Serological and molecular survey of Dirofilaria immitis infection in stray cats in gyunggi province, south korea

Creators Liu J.

Creators Song K. H.

Creators Lee S. E.

Creators Lee J. Y.

Creators Lee J. I.

Creators Hayasaki M.

Creators You M. J.

Creators Kim D. H.

The aim of this study was to carry out a serological and molecular survey for the presence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in stray cats using an ELISA kit and PCR assay. One hundred and fifty-five stray cats (77 females and 78 males) in Gyunggi province in South Korea, were used in this study. Four (2.6%) tested with the ELISA kit showed a positive reaction, and all positive samples by the ELISA kit showed a positive reaction by PCR analysis. No significant difference was observed between the male (2.6%) and female (2.6%) cat groups by ELISA kit. The positive rates for dirofilariosis were 2.8% in the 4-6-year-old group, and 18.2% in the ＞6-year-old group by ELISA kit. With regard to the age element, older cats showed a higher prevalence of D. immitis infection in this study. A statistical analysis revealed that significant difference was observed in ＞6-year-old group (p ＜ 0.01). In conclusion, D. immitis infection in stray cats was present in Gyunggi province, although its incidence was low. Therefore, heartworm treatment and/or prophylaxis for stray cats captured are required in this area.

[ISSN]0304-4017

[NCID]AA00883655

info:doi/10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.03.026

[isVersionOf] [URI]http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03044017