Dirofilaria immitis antigenemia and microfilaremia in Iberian wolves and red foxes from Portugal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic nematode endemic in the Mediterranean countries, which causes cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in wild and domestic animals. Despite being recognized hosts of D. immitis, wild carnivores such as wolves and foxes are frequently disregarded when considering a potential role in the transmission of these zoonotic nematodes. In Portugal, studies available regarding D. immitis circulation are scarce, likely underestimating its relevance. To add knowledge on this, we sought to assess Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from northern Portugal for D. immitis antigenemia and microfilaremia.

Methods

Blood samples from 42 Iberian wolves and 19 red foxes were collected, during 2010-2012, in Peneda-Gerês National

SUBMITTER: Gomes-de-Sa S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9082910 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature