Molecular prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis and Wolbachia infections in pet and semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

Although cats are not natural hosts for heartworm infections (Dirofilaria immitis), evidence suggests that feline heartworm disease can be detrimental because of a severe inflammatory response. Recent studies have found that infection with bacteria of the genus Wolbachia is the principal cause of acute inflammatory filaria disease; nonetheless, the prevalence of cats naturally infected with heartworms and Wolbachia remains unclear. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and current distribution of feline heartworm disease and its association with Wolbachia infection in pet and semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand.

Materials and methods

A total of 260 cats (130 pet cats and 130 semi-domesticated cats) were enrolled in

SUBMITTER: Thengchaisri N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8980370 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature