Sioutas G. DVM, PhD Candidate, Companion Animal Clinic, Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Papadopoulos E. DVM, MSc, PhD, Dip. EVPC, Professor, Head of the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Kanaki E. DVM, CEVA HELLAS, Ilioupoli, Attiki
Introduction
Cardiovascular dirofilariosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, transmitted by mosquitoes. Dogs are the final hosts and its natural reservoir. Greece is endemic for dirofilariosis with the highest prevalences in Northern Greece. However, in recent years, cases have emerged in previously clean areas. This spread is possibly due to climate change and hosts migration. The aim of the current study was to investigate the seroprevalence of canine cardiovascular dirofilariosis in previously "clean" areas of Greece.
Materials and methods
A total of 1528 blood samples from adult dogs from different regions of Greece were analysed. After centrifugation, sera were tested using the Dirochek ® ELISA kit (Synbiotics) for the detection of D. immitis antigen.
Results
The total seroprevalence was 10.8% (165/1528), and the seroprevalence for each region was the following: Ionian Islands: 16.9% (10/59), Northern Aegean: 5.4% (3/56), Southern Aegean: 4.7% (12/258), Crete 6.2% (10/161), Attica: 13.7% (55/401), Rest of Central Greece: 21.7% (23/106) and Peloponnese: 10.7% (52/487).
Conclusions
Seroprevalence rates of canine cardiovascular dirofilariosis have increased in all previously "clean" areas. Therefore, it is necessary to take effective prevention measures throughout the year in all areas of Greece to reduce the infection risk and limit the disease spread.
