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Canine filarial infections in Tuscany, central Italy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 April 2011

M. Magi ,
L. Guardone ,
M.C. Prati ,
G. Tozzini ,
B. Torracca ,
G. Monni  and
F. Macchioni
M. Magi
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Pisa University, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124Pisa, Italy
L. Guardone
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Pisa University, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124Pisa, Italy
M.C. Prati
Affiliation:
Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Italy; INFN Sezione di Pisa, Italy
G. Tozzini
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Pisa University, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124Pisa, Italy
B. Torracca
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Pisa University, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124Pisa, Italy
G. Monni
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Pisa University, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124Pisa, Italy
F. Macchioni*
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi e Igiene degli Alimenti, Pisa University, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124Pisa, Italy
*
*Fax: 0502216941 E-mail: fmacchion@vet.unipi.it
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Abstract

This study was conducted in order to investigate the epidemiology of filarial species in a region of central Italy (Tuscany) in dogs that did not undergo prophylaxis for filariasis. From 2007 to 2009, 630 blood samples were collected from 40 kennels throughout the regional territory. Samples were analysed with Knott's modified test and with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigens, those positive for microfilariae were also subjected to histochemical staining for acid phosphatase activity to validate the identification of the species. An overall elevated prevalence of filariasis (23.2%) was found. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens were found to be the dominant species, with similar prevalences (12.5% and 12.1% respectively), while Acanthocheilonema reconditum was less common (1.9%). Results of this study indicate that monitoring for filariasis should be kept at a high level. A constant monitoring of the canine sanitary status should also be carried out for the protection of human health, considering the zoonotic potential of filarial worms.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 86 , Issue 1 , March 2012 , pp. 113 - 116
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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