Abstract
In the past years, canine and human cases of infestation by Dirofilaria repens (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) have been increasingly reported in several European countries. Subcutaneous dirofilariosis by D. repens may either be asymptomatic in dogs or may be characterized by subcutaneous nodules and other symptoms. Information on the periodicity of D. repens microfilariae in naturally infested animals is scant, and this might impair the accurate diagnosis of subcutaneous dirofilariosis and appropriate control plans. In the present study, eight dogs infested with D. repens were sampled twice daily at 12-h intervals for ten consecutive days, and the dog with the highest mean value of microfilariaemia was further sampled every 4 h for four consecutive days. The blood was microscopically and molecularly examined for microfilariae, and, additionally, negative samples were also subjected to a real-time PCR to evaluate the level of circulating DNA. The results demonstrated significant variations in circadian rhythms of D. repens larvae, with higher values of microfilariae per milliliter in the evening samples. A significant variation was also found at the individual level for the dogs with the highest values of microfilariaemia. All samples which were negative at the light microscopy and positive at the real-time PCR displayed levels of circulating parasite DNA <1 microfilaria per milliliter. Biological and clinical implications have been here discussed.
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Conflict of interest
The study has been carried out during the constant monitoring of an endemic focus of subcutaneous dirofilariosis and in absence of mosquitoes to minimize the risk of disease transmission. The study was performed with the willingness and consent of a responsible veterinarian (EDG) to visit and sample the dogs, which were constantly under her medical responsibility and supervision. The analysis carried out in the present study has been performed as collateral activities of a study coordinated by DT at the University of Teramo and supported by Novartis Animal Health, of which FLT is an employee. All authors voluntarily publish this article and have no personal interest in this study other than publishing the scientific findings and disseminating information useful for veterinarians to control subcutaneous dirofilariosis affecting dogs and humans. The scientific information herein presented have not been influenced by any third part.
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Di Cesare, A., Otranto, D., Di Giulio, E. et al. Microfilarial periodicity of Dirofilaria repens in naturally infested dogs. Parasitol Res 112, 4273–4279 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-013-3619-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-013-3619-5