Filarial infections in domestic dogs in Lusaka, Zambia

- Information on filarial infections in dogs in sub-Saharan Africa is scarce.
- Filarial status of 272 dogs from Lusaka, Zambia, assessed by multiple methods.
- Acanthocheilonema reconditum was found to be relatively common.
- Circulating antigens of Dirofilaria immitis, but no microfilariae, were also found.
- Veterinary and public health significance in this region needs further assessment.

Filariae are common parasites of dogs in many parts of the world, but little is known about the status of these infections in sub-Saharan Africa. A study was carried out to determine the occurrence and species of filariae among 272 dogs in Lusaka, Zambia. Giemsa stained blood smear and Knott's concentration methods revealed microfilariae in 16 (5.9%) of the dogs. PCR confirmed that most of these dogs had Acanthocheilonema reconditum infection. Ten (4.0%) of the examined dogs were positive for Dirofilaria immitis circulating antigen (by DiroCHEK® test), but D. immitis microfilariae were not identified in any of the dogs and the status of this infection remains unclear. Further studies are needed to explore the occurrence of filariae in Zambian dogs and the zoonotic potential for humans.