Multiple diagnostic tests demonstrate an increased risk of canine heartworm disease in northern Queensland, Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a life-threatening infection of dogs with a global distribution. Information on the prevalence of D. immitis and associated risk factors for canine heartworm antigen positivity-and thus disease-in Australia is scarce or outdated. The current reference method for D. immitis diagnosis in dogs is via the detection of heartworm antigen in blood using commercially available microwell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Heat treatment of canine plasma prior to testing has been suggested to increase test sensitivity. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs confined to shelters in Queensland, Australia. The impact of heat treatment on antigen test results was also assessed.

Meth

SUBMITTER: Panetta JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8351338 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature