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Is Wolbachia complicating the pathological effects of Dirofilaria immitis infections?

L Kramer1, F Simón, F Tamarozzi

  • 1Dipt. di Produzioni Animali, Università di Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy. kramerlh@unipr.it

Veterinary Parasitology
|May 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Dogs infected with heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) show an immune response to Wolbachia bacteria. These bacteria and their molecules are present in infected dog organs, suggesting a role in heartworm disease pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Filarial nematodes harbor Wolbachia bacteria, crucial for pathogenesis and immune response.
  • Wolbachia's role in canine heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the canine host's immune response to Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) in heartworm disease.
  • To determine the presence of Wolbachia-derived molecules in infected canine tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of specific antibody subclasses against WSP in naturally infected dogs.
  • Immunohistochemical examination of organs from dogs deceased from heartworm disease for WSP presence.

Main Results:

  • All infected dogs exhibited a humoral immune response to WSP, predominantly Th1-type.
  • WSP was detected in various organs (lung, liver, kidney) of infected dogs via immunohistochemistry.
  • Confirmed canine host exposure to Wolbachia-derived molecules.

Conclusions:

  • Dogs with heartworm disease mount a significant immune response against Wolbachia.
  • Wolbachia molecules are present in multiple organs, indicating systemic exposure and potential contribution to disease pathology.

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