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Heartworm disease in animals and humans
John W McCall1, Claudio Genchi, Laura H Kramer
1Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
Advances in Parasitology
|May 20, 2008
Summary
Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) remains a global threat to pets, spreading to new areas despite available preventatives. Emerging strategies, including antibiotics, offer new hope for treatment and control.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- One Health
Background:
- Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) poses a significant threat to canines, felines, and ferrets globally.
- Despite effective preventatives, the parasite and its mosquito vectors are expanding their range into new territories.
- Organizations and conferences are actively promoting research and updated guidelines for heartworm management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Dirofilaria immitis, covering its biology, life cycle, and global distribution.
- To update current knowledge on pathogenesis, immunology, and the role of Wolbachia endosymbionts in heartworm infection.
- To detail the clinical presentation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of heartworm disease in various animal species, including the Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD) Syndrome in cats.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Dirofilaria immitis biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis.
- Inclusion of recent data on disease spread and the application of molecular techniques in vector surveillance.
- Discussion of immunological responses, the role of Wolbachia, and diagnostic approaches.
Main Results:
- Heartworm disease continues to spread globally, impacting domestic and wild animals.
- The pathogenesis and immunology sections highlight the significance of Wolbachia endosymbionts and their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
- Updated clinical information is provided for canine, feline, and ferret heartworm disease, including HARD Syndrome in cats and human infections.
Conclusions:
- Effective prevention and control strategies are crucial to combat the expanding reach of heartworm disease.
- Further research into the Wolbachia endosymbiont may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
- Emerging treatment strategies, particularly the use of tetracycline antibiotics, show promise for adulticidal therapy and overall disease management.
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