Biomarkers of lung damage in dogs with dirofilariosis

Abstract

Dirofilariosis is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, a life-threatening condition that affects dogs and cats all across the globe and has zoonotic potential. Adult worms reside in the pulmonary arteries and right heart chambers, causing lesions in the pulmonary arteries and lung parenchyma. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the biomarkers matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in dogs naturally infected with D. immitis and to investigate their association with the development of pulmonary pathology, with the objective of finding a method to predict and stage lung damage in these patients. For this study, forty client-owned dogs were divided into three different groups based on their symptoms and the changes seen in their thoracic radiographs. MMP-9 and IL-6 levels were measured in their blood samples using ELISAs, and statistical analysis, including group comparisons and ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) curve analysis, was conducted. The results indicated that both MMP-9 and IL-6 levels were altered in dogs with dirofilariosis, but only IL-6 showed potential as a predictor of pathology and as a diagnostic tool.