Sero-prevalence of Dirofilaria repens Infection in Dogs by Indirect-ELISA using Microfiarial and Adult Worm Antigen

Abstract

Dirofilariosis is vector borne nematode infection of dogs caused by several species of filarid nematodes belonging to the superfamily Filarioidea and family Onchocercidae. Nine filarial nematodes known to infect dogs worldwide includes Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides, Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi, Brugia ceylonensis, Brugia patei, Cercopithifilaria grassii, Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. Among these D. immitis is the most pathogenic canine filarid nematode, causes heartworm disease in dogs whereas, D. repens responsible for subcutaneous dirofilariosis. Even though D. repens is considered as less