Prevalence of microfilariae, antigen and antibodies of feline dirofilariosis infection (Dirofilaria immitis) in the Zaragoza metropolitan area, Spain. 2021

Sergio Villanueva-Saz, and Jacobo Giner, and Maite Verde, and Andrés Yzuel, and Ana González, and Delia Lacasta, and Diana Marteles, and Antonio Fernández
Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain. Electronic address: svs@unizar.es.

Feline heartworm disease is a vector-borne parasitical disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworm infection in dogs is prevalent in the Mediterranean countries. Information about the geographical distribution and epidemiological features of D. immitis infection in cats is scarce, particularly in urban stray cats that live within endemic regions for canine heartworm disease. The aim of the current study was to determine the seroprevalence of antigen and antibodies to D. immitis in feral cats in Zaragoza city, an endemic region of Spain. For this purpose, blood samples were examined for microfilariae using a direct blood smear technique and the modified Knott test. Two serological techniques for anti-D. immitis antibody detection (Solo Step® FH and in-house ELISA) and three different commercial antigen tests (DiroChek®, MegaELISA® DIRO Antigen and FASTest® HW) were performed. Blood samples from 250 stray cats were tested: 61 cats (24.40%) tested positive by the in-house ELISA, and 9 cats gave positive (3.6%) results with Solo Step® FH. The global seroprevalence of D. immitis in the feline population of the studied area of Zaragoza was 25.20% (63/250) including Solo Step® FH result and in-house ELISA. The blood exam for all samples was negative when evaluating for microfilariae and not a single cat was positive for antigen testing. This study demonstrates the presence of D. immitis infection in Zaragoza city. Veterinarians working in endemic areas should be aware of this infection in cats at risk and their susceptibility.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008842 Microfilariae The prelarval stage of Filarioidea found in the blood and tissues of mammals, birds and intermediate hosts (vector). Microfilaria
D002371 Cat Diseases Diseases of the domestic cat (Felis catus or F. domesticus). This term does not include diseases of the so-called big cats such as CHEETAHS; LIONS; tigers, cougars, panthers, leopards, and other Felidae for which the heading CARNIVORA is used. Feline Diseases,Cat Disease,Disease, Cat,Disease, Feline,Diseases, Cat,Diseases, Feline,Feline Disease
D002415 Cats The domestic cat, Felis catus, of the carnivore family FELIDAE, comprising over 30 different breeds. The domestic cat is descended primarily from the wild cat of Africa and extreme southwestern Asia. Though probably present in towns in Palestine as long ago as 7000 years, actual domestication occurred in Egypt about 4000 years ago. (From Walker's Mammals of the World, 6th ed, p801) Felis catus,Felis domesticus,Domestic Cats,Felis domestica,Felis sylvestris catus,Cat,Cat, Domestic,Cats, Domestic,Domestic Cat
D004183 Dirofilaria immitis A filarial parasite primarily of dogs but occurring also in foxes, wolves, and humans. The parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes. Dog Heartworm,Dirofilaria immitides,Dog Heartworms,Heartworm, Dog,Heartworms, Dog,immitis, Dirofilaria
D004184 Dirofilariasis Infection with nematodes of the genus DIROFILARIA, usually in animals, especially dogs, but occasionally in man. Heartworm Disease,Dirofilariases,Disease, Heartworm
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000909 Antibodies, Helminth Immunoglobulins produced in a response to HELMINTH ANTIGENS. Helminth Antibodies
D000947 Antigens, Helminth Any part or derivative of a helminth that elicits an immune reaction. The most commonly seen helminth antigens are those of the schistosomes. Helminth Antigens
D013030 Spain Country located between France on the northeast and Portugal on the west and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The capital is Madrid. Balearic Islands,Canary Islands
D015995 Prevalence The total number of cases of a given disease in a specified population at a designated time. It is differentiated from INCIDENCE, which refers to the number of new cases in the population at a given time. Period Prevalence,Point Prevalence,Period Prevalences,Point Prevalences,Prevalence, Period,Prevalence, Point,Prevalences

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