This 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.

Canine filarial infections in Tuscany, central Italy

MAGI, MARTA;TORRACCA, BEATRICE;MACCHIONI, FABIO;MONNI, GIANFRANCA
2012-01-01

Abstract

This 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.
2012
Magi, Marta; Guardone, L; Prati, Mc; Tozzini, G; Torracca, Beatrice; Monni, Gf; Macchioni, Fabio; Monni, Gianfranca
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
journalofhelminth (1).pdf

solo utenti autorizzati

Tipologia: Versione finale editoriale
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 581.98 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
581.98 kB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/191316
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 8
  • Scopus 17
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 15
social impact