Abstract
The nematode Dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease (HWD). HW infection in dogs occurs world-wide, including in all of the 50 United States. In the United States, there has been significant increase in the occurrence of HW infections over the past several years, especially in southeastern states. Multiple mosquito species have the potential to spread HWD. Cats are an imperfect host, so this species is more resistant to infection with adult HWs than dogs. The overall prevalence of HWD in cats is probably only 5–20% of that in unprotected dogs in the same geographic area. Reported prevalence in cats has ranged from 0% to over 16%, but the true infection rate is unknown. Infected cats generally have far fewer adult HWs than infected dogs. Worms mature more slowly in cats and fewer infective larvae mature into adults. Juvenile worms appear to have a particularly high death rate as they reach the lungs, 3–4 months after infection.
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