Autochthonous Dirofilaria repens in Austria

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Medical Entomology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Rising incidence of Dirofilaria repens infections in European animal and human populations.
• Dirofilaria repens is the causative agent of cutaneous dirofilariasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a nationwide screening for filarioid parasites in Austria.
• To identify potential mosquito vectors of Dirofilaria repens in Austria.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 7,632 mosquitoes across Austria from June to October 2012.
• Pooling of mosquitoes based on trapping date, location, and species.
• Molecular detection using real-time PCR followed by conventional PCR.

Main Results:

• Dirofilaria repens was identified in mosquito pools from Moerbisch and Rust, Burgenland.
• Positive mosquito pools included Anopheles maculipennis group and Anopheles algeriensis.
• Detection in specific mosquito species suggests their role as vectors.

Conclusions:

• The presence of Dirofilaria repens in Austrian mosquito vectors indicates a potential risk for cutaneous dirofilariasis transmission.
• Geographical distribution suggests introduction from Eastern European countries.
• Highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance for parasitic diseases.