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Gomes-de-Sá S, Santos-Silva S, Moreira ADS, Barradas PF, Amorim I, Cardoso L, Mesquita JR. Assessment of the circulation of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from northern Portugal through combined analysis of antigens, DNA and parasite forms in blood. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106799. [PMID: 36572345 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease frequent in many countries. Not only infected dogs, but also cats and wild canids (including wolves and foxes), represent important sources of infection for mosquitoes, which are the pathogen vectors. The disease is endemic in Mediterranean countries with increasing incidence in Italy, France, Greece and Spain, but limited epidemiological data is available from Portugal regarding its distribution and impact. Aiming to clarify this, canine whole blood samples (n = 244) from the north of Portugal were tested for Dirofilaria spp. antigens by use of a commercial rapid immunomigration test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the modified Knott test were also used to assess the presence of microfilariae. Results were also compared to assess the performance of each test used. Of the 244 animals tested, 118 (48.4%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) in the serological adult worm rapid antigen detection test, and 36 (14.8%) had circulating microfilariae, identified as D. immitis. A combined positivity of 51.6% (126/244) was found. Results indicate that the risk of exposure to D. immitis in dogs is high in this region of Portugal, and that prophylaxis against the parasite is advisable to decrease the occurrence of canine infection and disease. The present study highlights the diagnostic value of serological and molecular tests in determining the prevalence of D. immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Gomes-de-Sá
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Patrícia Ferreira Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Sciences, CESPU, CRL, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Gandra, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and CECAV - Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
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Gomes-de-Sá S, Santos-Silva S, Moreira ADS, Barradas PF, Amorim I, Cardoso L, Mesquita JR. Dirofilaria immitis antigenemia and microfilaremia in Iberian wolves and red foxes from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:119. [PMID: 35527260 PMCID: PMC9082910 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic nematode endemic in the Mediterranean countries, which causes cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in wild and domestic animals. Despite being recognized hosts of D. immitis, wild carnivores such as wolves and foxes are frequently disregarded when considering a potential role in the transmission of these zoonotic nematodes. In Portugal, studies available regarding D. immitis circulation are scarce, likely underestimating its relevance. To add knowledge on this, we sought to assess Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from northern Portugal for D. immitis antigenemia and microfilaremia. Methods Blood samples from 42 Iberian wolves and 19 red foxes were collected, during 2010–2012, in Peneda-Gerês National Park. Antigenemia was searched for by rapid antigen detection test kits (Uranotest Dirofilaria ®). Microfilaremia was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nucleic acids were extracted from blood using QIAamp® DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen), and DNA was screened for the presence of microfilaria using a conventional PCR targeting the 5.8S-internal transcribed spacer 2–28S regions, followed by bidirectional sequencing, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis and phylogenetic analysis. Results Three red foxes had antigenemia, with an occurrence of 15.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4–39.6), while showing no evidence for the presence of microfilaremia. No wolf samples presented evidence for D. immitis antigenemia. Nevertheless, two wolves were positive for D. immitis microfilaremia (4.8%; 95% CI 0.6–16.2%) as revealed by PCR and confirmed by bidirectional sequencing. Conclusions Although Dirofilaria microfilaremia in wolves does not necessarily correlate to an endangerment of the infected animal's health, positive individuals can act as a reservoir for further infection if the intermediate mosquito hosts are present. To the best of our knowledge, one single study had reported that wolves were suitable Dirofilaria hosts, but microfilaremia have never been reported. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Gomes-de-Sá
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Patrícia Ferreira Barradas
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - João R Mesquita
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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3
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Neves M, Lopes AP, Martins C, Fino R, Paixão C, Damil L, Lima C, Alho AM, Schallig HDFH, Dubey JP, Cardoso L. Survey of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies to Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii in cats from Madeira Island, Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:117. [PMID: 32312294 PMCID: PMC7171917 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3988-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii are zoonotic parasites which can affect domestic cats. Considering the lack of published data from the local feline population, this study aimed to assess infection with or exposure to these pathogens in cats from Madeira Island, Portugal. METHODS One hundred and forty-one domestic cats (77 males and 64 females; median age: 2 years) were sampled at a veterinary medical centre in Funchal, from September 2018 to January 2019. Serum samples were tested for D. immitis antigen, with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and for antibodies to Leishmania spp. or to T. gondii, with the direct agglutination test and the modified agglutination test, respectively. RESULTS Five cats (3.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.2-8.1) were positive to D. immitis; no cats were seropositive to Leishmania spp. (0%; 95% CI: 0-2.6%); and 43 cats (30.5%; 95% CI: 23.0-38.8%) were seropositive to T. gondii. Prevalence of the D. immitis antigen was significantly different between cats that received ectoparasiticides and those which did not (0 vs 12.2%; P = 0.009). Prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii was significantly different between juvenile and adult cats (12.8 vs 38.0%; P = 0.007). There were two cats concurrently positive to D. immitis and T. gondii, but no statistical association between these two dependent variables was found (P = 0.641). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of parasites D. immitis and T. gondii in the feline population of Madeira Island. Knowledge on the epidemiological situation of these and other zoonotic pathogens should raise awareness, both at the veterinary medical and public health levels, and contribute to promoting prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Neves
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carolina Martins
- Sociedade Protetora dos Animais Domésticos (SPAD), Funchal, Portugal
| | - Raquel Fino
- Sociedade Protetora dos Animais Domésticos (SPAD), Funchal, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Paixão
- Sociedade Protetora dos Animais Domésticos (SPAD), Funchal, Portugal
| | - Liliana Damil
- Sociedade Protetora dos Animais Domésticos (SPAD), Funchal, Portugal
| | - Clara Lima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Henk D F H Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Experimental Parasitology Section, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
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Alho AM, Meireles J, Schnyder M, Cardoso L, Belo S, Deplazes P, de Carvalho LM. Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum: The current situation of two major canine heartworms in Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2018; 252:120-126. [PMID: 29559132 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary nematodes are life-threatening pet parasites increasingly reported throughout Europe, with overlapping endemic areas. Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne whilst Angiostrongylus vasorum is a snail-borne pathogen. Both adult nematodes reside in the pulmonary arteries and right cardiac ventricle of domestic and wild canids, causing a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from cough, dyspnoea and exercise intolerance to severe vascular and pulmonary disease with hearth failure that may lead to death. Information about the prevalence and distribution of cardiopulmonary parasites is essential for the control of animal diseases and, in the case of D. immitis, for the control of potentially associated illnesses in humans. However, in Portugal, heartworm studies are limited to few surveys and case reports, possibly underestimating the relevance of these nematodes. The present work reviews the data on cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis in dogs in Portugal, providing a comprehensive update of the epidemiological situation during the past 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - José Meireles
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Ferreira C, Afonso A, Calado M, Maurício I, Alho AM, Meireles J, Madeira de Carvalho L, Belo S. Molecular characterization of Dirofilaria spp. circulating in Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:250. [PMID: 28526036 PMCID: PMC5438543 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilariosis is a potentially zoonotic parasitic disease, mainly transmitted by mosquito vectors in many parts of the world. Data concerning the canine Dirofilaria species currently circulating in Portugal is scarce. Thereby, a large-scale study was conducted to determine the Dirofilaria spp. present in Portugal, based on a molecular approach, and also to optimize a reliable and highly sensitive species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that could be used for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, and other concurrent filarial species in animal reservoirs. Methods Blood samples were collected from three districts of Portugal (Coimbra, Santarém and Setúbal) between 2011 and 2013. Samples were tested using rapid immunomigration tests (Witness® Dirofilaria), modified Knott’s technique and acid phosphatase histochemical staining. In addition, molecular analysis was performed by amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using two different PCR protocols, specific for molecular screening of canine filarial species. Results Of the 878 dogs sampled, 8.8% (n = 77) were positive for D. immitis circulating antigen and 13.1% (n = 115) positive for microfilariae by the modified Knott’s technique. Of the 134 samples tested by acid phosphatase histochemical staining, 100 (74.6%) were positive for D. immitis. Overall, 13.7% (n = 120) were positive by PCR for D. immitis by ITS2, of which 9.3% (67/720) were also positive by ITS1. ITS2 PCR was the most sensitive and specific method, capable of detecting mixed D. immitis and A. reconditum infections. Heterozygosity, in the form of double peaks, was detected by sequencing of both ITS regions. No D. repens was detected by any of the diagnostic methods. Conclusions The present study confirmed D. immitis as the dominant species of the genus Dirofilaria infecting Portuguese dogs, based on sequencing of ITS1 and ITS2 PCR fragments. Additionally, ITS2 PCR was the most adequate method for diagnosis and prevalence estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Ferreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Afonso
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Calado
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Maurício
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Meireles
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Alho AM, Marcelino I, Colella V, Flanagan C, Silva N, Correia JJ, Latrofa MS, Otranto D, Madeira de Carvalho L. Dirofilaria immitis in pinnipeds and a new host record. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:142. [PMID: 28288690 PMCID: PMC5347183 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2073-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne pathogen that is spreading worldwide, and the associated infection (i.e. dirofilariosis) is becoming a threat to animals and humans living in endemic areas. Little is known about the occurrence and risk of infection of D. immitis in pinnipeds. Here we report dirofilariosis by D. immitis in several pinniped species kept in captivity in Portugal. Methods Animals were housed in an oceanographic park located in Algarve, southern Portugal, a geographical area endemic for canine dirofilariosis. To assess the occurrence of D. immitis, blood was collected from the park’s resident pinniped population, which consisted of 16 animals (5 common seals Phoca vitulina, 2 grey seals Halichoerus grypus, 3 California sea lions Zalophus californianus and 6 South African fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus). Dirofilaria immitis nematodes were detected by real-time PCR and by the presence of circulating antigens. In addition, modified Knott’s technique was performed to detect circulating microfilariae. Necropsies and histopathological examination of two animals which died during the study were also conducted. Results Out of the 16 pinnipeds housed at the park, seven (43.8%) were positive for D. immitis by real-time PCR (3 P. vitulina, 2 Z. californianus and 2 A. p. pusillus), two of which (P. vitulina) were also positive for the nematode’s antigen. Additionally, D. immitis microfilariae were detected in one A. p. pusillus. Furthermore, several D. immitis specimens were retrieved from the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries at the necropsy of one P. vitulina and one A. p. pusillus. Conclusions This study provides new epidemiological data on D. immitis infection in pinnipeds diagnosed through clinical, molecular and pathological findings. Additionally, the South African fur seal is herein reported as a new host for this zoonotic filarioid. The situation herein described could also occur in other parks located in areas where canine dirofilariosis is endemic. Active surveillance and preventive measures of dirofilariosis in pinnipeds on a local and global scale are therefore vital to improve the early diagnosis and control of dirofilariosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Marcelino
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | | | - Nuno Silva
- Mundo Aquático S.A. Zoomarine, Albufeira, Portugal
| | - Jorge Jesus Correia
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
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Maia C, Lorentz S, Cardoso L, Otranto D, Naucke TJ. Detection of Dirofilaria repens microfilariae in a dog from Portugal. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:441-3. [PMID: 26486944 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4796-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens causes subcutaneous infection in dogs and cats, and is the main agent of human dirofilariosis in Europe. Detection of D. repens is described in a dog from Portugal, a finding that simultaneously represents the first presumable case of autochthonous infection with the parasite in any animal host species in the country. A mixed D. repens/Dirofilaria immitis infection (20:1 ratio) was found, with an overall density of 1267 microfilariae per millilitre of blood. Morphological features, including morphometry, and acid phosphatase histochemical staining confirmed identity of the two filarioids. Distribution of D. repens in Portugal should be further assessed at the population level both in vertebrate hosts and in vectors. Due to the zoonotic potential of the parasite, preventive measures such as the administration of microfilaricides and insect repellents should be put into practice to protect animals and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susanne Lorentz
- Parasitus Ex e.V., Vollbergstr. 37, 53859, Niederkassel, Germany
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Str. prov. per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Torsten J Naucke
- Department of Zoology, Division of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany.,Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG, Steubenstr. 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
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Maia C, Coimbra M, Ramos C, Cristóvão JM, Cardoso L, Campino L. Serological investigation of Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs from southern Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:152. [PMID: 25890353 PMCID: PMC4369833 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0771-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniosis, dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis are parasitic diseases of established importance in dogs worldwide. The aim of the present report was to determine all together levels of infection with or exposure to Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs from the Algarve region, in southern Portugal. Findings Serum samples were obtained from a total of 170 apparently healthy dogs. Antibodies to L. infantum were detected by the direct agglutination test; and antigens of D. immitis and of A. vasorum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an immunochromatography test, respectively. Antibodies to L. infantum were found in 18.2% (31/170) of dogs, while D. immitis antigen was detected in 9.4% (16/170). None of 120 dogs tested out of the 170 under investigation had evidence of infection with A. vasorum. D. immitis infection was more prevalent in dogs aged 84–204 months than in those younger than 12 months. Three dogs were positive to both L. infantum and D. immitis. Conclusions Dogs living in southern Portugal are at risk of leishmaniosis and dirofilariosis. This scenario should make the veterinary community, local dog owners and also tourists from non-endemic countries coming on vacation with their pets aware of the need of effective prophylactic measures, in order to protect animals and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Global Health and Tropical Medicine, IHMT-UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias (ULHT), Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Mónica Coimbra
- Clínica Veterinária Porto Seguro, Rua Patrão Joaquim Casaca, Edifício Majuca, 8700-507, Olhão, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Ramos
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Lenea Campino
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
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