About this Immunology and Microbiology article

Feline heartworm infection: serological survey of asymptomatic cats living in northern Italy by L. Kramer; C. Genchi is a Immunology and Microbiology article available to read on EtoBox.

Heartworm infection is now recognized as a potential cause of serious disease in cats. Epidemiological studies indicate that in locations where the infection is endemic in the dog, cats are at risk. The aim of this work was to carry out a serological survey for the presence of anti-Dirofilaria immitis antibodies in privately owned, predominantly asymptomatic cats living in different areas of northern Italy in order to determine the distribution of the parasite and the risk of infection in this species. Serum samples from 1045 cats were evaluated using a commercial antibody (Ab) detection kit (Heska TM Solo Step TM Filariosi Felina, Heska Corporation) and results were analyzed together with information obtained by questionnaire. Results showed that 16% of all tested cats were positive for anti-D. immitis antibodies, with values ranging from 9 to 27%, depending on location. Male cats and outdoor cats appeared to be at greater risk, with a significantly higher number of positive antibody tests. The results of this study suggest that the risk of exposure with D. immitis in cats is high in northern Italy and suggest that the use of preventive drugs would be advisable in this area endemi

Author

L. Kramer; C. Genchi

Publisher

Elsevier Science; Elsevier ; Elsevier BV (ISSN 0304-4017)

Published

2002

Language

EN

Field

Immunology and Microbiology (Life Sciences)