An epidemiological survey of Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp. in dogs from the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Background During the last decades, filarial infections caused by Dirofilaria spp. have spread rapidly within dog populations of several European countries. Increasing scientific interest in filariasis, and the availability of new diagnostic tools, has led to improved knowledge of the biology, morphology, and epidemiology of different species of filarial worms. However, data are still scarce for a number of countries, including the Republic of Moldova. Thus, we assessed the epidemiological status of canine filariasis in the Republic of Moldova to address part of this knowledge gap. Methods A total of 120 blood samples were collected between June 2018 and July 2019 from dogs originating from the cities of Cahul and Chişinău. The samples were examined microscopically, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate filarioid species diversity. Results Microscopic examination revealed that 12 dogs (10.0%) were positive for circulating microfilariae. The molecular test showed that one dog was positive for Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.8%), one for Dirofilariaimmitis (0.8%), six for Dirofilariarepens (5.0%), and four (3.3%) harboured a co-infection with D. immitis and D. repens. Prevalence was significantly higher in dogs aged ≥ 2 years. Conclusions The epidemiological survey presented here for the Republic of Moldova confirmed the presence D. immitis, D. repens and A. reconditum in dogs that had not received any heartworm preventive. Graphical abstract

What Has Happened to Heartworm Disease in Europe in the Last 10 Years?

“…In Ukraine, one infected dog has been reported in Kiev [62]. In Moldova, the first study on the occurrence of D. immitis has been published recently, demonstrating prevalence of 0.8% of microfilaremic dogs in Cahul and Chişinău [63].…”

Identification of microfilariae in canine blood samples from the city of Aracaju (Sergipe, northeastern Brazil)

“…Acantocheilonema reconditum is a low-pathogenic nematode, responsible for causing dermatological disease in dogs. Those parasites have a global distribution, and even though infections rarely are lifethreatening, this larial worm species are the most widely spread (Dumitrache et al, 2021). The transmission of this parasite depends on may ea and lice species, who work as vector and intermediate hosts, and opposite to the severe disease caused by D. immitis, most dogs infected are asymptomatic or in rarely heavy infestations can have pruritis, alopecia, and dermal abrasions (Hoseini et al, 2020;Otranto et al, 2013;Tahir et al, 2019).…”

Поширення Та Діагностика Дирофіляріозу Собак У Місті Полтава

“…Епідеміологічне дослідження підтверджує наявність у Республіці Молдова збудників D. immitis, D. Repens і A. reconditum у собак, які не отримували жодної профілактики дирофіляріозу[7].Дирофіляроіз у собак в Північно-Східній Європі є широко поширеною інвазією. D. repens виявлено у їздових собак з Литви, Латвії, Польщі та Білорусі.…”