Autochthonous Cases of Dirofilaria in Dogs from TimiE County (Western Part) Romania
Background: Taking into consideration that dirofilariosis spreading in Romania, in this study we intended to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. infection in dogs from Timiș County. Methods: The epidemiological research was conducted between February 2008 and October 2010, on a total of 457 dogs. The modified Knott’s method was used to identify the Dirofilaria spp. microfilariae. Blood samples positive for microfilariae were examined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), at the “Szent István” University, Faculty of Veterinary Science in Budapest, Hungary in two periods 2009 and 2010. Results: Using the modified Knott’s method, 33 dogs were positive for microfilariae (7.2%, 33/457) and using molecular technique, the following species were identified: D. repens (18/28) and D. immitis (1/28). Five samples (5/33) positive for microfilariae, not examined by PCR were examined by the Diro Speed® Test / Heartworm (Bio Veto Test, France).
