Climate changes implicated for Dirofilaria dissemination in Slovakia

Dirofilariosis is a parasitic disease caused by helminths of the genus Dirofilaria. Climatic changes are considered to be main risk factors for dirofilariosis spreading. In the Slovak Republic, canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis was recorded for the first time in 2005. In 2007 the first coordinated research project started to detect possible endemic infections and to determine their magnitude. A total of 984 dogs were examined for the presence of microfilariae within 2007-2008. Modified Knott test and PCR were used for microfilariae detection and for Dirofilaria species identification. Dirofilariosis was diagnosed in 196 dogs which represents an overall prevalence of 19.9%. The majority of infected dogs came from southern regions of Slovakia. In the regions of Trnava and Nitra 45.2% and 31.4% of the dogs surveyed were infected, respectively. The highest prevalence of dirofilariosis was detected in shepherd and watch dogs (45.7%), and hunting dogs (40.5%). In the group of police dogs, 20.5% animals were infected. Dirofilaria repens was detected in all infected dogs. In seven animals co-infection with Dirofilaria immitis was present.