Seroprevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in cats from Spain

Abstract

Introduction: Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic nematode responsible of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis which is endemic in Spain, being reported in dog from almost all the country; furthermore, feline infections are being diagnosed with increasing frequency in areas where the disease is endemic in dogs. Cats generally tolerate the infection being asymptomatic or showing imperceptible/transient clinical signs; sometimes sudden death is the only symptom. Objectives: This study establishes the first epidemiological report of feline seroprevalence of D. immitis in all the Spanish territory. Methods: Samples of 5199 client-owned cats were collected between September 2020 and July 2021 from 103 veterinary centers located in all the autonomous communities (17) and autonomous cities (2) from Spain. Sera were analyzed by serological techniques for anti-D. immitis and anti-Wolbachia antibody detection. Results were analyzed by using SPSS Base 25.0 software. Results: A global seroprevalence of 9.65% was reported. The highest seroprevalences were found in the Balearic and Canary Islands (18.18-19.10%) and ranges from 7.14% to 11.03% were shown in the Mediterranean coast and Southern communities. The lower seroprevalences were found in the Northern communities (2.94-5.40%). Positive cats were found in the entire studied territory. Conclusions: The feline population is highly exposed to dirofilariosis. Based on the results, it is advisable to recommend annual prophylactic measures against D. immitis in cats in Spain, as well as to raise awareness of the need to prevent dirofilariosis in this species, both among owners and veterinarians