Dirofilaria immitis proteins recognized by antibodies from individuals living with microfilaremic dogs

Oswaldo M Torres-Chable,Nohemi Cigarroa-Toledo,Julian E Garcia-Rejon,Claudia V Zaragoza-Vera,Ignacio R Islas-Flores,Carlos I Machain-Williams,Roberto Gonzalez-Garduño,Maritza Zaragoza-Vera,Carlos M Baak-Baak,Ligia G Brito-Argaez,Guadalupe Arjona-Jimenez

doi:10.3855/jidc.12711

Abstract

Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode that affects human health in several countries of the world. This study was conducted to examine whether serum samples from the owners of microfilaremic dogs present immunoreactivity to parasite proteins. Eight serum samples from the owners of microfilaremic dogs were examined. Total proteins were extracted from adult worms and 12% SDS-PAGE was performed. The gel was electroblotted to a nitrocellulose membrane, and a Western blot (WB) was performed. Reactive bands of 22, 33, 39, 49, and 63 kDa in WB were excised from the gel and analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). The MS results showed the presence of 10 different proteins of D. immitis recognized by the human serum samples. These results indicate that in endemic areas of D. immitis, owners of infected dogs recognize specific proteins of the parasite, suggesting a possible infection.

Highlights

IntroductionDirofilaria immitis is a worm that affects a wide variety of mammalian hosts including humans [1,2]
Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode that affects human health in several countries of the world
Information related with D. immitis infections in people living endemic areas of Mexico could be used to include this zoonoses in differential diagnoses when lung lesions are found in patients from endemic locations

Summary

Introduction

Dirofilaria immitis is a worm that affects a wide variety of mammalian hosts including humans [1,2]. On the American continent, human infections have been reported in the United States (116 cases), Argentina, and Brazil [8]. In Mexico, D. immitis infection in dogs has mainly been reported in southeastern states such as Yucatan [11] and Tabasco [12]. A recent study carried out in the central area of country (Puebla, Mexico), reported the presence of antibodies against D. immitis in dogs and humans of this state [13]. Information related with D. immitis infections in people living endemic areas of Mexico could be used to include this zoonoses in differential diagnoses when lung lesions are found in patients from endemic locations. The goal of present study was to identify immunoreactivity against the proteins of D. immitis in the sera of individuals who owned microfilaremic dogs in a rural locality of Tabasco, Mexico.

Methodology Study area

Results

Discussion

Conclusions