First document on the presence of Iraqi Dirofilaria immitis

Amall Hassen Atia

doi:10.30539/iraqijvm.v33i1.732

Abstract

Canine dirofilariasis in Iraq was thought not present. This is the first report of dogheartworms in our country. Hearts of 22 dogs from various sites in Kerbala province wereexamined for Dirofilaria immitis infection. Peripheral blood from dogs with worms in theheart was examined for microfilaria. Adult worms were found in 16 (73%) hearts.Microfilaria in blood not tackled in the present work. From these finding we hypothesis thatheartworm disease is usually present in / or imported from those areas that are endemic forcanine dirofilariasis

Highlights

Dirofilaria immitis a mosquito-borne nematode parasite which is widely distributed throughout the world and is most prevalent in the tropical and subtropical zones [ 1 & 2 ] . dogs and wild canines are considered to be the natural hosts for this parasite, it can infected other species of animals as well as man
The adult worms usually found in the right side of the heart or in the pulmonary arteries, while microfilaria Mfs circulate in the peripheral blood [6]
Worms were found in the right and right ventricle of the heart, pulmonary artery, in the middle and lower lobes of the left and right lungs and their pulmonary vessels (Figure 1) The results of this study show that the rate of Dirofilaria immitis in male were 16 of 17

Summary

Introduction

Dirofilaria immitis a mosquito-borne nematode parasite which is widely distributed throughout the world and is most prevalent in the tropical and subtropical zones [ 1 & 2 ] . dogs and wild canines are considered to be the natural hosts for this parasite, it can infected other species of animals as well as man. The adult worms usually found in the right side of the heart or in the pulmonary arteries , while microfilaria Mfs circulate in the peripheral blood [6]. It is most common important parasite , in heavy infestation ,causing sever cardiopulmonary and even death of some animals [7]. Canine dirofilariasis in Iraq was thought not present This is the first case of heartworms infection in Iraq to our knowledge

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Conclusion