The first report on the occurrence of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs in Siddharthnagar, Lumbini, Nepal

Abstract

Backround: Dirofilaria species are important zoonotic filarioid nematodes transmitted by mosquitoes causing a heartworm disease in canines worldwide. Map of the distribution pattern of dirofilariois in Nepalese context is lacking. Methodology: A study was done to access the occurrence of dirofilarioids among stray dogs population in Siddharthanagar, sub-metropolitan city of Lumbini, Nepal. A total of 150 blood specimens were examined using direct microscopy, buffy coat centrifugation and modified Knott's method. Haematobiochemical parameters including packed cell volume (PCV), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea and total protein were evaluated. Furhter, the clinical performance, comprising the body temperature and respiratory rate, were also assessed. Results: The dirofilariod is recognized as Dirofilaria immitis . Overall prevalence of dirofilariosis was reported to be 19.33% (29/150). Meanwhile, microfilariae were noticed to be 16.0, 16.0 and 19.33 % using the direct blood smear microscopy, buffy coat and modified Knott technique, respectively. The infection rate was significantly ( P <0.05) higher in aged dogs with high respiratory rates. The response of sex was non-significant. Among haematobiochemical parameters, only SGPT and SGOT were significantly ( P <0.05) elevated. The body temperature was not altered.Conclusion: Coinciding with the existence of stray dog communities and the recent zoonotic appearance of such filarioids, further investigations including molecular approaches, are urgently needed to accurately differentiate both dirofilarioids and other filarioid nematodes in both pets and humans.