Abstract:
Canine filarioids are zoonotic vector-borne parasitic nematodes distributed mostly in the tropics and subtropics.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, distribution, etiology and genetic variation of canine
filarioid infections by three different PCR techniques in four Southern Romanian counties. Blood samples of 300
shelter dogs were screened for infections with canine filarioids by real-time PCR. To determine filarioid species
and coinfections, samples positive in the initial screening were further tested by conventional PCR and
sequenced. Results indicated that 17% of the tested dogs were positive for at least one filarioid species. The
prevalence of D. repens infection was 11.7%, significantly higher than that of D. immitis (4.7%) and A. reconditum
(1.3%) (p ≤ 0.003). The high prevalence of canine filarioid infections represents a challenge to animal and
human health in the South of Romania, and they should be constantly monitored.
