An appraisal of canine and human cases reveals an endemic status of dirofilariosis in parts of Serbia

Abstract

Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are mosquito-borne nematodes that primarily infect canids, and can also cause mild to serious superficial or visceral infection in humans. In the present survey, peripheral blood from 150 asymptomatic dogs from Serbia were examined using the modified Knott's technique. Dirofilaria immitis, identified based on morphological and morphometric characteristics, was prevalent in dogs not receiving preventative treatment (in 44% and 60% of pound and pet dogs, respectively). These results, together with findings of autochthonous cases of subcutaneous D. repens infection in human patients from Southeastern Serbia emphasize the need for further investigations of this veterinary and public health problem.