Haplotype H1 of Culex pipiens Implicated as Natural Vector of Dirofilaria immitis in an Endemic Area of Western Spain

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Morchón ◽  
M. Dolores Bargues ◽  
Jose Manuel Latorre ◽  
Rosario Melero-Alcíbar ◽  
Cristina Pou-Barreto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Culex Pipiens ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Natural Vector ◽  
Western Spain

Current status of canine dirofilariosis in an endemic area of western Spain

2017 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 520-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Diosdado ◽  
P.J. Gómez ◽  
J. González-Miguel ◽  
F. Simón ◽  
R. Morchón
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Central Spain ◽  
Zoonotic Risk ◽  
Canine Population ◽  
Irrigated Crops ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Western Spain

AbstractSince dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a vector-borne disease, its distribution depends on environmental conditions as well as demographic factors and the management of pets by humans. In the province of Salamanca (west-central Spain) the disease has been known for many years, appearing in an area with extensive irrigated crops along the Tormes river. Because recent demographic changes have occurred in this area, the present study has been carried out with the aim of monitoring the distribution and prevalence of the disease in the canine population of this area. For that purpose, 191 dogs were analysed through antigen and microfilaria tests and geo-referenced in a map. The overall prevalence was 5.8%, although the disease was only present in dogs from municipalities with irrigated crops in which the prevalence was 16.7%. These results indicate that D. immitis continues to be present in the province of Salamanca, and that it is associated with the presence of irrigation, but with a clear decrease in the prevalence. Causes of the decrease in prevalence, as well as the potential zoonotic risk, are discussed.

Characterization and Host-Feeding Patterns of Culex pipiens s.l. Taxa in a West Nile Virus-Endemic Area in Southeastern Romania

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgiana Victorița Tiron ◽  
Ioana Georgeta Stancu ◽  
Sorin Dinu ◽  
Florian Liviu Prioteasa ◽  
Elena Fălcuță ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Culex Pipiens ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Host Feeding ◽  
Feeding Patterns ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Culex Pipiens S.L

scholarly journals Avian malaria: a new lease of life for an old experimental model to study the evolutionary ecology of Plasmodium

2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1675) ◽  
pp. 20140300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Pigeault ◽  
Julien Vézilier ◽  
Stéphane Cornet ◽  
Flore Zélé ◽  
Antoine Nicot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Culex Pipiens ◽  
Avian Malaria ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Plasmodium Relictum ◽  
Natural Vector ◽  
The World ◽  
Experimental Laboratory ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Statistical Relationships

Avian malaria has historically played an important role as a model in the study of human malaria, being a stimulus for the development of medical parasitology. Avian malaria has recently come back to the research scene as a unique animal model to understand the ecology and evolution of the disease, both in the field and in the laboratory. Avian malaria is highly prevalent in birds and mosquitoes around the world and is amenable to laboratory experimentation at each stage of the parasite's life cycle. Here, we take stock of 5 years of experimental laboratory research carried out using Plasmodium relictum SGS1, the most prevalent avian malaria lineage in Europe, and its natural vector, the mosquito Culex pipiens . For this purpose, we compile and analyse data obtained in our laboratory in 14 different experiments. We provide statistical relationships between different infection-related parameters, including parasitaemia, gametocytaemia, host morbidity (anaemia) and transmission rates to mosquitoes. This analysis provides a wide-ranging picture of the within-host and between-host parameters that may bear on malaria transmission and epidemiology.

scholarly journals Dirofilaria immitis in wolves recolonizing northern Italy: are wolves competent hosts?

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Moroni ◽  
Luca Rossi ◽  
Pier Giuseppe Meneguz ◽  
Riccardo Orusa ◽  
Simona Zoppi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Pulmonary Arteries ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Fertility Status ◽  
Heartworm Infection ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Right ◽  
Return Process

Abstract Background Wild carnivores such as the grey wolf (Canis lupus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackal (Canis aureus) are recognized hosts of Dirofilaria immitis. However, few studies have focused on their actual role in the epidemiology of heartworm infection. This study describes the prevalence and distribution of D. immitis in wolves in a heartworm-endemic area in northern Italy where wolves have recently returned after long-time eradication, and investigates the fertility status of the collected adult nematodes. Methods In the frame of a long-term wolf monitoring programme in northwestern Italy, 210 wolf carcasses from four provinces were inspected for the presence of filarioid nematodes in the right heart and pulmonary arteries. Female heartworms were measured, and their uterine content analyzed according to a previously described “embryogram” technique. Results Three wolves, all originating from a single province (Alessandria), were positive for D. immitis (1.42%, 95% CI: 0.48–4.11%, in the whole study area; 13.6%, 95% CI: 4.7–33.3%, limited to the single province from which infected wolves originated). Mean intensity was 5 worms (range: 3–7) and the female worms measured 21–28 cm in length. Six out of 9 female worms harbored uterine microfilariae: 5 were classified as gravid; 1 showed a “discontinuous gradient”; and 3 were non-gravid. Conclusions The present data show that heartworm infection is already prevalent in wolves that have recolonized the known heartworm-endemic area. Based on “embryogram” results, wolves were shown suitable heartworm hosts. Interestingly, investigated wolves appeared similarly exposed to heartworm infection as sympatric unprotected dogs (owned dogs that have never received any heartworm prevention treatment) sampled at the beginning of the wolf return process.

Dirofilaria immitis exposure status in client-owned cats with or without lower airway/lung-associated signs: case-control study in a canine heartworm-endemic area

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung-Hui Lin ◽  
Pei-Ying Lo ◽  
Han-Ju Tsai ◽  
Lih-Chiann Wang ◽  
Bor-Song Liaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Lower Airway ◽  
Canine Heartworm ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Control Study

Objectives Heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) is a recently recognised pathological manifestation in cats caused by Dirofilaria immitis exposure. This study aimed to estimate the percentage of cats at risk of developing HARD in a heartworm-endemic area (Taipei, Taiwan), and to test the correlation of heartworm exposure and the presence of lower airway/lung clinical signs (LA/L signs). Methods This was a prospective case-control study. The study design called for the enrolment of at least 80 cats with LA/L signs and at least 80 cats without such clinical signs in a 1 year period. The D immitis antibody seroprevalence of the two cohorts was compared. Results From February 2014 to January 2015, 187 client-owned cats were prospectively enrolled: 83 clinical cases with LA/L signs and 104 cats without such signs. Antibody seropositivity was approximately twice as frequent in cats with LA/L signs (13.3%) than in cats without signs (7.8%) (odds ratio [OR] 1.814); nevertheless, no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts ( P = 0.22) was found. We used 41 frozen samples from free-roaming cats to examine the possibility of different exposure rates to mosquito bites between client-owned cats and stray cats, finding the seroprevalence to be 7.5% in free-roaming cats – a result not statistically different to that in client-owned cats ( P = 0.60). Outdoor access was a significant risk factor for heartworm exposure in client-owned cats (OR 3.748; P = 0.03); however, living entirely indoors did not provide complete protection from exposure/infection. Conclusions and relevance Our results did not show statistically significant differences in antibody seroprevalence between cats with and without LA/L signs. LA/L signs were not always present under conditions of natural exposure. However, exposure to D immitis is not rare among client-owned cats, suggesting that heartworm prophylactics should be a part of routine care in all cats living in areas endemic for canine heartworm.

scholarly journals Dirofilaria immitis infestation in imported police (K-9) dogs in Iraq:

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. e152987
Author(s):  
Karima Akool Al-Salihi ◽  
Ahmed Hameed Al-Dabhawi ◽  
Hayder M. Al-Rammahi ◽  
Fatima Atiya Kareem
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cox1 Gene ◽  
Histopathological Changes ◽  
Preventive Program ◽  
Tissue Specimens ◽  
Police Dogs

Dirofilaria immitis, the cause of heartworm infestation (HWI) or dirofilariasis, affects members of the Canidae and remains a worldwide clinical problem. In Iraq, dirofilariasis was believed absent until 2009, when the Karbala Governorate was reported as an endemic area for canine dirofilariasis. Consequently, this study intended to investigate the occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in police dogs in one police academy in Iraq and to study the gross and histopathological changes in 5 dead dogs, as well as to identify the species of the causative parasite using PCR technique. Thirty-nine police dogs, aged between 6 months and 12 years were included in this study. For the microfilariae investigation, 5 ml blood samples were collected from all dogs in EDTA tubes and examined by Knott’s method. The systemic necropsy performed in five dead dogs showed severe clinical signs of dirofilariasis and tissue specimens were sent for routine histopathological processing. For the molecular analysis, adult worms of the detected Dirofilaria spp. were used for DNA extraction andamplification of the cox1 gene. Fifteen of 39 (38.46%) dogs were diagnosed with moderate to severe microfilariasis. The dead dogs revealed typical severe clinical signs of dirofilariasis. Moreover, typical gross and histopathological changes were also seen, accompanied by generalized thromboembolic lesions, suggesting the occurrence of the caval syndrome. The PCR investigation confirmed that D. immitis was the species present in Iraq. In conclusion, this study establishes that Iraq is a newly reported endemic area for dirofilariasis. Moreover, the infestation occurring in these cases most probably happened inside Iraq. The authors recommend doing further epidemiological studies concerning the occurrence of D. immitis in local dogs as well as in the imported dogs in all Iraqi governorates to better understand the epidemiological map of this disease and to introduce an active treatment and preventive program. Awareness and education regarding this disease should be provided to the veterinarians, dog guiders and people in direct contact with dogs, as this disease is one of the important zoonotic diseases.

Is cystic echinoccocosis re-emerging in western Spain?

2015 ◽  
Vol 143 (15) ◽  
pp. 3351-3357 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. LOPEZ-BERNUS ◽  
M. BELHASSEN-GARCÍA ◽  
A. CARPIO-PEREZ ◽  
L. PEREZ DEL VILLAR ◽  
A. ROMERO-ALEGRIA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydatid Disease ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
Watch And Wait ◽  
Notifiable Disease ◽  
Real Numbers ◽  
The World ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Western Spain

SUMMARYCystic echinococcosis (CE) remains an important health problem in many areas of the world, including the Mediterranean region. We performed a retrospective study of cases reported from 1998 to 2012 in order to review and update the epidemiology of this disease in a highly endemic area situated in western Spain. A total of 471 patients were diagnosed with hydatid disease. Of these cases, 55·8% were male, with an average age of 62·3 ± 19·5 years. More importantly, 1·5% of patients were children, and 20·5% were aged <45 years. An active therapeutic approach was implemented for 92·6% of the CE patients with primary diagnoses; however, a ‘watch and wait’ strategy was used in 59·3% of all secondary CE diagnoses. The incidence rate of hydatid disease was significantly higher compared to the incidence described in the Notifiable Disease System in this area. Furthermore, a significant decrease in hydatid incidence during the years included in the study was observed (β = −0·4357, P < 0·001). CE incidence has diminished in recent years, although active transmission remains in paediatric cases. Additionally, CE incidence remains high in our region despite public health plans for its control. The documented incidence of CE disease clearly underestimates the real numbers.

scholarly journals Culex pipiens as a potential vector for transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and other unclassified Filarioidea in Southwest Spain

2016 ◽  
Vol 223 ◽  
pp. 173-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Bravo-Barriga ◽  
Ricardo Parreira ◽  
António P.G. Almeida ◽  
Manuela Calado ◽  
Juan Blanco-Ciudad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Culex Pipiens ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Potential Vector

Aedes vexans and Culex pipiens as the potential vectors of Dirofilaria immitis in Central Turkey

2011 ◽  
Vol 178 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 143-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Yildirim ◽  
A. Inci ◽  
O. Duzlu ◽  
Z. Biskin ◽  
A. Ica ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Culex Pipiens ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Aedes Vexans ◽  
Central Turkey

scholarly journals An endemic area of Dirofilaria immitis seropositive dogs at the eastern foothills of Mt Olympus, Northern Greece

2010 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Lefkaditis ◽  
S. Koukeri ◽  
V. Cozma
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Mixed Breed

AbstractFollowing an examination conducted on a population of three hundred and forty-one dogs living on the eastern foothills of Mt Olympus in Northern Greece, 17.9 % were found to be seropositive for the Dirofilaria immitis specific antigen. These results indicate that the region is an endemic area for the above-mentioned parasitosis in dogs. Serum samples were examined using the PetChek kit Snap (IDDEX Laboratories, ELISA, Portland USA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.With respect to gender, age and type of coat, the statistical analysis has shown that the prevalence of seropositive results is significantly higher (P < 0.05) among male dogs, older dogs and short-haired dogs. As regards breed and size, the same study has recorded a higher prevalence in mixed breed and small-sized dogs.

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