Investigating the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in shelter dogs in Bushehr, Iran

Document Type : Full Research Paper

Authors

1 Student Research and Technology Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran

2 Bushehr Veterinary Organization, Bushehr, Iran

3 Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran

4 Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran

10.22092/vj.2024.364880.2127

Abstract

Dirofilaria immitis usually lives in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries of the dogs, and humans are an accidental host for this parasite. Dogs infected with D.immitis may not show any clinical symptoms, and therefore, a large number of dogs with hidden infection and with non-obvious clinical symptoms can be a threat to human health. In this research, sheltered dogs in Bushehr city were evaluated in terms of dirofilariasis. The obtained results along with the recorded clinical symptoms were evaluated for each sample. Out of 112 collected samples, only one case (0.9%) was infected with D.immitis. In clinical examinations, 29 dogs (25.9%) had respiratory symptoms or congestive heart failure. The only positive case of dirofilariasis also had symptoms of respiratory and cardiac involvement, which is not far from expected. Despite the low prevalence obtained, considering the zoonotic nature of the disease and the fact that it is always a threat to human health, it is important and can be used as a criterion in adopting health system strategies.

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Veterinary Research & Biological Products
Volume 37, Issue 3
October 2024
Pages 66-74

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 February 2024
  • Revise Date: 15 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 May 2024

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