The First cases of Dirofilaria repens infection in dogs in Lithuania
Author(s) | ||
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Sabūnas, Vytautas | UAB Siaurio šnauceris | |
Paulauskas, Algimantas | ||
Radzijevskaja, Jana | ||
Date Issued |
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2015-04-28 |
Canine dirofilariasis infection caused by Dirofilaria repens is world widespread and an emerging parasitic disease in Europe in last decade. Until 2001 it was prevalent in South Europe, however recently D. repens appeared in Central and Eastern European countries. There is no published data about the presence of D. repens infection in dogs in Lithuania. The first two cases of canine dirofilariasis have been reported from Department of Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Academy (Kaunas, Lithuania) in 2010–2011. Species have been identified by international experts on adult and larval stages using morphological and genetical identification technique. Furthermore, a total 1280 samples of randomly selected dog’s blood samples were investigated in Kaunas small animal clinic (UAB “Siaurio Šnauceris”) during 2014. Blood samples were stained in Diff-quick stains and analyzed by blood smear microscopic technique. The species of the microfilariae were determined on the basis of their morphometrical characteristics. All positive samples additionally were investigated using Modified Knott’s test.Ten samples (0.78%) were positive for the presence of microfilariae. In order to exclude possible D. immitis (agent of heart worm disease), samples were also examined using Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit. Majority of positive cases (90%) were registered in August and September. In 5 of infected dogs (50%) dermatological signs were present. In addition, all infected dog’s were located < 1km from the nearest water body and forested area. It was concluded, that climate changes and animal migration have extended area of vector-borne diseases including D. repens in Lithuania.