◽

T.S. Rallis ◽

S.T. Haralabidis

Keyword(s):

Dirofilaria Immitis ◽

Normal Group ◽

Dirofilaria Repens ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Clinically Normal ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Acanthocheilonema Reconditum ◽

Group 16

AbstractBlood samples from 50 dogs with episodic weakness and 50 clinically normal dogs, all belonging to hunting breeds, were examined for microfilariae using the modified Knott's method. The prevalence of microfilaraemia in dogs belonging to the episodic weakness group was 10% for Dirofilaria immitis, 30% for Dirolfilaria repens and 8% for Acanthocheilonema reconditum. In the clinically normal group, the figures were 14% for Dirofilaria repens and 4% for Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The overall percentage of dogs with microfilaraemia in the episodic weakness group was 44 and that of the clinically normal group 16, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). The prevalence of microfilaraemia due to the nonpathogenic filarial species (Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum) was 34% and 16% for the episodic weakness group and the clinically normal dogs, respectively, with no significant difference.

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Prevalensi dan Faktor Risiko Infeksi Dirofilaria immitis pada Anjing yang Dipotong di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTOR OF THE DIROFILARIA IMMITIS INFECTION IN DOGS SLAUGHTERED IN DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA)

jurnal veteriner ◽

10.19087/jveteriner.2017.18.4.541 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 541

Author(s):

I G. Made Krisna Erawan ◽

Ida Tjahajati ◽

Wisnu Nurcahyo ◽

Widya Asmara

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Dirofilaria Immitis ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Blood Examination

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors Dirofilariaimmitis (D. immitis) infection in dogs slaughtered in Yogyakarta. A total of 151 dogs that were slaughtered from May – November 2013 were examined their heart in order to determine the presence of D. immitis infection. Blood samples were tested using Modified Knott’s Technique for microfilariae examination. The results showed that based on the heart and blood examination the prevalence of D. immitis infection was 14.6 % and 7.9 %, respectively. The risk factors for D. immitis infection were the age and origin of the dog.

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Canine filarial infections in Liguria, north-west Italy

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1017/s0022149x15000012 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 90 (1) ◽

pp. 121-124 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

M. Magi ◽

L. Guardone ◽

W. Mignone ◽

G. Monni ◽

G. Tozzini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Dirofilaria Immitis ◽

Histochemical Staining ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Blood Samples ◽

North West ◽

Filarial Nematodes ◽

Acanthocheilonema Reconditum ◽

Serological Data ◽

Knott’S Test

AbstractThis paper reports the findings of a study on the presence of various species of filarial nematodes in dogs in Liguria, north-west Italy, a region traditionally considered free from the disease. Between 2009 and 2012 blood samples were taken from 365 dogs in rural areas in Liguria. The blood samples were then submitted to Knott's test, histochemical staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Dirofilaria immitis antigens. Overall, 35 of the 365 dogs were positive using Knott's test for microfilariae (prevalence 9.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.6–12.6%). Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the most prevalent species (8.0%), while Dirofilaria repens (1.4%) and Dirofilaria immitis (0.6%) were less common. One co-infection by D. repens and A. reconditum was observed. All morphological identifications were confirmed by histochemical staining and PCR. In addition, a retrospective analysis of data on D. immitis antigens in 11,363 samples of canine sera was carried out. Sera were collected and analysed for D. immitis antigens by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (Imperia section) between 2004 and 2013 during annual tests for leishmaniasis on autochthonous dogs throughout Liguria. Serological data from IZS showed an overall seroprevalence of 0.65% (95% CI: 0.50–0.80%) for D. immitis throughout the region. The present study updates the epidemiological map of canine filarial infections in Italy and suggests the need for surveillance and prophylaxis in Liguria.

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Serological Study of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Japanese Cats: Analysis of Risk Factors Among Cat Lifestyles

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1113354/v1 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Ichiro Imanishi ◽

Ryota Asahina ◽

Shunji Hayashi ◽

Jumpei Uchiyama ◽

Masaharu Hisasue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Protein A ◽

Living Environment ◽

Infection Status ◽

Serological Study ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Specific Igg

Abstract Background Little is known about the epidemic status of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in cats living in Japan, and about the influence of cat lifestyles on the SARS-CoV-2 infection epidemic in cats. Results We developed protein A/G-based ELISA, which was standardized using positive rabbit antibodies. The measured values of this ELISA were consistent with those of conventional anti-feline IgG-based ELISA. We then collected blood samples from 1,969 cats that visited veterinary clinics in Japan from June to July 2020 and examined for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Using protein A/G-based ELISA, nine cats were found to have SARS-CoV-2 S1-specific IgG, among which four had RBD-specific IgG. Among those nine samples, one showed neutralizing activity. Based on these, we estimated that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in cats living in Japan was 0.05% (1/1,969 samples). This prevalence did not differ much from the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 in humans conducted in Japan at that time. Furthermore, we searched for factors associated with the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies in cats using our data and information from five countries (China, Croatia, France, Germany, and Italy). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in cats was correlated with the rate of keeping indoor-only. Conclusions Protein A/G-based ELISA has the potential to be a standardized method to measure anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats. The infection status of SARS-CoV-2 in cats in Japan is linked to that in humans, and the epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats may be controlled by their living environment.

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