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Tag: Andrew Moorhead

Current Status of the Diagnosis of Brugia spp. Infections

Donna Huber on September 23, 2024

Filarial nematodes of the genus Brugia include parasites that are significant to both human and veterinary medicine. Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing infections by these parasites and supporting elimination programs. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as microscopy and serology, remain vital, especially in resource-limited settings. However, advancements in molecular diagnostics, including nucleic acid amplification tests, offer enhanced …

An Overview of Management Considerations for Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), Cats (Felis catus), and Dogs (Canis familiaris) as Hosts for Brugia Infection

Donna Huber on June 26, 2024

Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne parasitic infection affecting an estimated 51.4 million people. Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi are used in research because common nonprimate research species such as Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), cats (Felis catus), and dogs (Canis familiaris) can maintain the life cycle of these species of filarial nematodes. Although overall care and management of animals infected …

Evaluation of diagnostic techniques for early detection of heartworm in experimentally infected dogs: identification of Dirofilaria immitis-derived microRNA in the initial 28 weeks post-inoculation

Donna Huber on June 13, 2024

Background: Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as heartworm (HW), is a parasitic nematode transmitted by various mosquito species, leading to heartworm disease (HWD) in dogs. Diagnosis of HW typically involves antigen or microfilariae detection, or visualization of adult worms through imaging or post mortem examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and micro RNA (miRNA) detection have been explored …

Effects of doxycycline dose rate and pre-adulticide wait period on heartworm-associated pathology and adult worm mass

Donna Huber on July 25, 2023

Background: The American Heartworm Society canine guidelines recommend treatment with doxycycline prior to adulticide administration to reduce levels of Wolbachia and its associated metabolites, which are known to be a leading cause of pulmonary pathology. Studies have determined that doxycycline administered at 10 mg/kg BID for 28 days is an effective dose for eliminating Wolbachia, but …

Evaluation of renal values during treatment for heartworm disease in 27 client-owned dogs

Donna Huber on June 9, 2023

Background: Canine heartworm disease (CHD) caused by Dirofilaria immitis remains a common preventable disease with increasing incidence in some parts of the USA. The treatment guidelines of the American Heartworm Society (AHS) currently recommend monthly macrocyclic lactone administration, 28 days of doxycycline given orally every 12 h and three injections of melarsomine dihydrochloride (1 injection on …

Treatment of dogs with Bravecto® (fluralaner) reduces mosquito survival and fecundity

Donna Huber on April 28, 2023

Background: Mosquitoes serve as the vector of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), which represents a significant and persistent threat to canine health. A reduction in the longevity and/or reproductive success of mosquitoes that take a blood meal from fluralaner-treated dogs may consequently reduce the local transmission of heartworm and prevent new infections. A novel secondary effect of …

The Domestic Dog as a Laboratory Host for Brugia malayi

Donna Huber on September 21, 2022

Of the three nematodes responsible for lymphatic filariasis in humans, only Brugia malayi is actively maintained in research settings owing to its viability in small animal hosts, principal among which is the domestic cat. While the microfilaremic feline host is necessary for propagation of parasites on any significant scale, this system is plagued by a number of …