Aberrant migration of Dirofilaria immitis in the peritoneum of a dog. Issue 1 (22nd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brines, Courtenay; Agbedanu, Prince; Juelsgaard, Rachel; Carlson, Steve; Brewer, Matthew
• Is Part Of: Veterinary record case reports. Volume 4:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2016-08-22
• Subjects: Heartworm Disease -- Parasitology -- Aberrant Migration -- Dirofilariasis; Veterinary medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2016-000335
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-6121

Abstract

Abstract : Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent of heartworm disease in North America. The adult nematodes are typically found in the pulmonary arteries leading to respiratory, cardiac and systemic illness. In this report, the authors describe an aberrant migration of adult D immitis associated with fibrinous lesions in the peritoneum of a dog. The nematode was recovered during routine ovariohysterectomy. Examination of the organism revealed that the anterior end of the nematode contained several insignificant cranial papillae and no lips while the caudal region contained two rows of papillae. Histological examination demonstrated coelomyarian musculature and prominent lateral internal cuticular ridges. Subsequent amplification of a region of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed the authors' diagnosis of D immitis. Diagnosis of nematode parasites often heavily relies on the location of the worm and the identity of the host. This case highlights the use of integrating morphological, histopathological and molecular data in order to identify an aberrantly migrating nematode which is important for diagnostic, public health and epidemiological purposes.