Prevalence, identification and genetic characteristics of Filarial Nematodes in community dogs in Chiang Mai

Abstract

Filariasis is one of the public health problems in tropical and subtropical regions. Filariasis is also a disease that is endemic in Southeast Asian nations including Thailand. The purposes of this study were to assess the prevalence of filarial nematode infection in community dogs in Chiang Mai, a province in Northern Thailand, and identify filarial species by using molecular techniques. Geographic distribution of the disease was also performed to describe the situation of filarial infection that might be utilized for disease control in animals and humans in the province. Based on 337 community dogs from 20 districts in Chiang Mai, the overall prevalence rates of Dirofilaria immitis 12.17%(41/337) and Brugia pahangi 8.31% (28/337) were determined using molecular techniques. Only 6.23% of the dogs (21/337) had microfilaremia. Two dogs were found to be co-infected with both D. immitis and B. pahangi. Only 3.72% (eight dogs) of the 215 blood samples tested with a Canine Heartworm Ag Kit were D. immitis-antigen-positive. Six of the eight dogs were positive for occult D. immitis infections. D. immitis and B. pahangi were discovered to be abundant in the central areas of Chiang Mai. In conclusion, the most prevalent filarial infections detected in community dogs in Chiang Mai province in Northern Thailand were D. immitis and B. pahangi. To decrease the danger of filarial nematodes transmission, more knowledge and concern, as well as effective protective programs for community dogs, should be encouraged.