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Costa-Rodríguez N, García-Rodríguez SN, Matos JI, Falcón-Cordón Y, Morchón R, Montoya-Alonso JA, Carretón E. Usefulness of NT-proBNP in dogs with heartworm: could this biomarker be useful to evaluate pulmonary hypertension? Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:292. [PMID: 37592348 PMCID: PMC10436400 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05873-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the usefulness of echocardiography and serum biomarkers in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs with heartworm disease has been studied. Previously, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has shown high concentrations in dogs with heart disease and/or PH as well as its usefulness as a prognostic indicator, but it has never been evaluated in the diagnosis and prognosis of PH in dogs with heartworm disease. The aim was to evaluate the serum concentrations of NT-proBNP in dogs infected by Dirofilaria immitis to determine its usefulness as a tool to detect precapillary PH. METHODS NT-proBNP was determined in 50 heartworm-infected dogs. Presence/absence of PH was determined echocardiographically, using the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility Index (RPAD Index) and the systolic flow of tricuspid regurgitation mainly, together with other echocardiographic measurements following the guidelines of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) for the diagnosis of PH. Other epidemiological parameters (breed, age, sex, status: client-owned or shelter dogs) and clinical parameters (microfilaremia, parasite burden, presence of symptoms, body condition) were collected as well. RESULTS Moderate-severe PH was present in 40% of the dogs (RPAD Index < 29.5%), NT-proBNP concentrations being significantly higher compared with dogs that did not have PH. A cutoff for NT-proBNP of ≥ 1178.45 pmol/l showed a sensitivity of 64.3% and a specificity of 95.5% for the presence of moderate-severe PH. Older dogs and dogs from shelters showed significantly higher NT-proBNP concentrations. Dogs with symptoms and low body condition presented significantly higher NT-proBNP concentrations as well. CONCLUSIONS The determination of NT-pro-BNP concentration can be a useful tool in the diagnostic work-up of dogs with heartworm disease and associated PH and can help to identify animals in the more advanced stage of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Sara N García-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge I Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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García-Rodríguez SN, Costa-Rodríguez N, Matos JI, Falcón-Cordón Y, Morchón R, Carretón E, Montoya-Alonso JA. Feline heartworm disease and environmental allergens hypersensitivity: is there a link? Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:192. [PMID: 37291670 PMCID: PMC10251655 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats can be infected by Dirofilaria immitis, the causative agent of heartworm disease, characterized by respiratory signs, airway hyperreactivity, remodelling and inflammation. Allergy is a multifactorial pathology, and the role of a number of helminth parasites in the development of allergies in humans and other species has been demonstrated in many studies. The aim of the present study was to verify whether cats seropositive for D. immitis present hypersensitivity to some environmental allergens. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 120 cats and tested for the presence of specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against D. immitis and for hypersensitivity to 20 allergens, using commercial allergen test kits. RESULTS Of the 120 cats tested, 72 (60.0%) were seropositive for anti-D. immitis IgG and 55 (45.8%) showed clinical signs of heartworm disease of a respiratory nature. The results of testing with the allergen kits showed that 50.8% of cats were seropositive for ≥ 1 allergens, with the most common allergens being Dermatophagoides farinae (25.8%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (20.0%), Malassezia (17.5%) and Ctenocephalides felis (14.2%). The prevalence of allergies was significantly higher-by almost threefold-in cats seropositive for D. immitis (68.1% vs. 25%). There were no significant differences between the prevalence of allergic cats and presence/absence of symptoms, and the results confirmed that symptoms were not a decisive factor for the presence of allergies. The risk for developing allergies was 6.3-fold higher in cats seropositive for D. immitis than in cats that were seronegative, confirming that seropositivity for D. immitis is a risk factor. CONCLUSIONS Cats with confirmed heartworm can develop serious respiratory signs, potentially leading to progression to permanent lung injury and predisposing cats to hyperresponsive airway disease. Previous studies have shown that seropositivity for D. immitis and Wolbachia is related to the presence of bronchoconstriction and bronchospasm in the affected cat. The results support the suspicion that contact with D. immitis may be a risk factor for the presence of allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N García-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge I Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - José A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Matos JI, Caro-Vadillo A, Falcón-Cordón Y, García-Rodríguez SN, Costa-Rodríguez N, Carretón E, Montoya-Alonso JA. Echocardiographic Assessment of the Pulmonary Vein to Pulmonary Artery Ratio in Canine Heartworm Disease. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040703. [PMID: 36830490 PMCID: PMC9952531 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background:Dirofilaria immitis produces proliferative pulmonary endarteritis and pulmonary thromboembolism in infected dogs. The pulmonary vascular lesions lead to irreversible and persistent structural damage and, as a consequence, sustained precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the pulmonary vein to pulmonary artery ratio (PV:PA ratio) to determine moderate or severe PH (>50 mmHg) in dogs with heartworm disease. METHODS A total of 151 naturally heartworm-infected and 66 healthy dogs were included in the study. The presence/absence of PH was based on the right pulmonary artery distensibility index (RPAD index < 29.5%), and the PV:PA ratio was echocardiographically measured by the time-motion mode (M mode) and two-dimensional mode (2D mode). Other echocardiographic parameters were also assessed (pulmonary trunk to aorta ratio, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, and AT:ET ratio). RESULTS The results of the PV:PA ratio showed a highly positive correlation between the M and 2D modes (r = 0.928). The PV:PA ratio obtained by the M mode was identified as the strongest predictor for RPAD index (R2 0.628, p < 0.0001) with a good diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.99). The results of PV/PA by the 2D mode showed a similar prediction for the RPAD index (R2 0.606, p < 0.0001) with a good diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.98). Both of the 2D and M modes' PV:PA ratios decreased significantly with the presence of PH. A cut-off value of ≤0.845 showed high sensitivity and specificity for the M mode (97% and 94%, respectively) and the 2D mode (96% and 93%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The PV:PA ratio may be useful as a complementary diagnostic method for the estimation of moderate or severe PH in dogs with heartworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Internal Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alicia Caro-Vadillo
- Internal Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Sara Nieves García-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Falcón-Cordón Y, Tvarijonaviciute A, Montoya-Alonso J, Muñoz-Prieto A, Caro-Vadillo A, Carretón E. Evaluation of acute phase proteins, adiponectin and endothelin-1 to determine vascular damage in dogs with heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis), before and after adulticide treatment. Vet Parasitol 2022; 309:109759. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Montoya-Alonso JA, Morchón R, Costa-Rodríguez N, Matos JI, Falcón-Cordón Y, Carretón E. Current Distribution of Selected Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Spain. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:564429. [PMID: 33195540 PMCID: PMC7643126 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.564429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, climate change, modifications of landscapes and habitats due to human activities, as well as an increase in the movement of reservoirs and new species of competent vectors, have contributed to the spread of canine vector-borne diseases. These are mostly emerging and neglected diseases, some of them with zoonotic potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of four major canine vector-borne diseases (Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia canis) in Spain. Between September 2018 and February 2020, blood was sampled from 4643 client-owned dogs from 111 veterinary clinics from the 17 autonomous communities of Spain. All samples were tested for the detection of D. immitis antigens, and for antibodies against L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and E. canis. Of the studied dogs, 22.14% were positive for one or several diseases while the prevalence was 6.25% (CI: 5.59–6.98) for D. immitis, and the seroprevalences were 10.36% (CI: 9.52–11.27) for L. infantum, 5.06% (CI: 4.47–5.73) for Anaplasma spp., and 4.26% (CI: 3.72–4.88) for E. canis. Co-infections by two and three vector-borne diseases were reported in 13% and 2% of the infected dogs, respectively. The studied vector-borne diseases are widely distributed throughout the Spanish geography, being observed and expanding northward in the case of D. immitis and L. infantum. The results point to an insufficiency of preventive measures to avoid the infection, and the need of the implementation of awareness campaigns among veterinarians and owners. Furthermore, a close collaboration between veterinarians, physicians and health authorities would be necessary for such zoonotic vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Montoya-Alonso JA, Morchón R, Matos JI, Falcón-Cordón Y, Costa-Rodriguez N, Carretón E. Dirofilaria immitis Could Be a Risk Factor for the Development of Allergic Diseases in Humans. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101847. [PMID: 33050570 PMCID: PMC7601753 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Heartworm is a parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes to animals and humans. The risk of human infections is high in those areas with high canine prevalence, such as the Canary Islands. In these islands, there is also a high number of allergic inhabitants. Since some studies have shown a relationship between parasite infections and development of allergies, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether exposure to heartworm may contribute to the development of allergies. A survey carried out on dog owners in the Canary Islands showed that 51.3% of allergic owners had a heartworm-positive dog, and significant differences were found between allergic or not-allergic owners, according to whether the dog was negative or positive to heartworm. Furthermore, 66 serum samples from inhabitants of the Canary Islands were analyzed for the presence of unspecific allergy markers (Immunoglobulin E or IgE) and specific for heartworm (IgE against Dirofilaria immitis and Wolbachia) and the results show that people who were in contact with heartworm showed total IgE and specific IgE against heartworm more frequently. Contact with heartworm may be a risk factor for the development of allergic diseases, although further studies to elucidate the relationship between heartworm and allergies should be carried out. Abstract The Canary Islands are hyperendemic for canine heartworm and the risk of zoonotic infection is high. Additionally, there is evidence of development of allergies due to nematode infections in animals and humans. Since the population of the Canary Islands presents high prevalence of allergic comorbidities, and previous studies have shown a possible relationship between allergies and seropositivity to heartworm, the aim was to evaluate whether exposure to heartworm may contribute to the development of allergies in the human population. First, an epidemiological study was conducted on 248 owners of dogs with/without heartworm infection in the Canary Islands. Secondly, a serological analysis of the presence of total IgE and specific IgE against heartworm was conducted in 66 samples of inhabitants of the Canary Islands. The survey showed that allergic owners had heartworm-positive dogs more frequently (p < 0.01). Of the analyzed human samples, 43.9% were seropositive to heartworm and Wolbachia. Total IgE concentrations were increased in 34.5% seropositive samples and 8.1% seronegative samples. Specific IgE against heartworm was only found in human seropositive samples (17.2%). Contact with heartworm may be a risk factor for the development of allergic diseases, although further studies to elucidate the relationship between heartworm and allergies should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.A.M.-A.); (J.I.M.); (Y.F.-C.); (N.C.-R.)
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.A.M.-A.); (J.I.M.); (Y.F.-C.); (N.C.-R.)
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.A.M.-A.); (J.I.M.); (Y.F.-C.); (N.C.-R.)
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodriguez
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.A.M.-A.); (J.I.M.); (Y.F.-C.); (N.C.-R.)
| | - Elena Carretón
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.A.M.-A.); (J.I.M.); (Y.F.-C.); (N.C.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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Carretón E, Morchón R, Falcón-Cordón Y, Matos J, Costa-Rodríguez N, Montoya-Alonso JA. First epidemiological survey of Angiostrongylus vasorum in domestic dogs from Spain. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:306. [PMID: 32532325 PMCID: PMC7291642 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus vasorum is the causative agent of canine angiostrongylosis, a disease that mainly affects domestic dogs and other wild carnivores. In Europe, the number of infected individuals is increasing, being located in central and southern countries. In Spain, several studies have reported high prevalence of A. vasorum in wild animals. However, there are no studies addressing the current situation of the disease or its distribution in domestic dogs, and reports from veterinary personnel are very limited. Considering these facts, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of A. vasorum in different areas of Spain. Methods Between November 2018 and October 2019, blood was sampled from a total of 2024 domestic dogs from six zones of Spain with a climate that favours the establishment of the disease, where all dogs included in the study lived outdoors or had regular access to areas with vegetation and none had travelled outside the study area of interest in the past year. Details about their sex and age were collected. All dogs were tested for the presence of A. vasorum circulating antigens using Angio DetectTM. Results The overall prevalence of canine angiostrongylosis in the studied areas of Spain was 1.73%. No differences in overall prevalence were found between males and females, neither between age groups. Regarding eco-epidemiological areas, the highest prevalence was recorded in the zones located in the north and northwest of Spain (1.86–2.74%), which correspond to the wetter climates and most abundant vegetation, and the lowest prevalence was detected in the zones located in the center and west of Spain (0.93–0.99%). Conclusions Our data suggest that angiostrongylosis is present in Spain in domestic dogs where previously infected wild animals existed or where climatic conditions are favourable for the establishment of the disease.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. .,Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno s/n, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Carretón E, Morchón R, Falcón-Cordón Y, Falcón-Cordón S, Matos JI, Montoya-Alonso JA. Evaluation of different dosages of doxycycline during the adulticide treatment of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109141. [PMID: 32502919 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia plays an important role in the pathogenesis and inflammatory immune response to heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in dogs. Doxycycline is used to reduce Wolbachia from all life stages of heartworm to avoid large releases of the bacteria during the death of the worms. However, the dose and duration currently recommended have been extrapolated from the treatment of other rickettsial infections. Therefore, the aim was to study the dynamics of Wolbachia IgG antibodies in heartworm-infected dogs under adulticide treatment using different dosages of doxycycline. Forty-nine heartworm-infected dogs were recruited. On day 0 (diagnosis), monthly ivermectin (6 μg/kg) was prescribed, as well as daily doxycycline for 30 days, at 10 mg/kg/12 h (n = 13), 5 mg/kg/12 h (n = 19), and 10 mg/kg/24 h (n = 17). Dogs underwent adulticide treatment and blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, 90, and 120. All dogs had antibodies against recombinant Wolbachia surface protein (rWSP), confirming the important role of the bacteria in heartworm. No significant differences were found in anti-rWSP response by presence/absence of microfilariae, or by parasite burden on day 0. In all treated groups, the anti-rWSP antibody response was not significantly different between days 0 and 30 but was significantly lower between days 0 and 120 (p < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that the administration of a lower dose than currently recommended is sufficient to achieve a significant reduction of Wolbachia in dogs infected by D. immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - R Morchón
- Group GIR of animal and human dirofilariosis, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Y Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - S Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J I Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Carretón E, Falcón-Cordón Y, Rodon J, Matos JI, Morchón R, Montoya-Alonso JA. Evaluation of serum biomarkers and proteinuria for the early detection of renal damage in dogs with heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109144. [PMID: 32512422 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Glomerulonephropathy associated with Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) is relatively frequent in infected dogs. Given the importance and the scarcity of studies focused on its prevalence and diagnosis, the objective was to determine the prevalence of proteinuria and functional indicators of glomerular filtration rate in dogs with heartworm disease and discuss its utility in the detection of renal impairment. Sera and urine from 47 infected dogs were analyzed in a reference laboratory. Urea, creatinine, plasma proteins and serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were analyzed in sera, while the UPC ratio was performed in urine. Dogs were further evaluated for the presence/absence of microfilariae, pulmonary and systemic hypertension, and the parasite burden was assessed. The results showed that 19.1 % of dogs showed proteinuria (UPC > 0.5) and 17 % showed borderline proteinuria (UPC 0.2-0.5). Creatinine and SDMA were high (>1.8 mg/dl and ≥18 μg/dl, respectively) in 4.2 % of dogs. UPC ratio was significantly increased in dogs with high parasite burden and in dogs with microfilariemia (p < 0.05). Dogs with pulmonary hypertension showed higher increases in proteinuria as well, which was probably due to the chronicity of the infection. No significant differences were found in serum and urine values regarding systemic blood pressure. Despite the limitations of this study, proteinuria/borderline proteinuria was present in 36.2 % of dogs with heartworm disease, and this may be due to glomerular disease. Therefore, the detection of proteinuria, along with other renal biomarkers in the diagnostic protocols, could help identify kidney alterations or risk of renal damage in heartworm disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Y Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J Rodon
- Idexx Laboratories, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J I Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - R Morchón
- Group GIR of Animal and Human Dirofilariosis, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - J A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Spain
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10
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Falcón-Cordón Y, Montoya-Alonso JA, Caro-Vadillo A, Matos-Rivero JI, Carretón E. Persistence of pulmonary endarteritis in canine heartworm infection 10 months after the eradication of adult parasites of Dirofilaria immitis. Vet Parasitol 2019; 273:1-4. [PMID: 31442886 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary endarteritis caused by Dirofilaria immitis and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are closely linked and the determination of PH could be validated to assess the severity and chronicity of the vascular damage, i.e. by the use of the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index. The aim was to evaluate the RPAD Index in dogs 10 months after the last dose of adulticide. The study included 23 client-owned dogs with heartworm brought for adulticide treatment. Echocardiographic exam was carried out to estimate worm burden, RPAD Index as well as other routine echocardiographic values on day 0 (diagnosis), day 120 (discharge), and 10 months after the last dose of adulticide. No significant differences were observed in the RPAD Index over time, neither when microfilaremic status and parasite burden were evaluated. An RPAD Index <29% was found in 52.2% of the dogs on day 0, day 120, and 10 months after the last dose of adulticide. Regarding other echocardiographic parameters, only significant differences were observed on tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) values between day 0:day 120 (p = 0.008), and day 0:end of the study (p = 0.037). There was not significant improvement in pulmonary damage 10 months after the elimination of the parasites (p = 0.296), suggesting that, once the endarteritis has developed, the vascular changes are chronic and may not be reversible. The modifications of the TAPSE value suggest an improvement in the systolic function of the right ventricle after the disappearance of the worms, independently of the presence of PH. The endarteritis causes a decrease in the elasticity in the pulmonary vasculature and an increase in the resistance that, chronically, and depending on the severity, will cause the development of PH and later right heart failure. This complication of the disease is one of the most damaging and frequent, so it is necessary to adequately monitor PH in dogs undergoing adulticide treatment. Furthermore, knowing the pulmonary status could provide valuable information to help provide an objective prognosis and help assess the need to add additional treatments, once the worms have been eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - A Caro-Vadillo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - J I Matos-Rivero
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - E Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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11
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Carretón E, Falcón-Cordón Y, Falcón-Cordón S, Morchón R, Matos JI, Montoya-Alonso JA. Variation of the adulticide protocol for the treatment of canine heartworm infection: Can it be shorter? Vet Parasitol 2019; 271:54-56. [PMID: 31303204 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of canine heartworm has been modified over the years, adding improvements for greater efficacy, safeness and better prognosis. Currently, the recommended adulticidal protocol consists of the administration of three doses of melarsomine dihydrochloride, preceded by the administration of macrocyclic lactones over two to three months. The objective of this study was to evaluate a variation of the adulticide protocol of heartworm in 76 dogs infected by Dirofilaria immitis, which consists of the pre-administration of macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin) during a single month. On the day of diagnosis, presence of circulating microfilariae was determined and an echocardiography was performed to assess the parasite burden. Treatment began on day 0, with doxycycline for 30 days (10 mg/kg BID) and monthly ivermectin (6mcg/kg). On day 30, the first dose of melarsomine dihydrochloride was administered, followed by a second and third dose on days 60 and 61, respectively. On day 90, the dogs were examined and discharged. Six months after the last dose, all dogs were negative to the presence of antigens and amicrofilaremic. Also, 38.1% of animals were evaluated by echocardiography, showing absence of adult parasites. It is considered that the ineffectiveness of melarsomine against worms <4 months should be avoided by the previous administration of macrocyclic lactones for two to three months, killing larvae <2 months while older filariae are allowed to mature to be susceptible to melarsomine dihydrochloride. With this protocol, this gap would be covered for the 2nd and 3rd injections, when worms would be four months and older. In addition, there is evidence that melarsomine is effective against worms under four months and macrocyclic lactones have some efficacy against heartworms older than two months. This modification allows a faster elimination of heartworms and a better compliance from the owners of the infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Y Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - S Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - R Morchón
- Group GIR of animal and human dirofilariosis, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - J I Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Cabrera ED, Carretón E, Morchón R, Falcón-Cordón Y, Falcón-Cordón S, Simón F, Montoya-Alonso JA. The Canary Islands as a model of risk of pulmonary dirofilariasis in a hyperendemic area. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:933-936. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5774-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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13
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Montoya-Alonso JA, Morchón R, Falcón-Cordón Y, Falcón-Cordón S, Simón F, Carretón E. Prevalence of heartworm in dogs and cats of Madrid, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:354. [PMID: 28747221 PMCID: PMC5530495 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease, a chronic and potentially fatal cardiopulmonary disease which mainly affects dogs and cats. It is present in most of Spain, due to favourable climatic factors. Madrid, located in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, is the most highly populated city in the country. There is a lack of current data on canine heartworm and there are no published epidemiological data regarding feline heartworm in this region, therefore the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and current distribution of canine and feline dirofilariosis in the province of Madrid. METHODS Serum samples from 1716 dogs and 531 cats, from animals living in the metropolitan area of Madrid and adjacent areas, were studied. All the samples, either from cats and dogs, were tested for circulating D. immitis antigens using a commercial immunochromatographic test kit. Furthermore, to establish the seroprevalence of heartworm infection in cats, serological techniques for anti-D. immitis and anti-Wolbachia antibody detection were used. RESULTS Prevalence of D. immitis in the canine population of Madrid was 3%, showing an increase in comparison to previous data. The presence of heartworm in the city centre could be influenced by the presence of Urban Heat Islands, while the positive dogs from metropolitan and adjacent areas were mainly located under the influence of rivers. Regarding cats, 0.2% were positive to the antigens test and 7.3% were seropositive to both anti-D. immitis and Wolbachia surface protein antibodies, which demonstrate the presence of feline heartworm in Madrid. Seropositive cats were present in the same areas where positive dogs were found. Indoor/outdoor cats showed the highest seroprevalence whereas the lowest corresponded to indoor cats, demonstrating that prophylactic treatments should be carried out regardless of lifestyle. Infection was found in 2.2% of dogs and 6.7% of the cats < 1 year-old, which indicates that early preventive campaigns in puppies and kittens should be implemented. CONCLUSIONS The results point to the need for adequate prophylactic measures through the administration of macrocyclic lactones in animals living in Madrid. Veterinarians should be aware of the presence of this disease and include heartworm in the differential diagnosis when a pet presents with symptoms compatible with D. immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Soraya Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Fernando Simón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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14
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Serrano-Parreño B, Carretón E, Caro-Vadillo A, Falcón-Cordón Y, Falcón-Cordón S, Montoya-Alonso JA. Evaluation of pulmonary hypertension and clinical status in dogs with heartworm by Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility Index and other echocardiographic parameters. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:106. [PMID: 28241783 PMCID: PMC5330087 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2047-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent and severe phenomenon in heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, mainly caused by intimal proliferation of the arteries and pulmonary thromboembolisms. Transthoracic echocardiography is the method of choice for diagnosing PH in dogs although the diagnosis is often based on indirect and subjective parameters. The Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility Index (RPAD Index) is a method that has been recently validated to estimate the presence and severity of PH in heartworm-infected dogs. This study compared some echocardiographic parameters commonly used to estimate PH in 93 dogs infected by D. immitis and evaluated the impact of the parasite burden, microfilaremia, sex or origin of the dog (client-owned/shelter). RESULTS None of the studied echocardiographic variables seemed useful in the estimation of the evaluated clinical aspects, except for the PA/Ao ratio for parasite burden. The RPAD Index was determined in 88 of the dogs; of these, 70.4% had PH (mild: 37.5%, moderate: 19.3%, severe: 13.6%). This Index showed non-significant differences according to microfilaremia, sex, origin or parasite burden. Symptomatic dogs showed PH more often and displayed more severe PH, in addition the presence of symptoms was greater among dogs with high burden; on the other hand 64.4% of asymptomatic dogs had some degree of PH according to the RPAD Index. Apart from the PA/Ao ratio, the other evaluated echocardiographic variables were not useful in evaluating of the hypertensive status of the heartworm-infected dog compared to the RPAD Index. CONCLUSIONS The estimation of most common indirect parameters is not useful in predicting PH in heartworm-infected dogs. The results confirm the RPAD Index as an objective and supportive test in the monitoring and evaluation of PH in the heartworm-infected dog, and show a potential diagnostic value for the detection of PH in asymptomatic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Serrano-Parreño
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - E Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - A Caro-Vadillo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Y Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - S Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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15
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Serrano-Parreño B, Carretón E, Caro-Vadillo A, Falcón-Cordón S, Falcón-Cordón Y, Montoya-Alonso JA. Pulmonary hypertension in dogs with heartworm before and after the adulticide protocol recommended by the American Heartworm Society. Vet Parasitol 2017; 236:34-37. [PMID: 28288761 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (pH) is a frequent and severe phenomenon in heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis). There is a lack of studies assessing the evolution of the proliferative endarteritis and pH caused by D. immitis after the death of the parasites, so this study evaluated the influence that the elimination of the worms exerts over the pulmonary pressure and therefore evolution of the endarteritis, through the evaluation of the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index and other echocardiographic measurements in 2D mode, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography in 34 dogs naturally infected by D. immitis on day 0, and one month after the last adulticide dose (day 120). pH, based on the determination of the RPAD Index, was present in 68% of the dogs (n=23) on day 0 and on day 120. No significant differences were observed between the RPAD Index between the two measurements, and only significant differences were found in pulmonary deceleration time, ejection time, and left ventricular internal diameter in telediastole when measurements from day 0 and day 120 were compared. There was not any worsening in the development of pH after the elimination of the parasites, independently of the parasite burden. During the adulticide treatment, the death of the worms causes thromboembolism and tends to worsen the vascular damage and presence of pH . It seems that following the adulticide protocol recommended by the American Heartworm Society with the previous elimination of Wolbachia and reduction of microfilariae followed by the stepped death of the worms did not cause a significant aggravation of the pulmonary damage of the treated dogs. Neither is present any significant improvement in the RPAD Index on day 120; probably, more time is needed before appreciating some positive changes after the elimination of the worms and Wolbachia from the vasculature and further studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Serrano-Parreño
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - E Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - A Caro-Vadillo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Y Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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16
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Henríquez-Hernández LA, Carretón E, Camacho M, Montoya-Alonso JA, Boada LD, Valerón PF, Falcón-Cordón Y, Falcón-Cordón S, Almeida-González M, Zumbado M, Luzardo OP. The heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) seems to be able to metabolize organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls: A case-control study in dogs. Sci Total Environ 2017; 575:1445-1452. [PMID: 27751690 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.09.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
It has been described that the co-existence of parasite infection and chemical exposure has various effects on the accumulation of persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) in the host. Certain parasites are not only able to accumulate POPs but also seem to have the ability to metabolize certain compounds. We have designed a case-control study aimed to disclose the role of Dirofilaria immitis in the bioavailability of POPs in dogs trying to know whether these parasites store or metabolize the POPs. A total of 40 common POPs (18 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners (PCBs) and 22 organochlorine pesticides were quantified in dog serum. The study included three groups of dogs prospectively recruited in the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain): a) control animals, non-parasitized (serologically tested negative, n=24); b) a group constituted by dogs tested positive for heartworm disease (D. immitis) and negative for other parasites (n=25); and c) the same group of parasitized dogs after the treatment against the parasite (n=25). The presence of D. immitis was strongly associated with lower serum levels of a wide range of pollutant in their hosts (PCB congeners 28, 105, 118, 123, 138, 153, 167 and 180; hexachlorobenzene, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, and methoxychlor). The serum levels of these substances remained at very low levels after the treatment against the parasite, suggesting that D. immitis do not simply store such compounds, but they probably have some ability to metabolize these pollutants. We encourage the use of the parasite infestation status as a cofactor that needs to be taken into account in studies aimed to evaluate the serum levels of POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar F Valerón
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Soraya Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Maira Almeida-González
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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