Veterinary Research Forum

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs using practical methods in hospitals in Thailand

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

Pansawut Sudjaidee 1, 2
Sarut Muangsri 3
Wipa Khiewsalab 3
Suchawan Pornsukarom 1

1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Chonburi, Thailand

2 Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Chonburi, Thailand

3 Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Chonburi, Thailand

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2024.2033286.4330
Abstract
To date, routine diagnosis of canine heartworm disease relies on detecting Dirofilaria immitis antigens in blood or the microscopic examination of blood smears. However, each method has limitations, potentially leading to life-threatening situations for infected dogs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of filarial infection, risk factors, and appropriate detection methods in practical clinics. A total of 113 dog blood samples from two provinces in Thailand (Chonburi = 73 and Nakhon Nayok = 40) were analyzed for D. immitis infection using buffy coat smears, commercial immunochromatographic tests (SNAP 4Dx Plus), and polymerase chain reaction. Overall prevalence was 51.53% (58/113) across all methods. The positivity rates were 15.38% (12/78) for buffy coat smears, 8.00% (4/50) for SNAP 4Dx Plus, and 45.43% (51/113) for polymerase chain reaction. All positives from the test kits correlated with other methods. A significantly high prevalence was observed in dogs under 2 years old. Accessibility to pet care services in urban areas appeared to have a protective effect. Positive commercial test results could confirm D. immitis infection. However, selecting more than one diagnostic technique in clinics, including morphological examination, immunochromatography, or molecular methods, is recommended for early and more accurate detection, along with the promotion of heartworm prevention strategies.

Keywords

Dirofilaria immitis
Dog
Prevalence
Thailand
Subjects
  1. Malik D, Amaraneni A, Singh S, et al. Man's best friend: how humans can develop Dirofilaria immitis IDCases 2016; 4: 43-45.
  2. Kaikuntod M, Thongkorn K, Tiwananthagorn S, et al. Filarial worms in dogs in Southeast Asia [Thai]. Vet Integr Sci 2018; 16(2): 1-17.
  3. Satjawongvanit H, Phumee A, Tiawsirisup S, et al. Molecular analysis of canine filaria and its Wolbachia endosymbionts in domestic dogs collected from two animal university hospitals in Bangkok metropolitan region, Thailand. Pathogens 2019; 8(3): 114. doi: 10.3390/pathogens8030114.
  4. Oh IY, Kim KT, Sung HJ. Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis specific gene from infected dog blood sample using polymerase chain reaction. Iran J Parasitol 2017; 12(3): 433-440.
  5. Jitsamai W, Piromkij P, Kamkong P, et al. Seasonal distribution and environmental parameters associated with Brugia pahangi and Dirofilaria immitis in naturally infected dogs in Bangkok and vicinity, Thailand. Sci Rep 2021; 11(1): 4594. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-84215-8.
  6. Kaikuntod M, Arjkumpa O, Kladkempetch D, et al. Geographic spatial distribution patterns of Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia pahangi infection in community dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11(1): 33. doi: 10.3390/ani11010033.
  7. Sergeant ESG. Epitools −Epidemiological Calculators: Ausvet. Available at: http://epitools.ausvet.com.au. Accessed March 24, 2025.
  8. Javaregowda AK. Diagnosis of microfilaria in dogs and its species identification by histochemical staining technique. J Vet Parasitol 2019; 33(2): 24-29
  9. Harvey ND. How old is my dog? Identification of rational age groupings in pet dogs based upon normative age-linked processes. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8: 643085. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.643085.
  10. Loymek S, Phuakrod A, Zaelai K, et al. Investigation on the prevalence of canine microfilaremia in Thailand using a novel microfluidic device in combination with real-time PCR. Vet Sci 2021; 8(3): 39. doi: 10.3390/ vetsci8030039.
  11. Kamyingkird K, Junsiri W, Chimnoi W, et al. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs and cats in Songkhla and Satun provinces, Thailand. Agric Nat Resour 2017; 51(4): 299-302.
  12. Boonyapakorn C, Srikitjakarn L, Morakote N, et al. The epidemiology of Dirofilaria immitis infection in outpatient dogs at Chiang Mai university small animal hospital, Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2008; 39(1): 33-38.
  13. Vieira AL, Vieira MJ, Oliveira JM, et al. Prevalence of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease in dogs of central Portugal. Parasite 2014; 21: 5. doi: 10.1051/ parasite/2014003.
  14. Ying Z, Upadhyay A, Wang J, et al. The prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16(1): 207. doi: 10.1186/s13071-023-05770-9.
  15. Megat Abd Rani PA, Irwin PJ, Gatne M, et al. A survey of canine filarial diseases of veterinary and public health significance in India. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3: 30. doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-30.
  16. Esteban-Mendoza MV, Arcila-Quiceno VH, Ríos Chacón C, et al. Microfilaremic infection in canine filariosis in Colombia: a challenge in morphological and molecular diagnostics. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11: 1368307. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1368307.
  17. Soares LA, Matias IC, Silva SS, et al. Parasitological, serological and molecular diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Northeastern Brazil. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237: 108233. doi: 10.1016/j.exppara. 2022.108233.
  18. Panarese R, Iatta R, Mendoza-Roldan JA, et al. Comparison of diagnostic tools for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs. Pathogens 2020; 9(6): 499. doi: 10.3390/pathogens9060499.
  19. Little S, Saleh M, Wohltjen M, et al. Prime detection of Dirofilaria immitis: understanding the influence of blocked antigen on heartworm test performance. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11: 186. doi: 10.1186/s13071-018-2736-5.
  20. Lee AC, Bowman DD, Lucio-Forster A, et al. Evaluation of a new in-clinic method for the detection of canine heartworm antigen. Vet Parasitol 2011; 177(3-4):387-391.
Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 16, Issue 7
July 2025
Pages 415-419

  • Receive Date 22 June 2024
  • Revise Date 10 November 2024
  • Accept Date 11 November 2024

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us