Year: 2018
Type: review
Abstract: Dirofilaria repens is a nematode affecting domestic and wild canids, transmitted by several species of mosquitoes. It usually causes a non-pathogenic subcutaneous infection in dogs and is the principal agent of human dirofilariosis in the Old World. In the last decades, D. repens has increased in prevalence in areas where it has already been reported and its distribution range has expanded into new areas of Europe, representing a paradigmatic example of an emergent pathogen. Despite its emergence and zoonotic impact, D. repens has received less attention by scientists compared to Dirofilaria immitis. In this review we report the recent advances of D. repens infection in dogs and humans, and transmission by vectors, and discuss possible factors that influence the spread and increase of this zoonotic parasite in Europe. There is evidence that D. repens has spread faster than D. immitis from the endemic areas of southern Europe to northern Europe. Climate change affecting mosquito vectors and the facilitation of pet travel seem to have contributed to this expansion; however, in the authors' opinion, the major factor is likely the rate of undiagnosed dogs continuing to perpetuate the life-cycle of D. repens. Many infected dogs remain undetected due to the subclinical nature of the disease, the lack of rapid and reliable diagnostic tools and the poor knowledge and still low awareness of D. repens in non-endemic areas. Improved diagnostic tools are warranted to bring D. repens diagnosis to the state of D. immitis diagnosis, as well as improved screening of imported dogs and promotion of preventative measures among veterinarians and dog owners. For vector-borne diseases involving pets, veterinarians play a significant role in prevention and should be more aware of their responsibility in reducing the impact of the zoonotic agents. In addition, they should enhance multisectorial collaboration with medical entomologists and the public health experts, under the concept and the actions of One Health-One Medicine.
Source: Parasites & Vectors
Authors: Gioia Capelli, Claudio Genchi, Gad Baneth, Patrick Bourdeau, Emanuele Brianti, Luís Cardoso, Patrizia Danesi, Hans-Peter Fuehrer, Alessio Giannelli, Angela Monica Ionică, Carla Maia, David Modrý, Fabrizio Montarsi, Jürgen Krücken, Elias Papadopoulos, Dušan Petrić, Martin Pfeffer, Sara Savić, Domenico Otranto, Sven Poppert, Cornelia Silaghi
Institutions: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, University of Milan, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Université Nantes Angers Le Mans, Oniris, Nantes Université, University of Messina, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, University of Bari Aldo Moro, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Freie Universität Berlin, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Novi Sad, Leipzig University, Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, University of Zurich
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
Funder: Regione del Veneto
OpenAlex ID: W2905090683