Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs in Algodoal Island, Brazilian Amazon

Infecção por Dirofilaria immitis em cães na Ilha de Algodoal, Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT:

Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite that mainly infects domestic or wild canids, but can infect felines or humans as well, is frequent in many Brazilian areas. The main objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of natural canine infection at the Algodoal-Maiandeua Island complex, in the coastal region of the state of Pará, Brazil. A total of 67 dogs were sampled for blood microfilariae detection and for D. immitis DNA detection. Microfilaria and D. immitis DNA could be detected in 35.8% (24/67) of the animals. In one dog’s sample no microfilariae were detected, but the PCR was positive, suggesting that either larvae recently were eliminated or adults died shortly before sample collecting. Therefore, it can be concluded that the occurrence of D. immitis is a health threat for domestic and wild canids at the Island of Algodoal, as well as for feline or human health.

INDEX TERMS: Occurrence; canids; Dirofilaria immitis; infection; dogs; Algodoal Island; Brazilian Amazon; heartworm; PCR