Molecular Epidemiology of Canine Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in Culex pipiens Mosquitoes Collected from Tehran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Seyed Reza Hosseini ¹
• Milad Hamzehali Tehrani ²
• Marzieh Kefayat ³

¹ Department of veterinary medicine, Shk. C. Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.

² Department of Pathobiology, faculty of veterinary, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Department of Pathobiology, faculty of veterinary, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ka-raj, Iran.

10.22067/ijvst.2025.94000.1566

Abstract

Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode parasite that can inhabit and develop within the heart and pulmonary arteries of canids, felids, also in humans. The microfilariae of this parasite circulate in the blood of the host and are transmitted to new hosts through the bites of Culex pipiens mosquitoes. Culex pipiens, commonly known as the common house mosquito, is a native urban pest species. Since the early 20th century, various control campaigns have been implemented across European countries targeting this species. It exhibits high ecological plasticity, resulting in complex feeding behaviors and vector potentials. This study was conducted during the June to September of 2024 in Tehran. A total of 100 Culex pipiens mosquitoes were collected from different areas of the city and examined for infection with Dirofilaria immitis using molecular methods (PCR). The results showed that 15 of the collected mosquitoes were carriers of D. immitis microfilariae. Considering the results of the present study, the high potential for infection in the studied areas, and the importance of D. immitis-associated disease, it is expected that maintaining hygiene and cleanliness of mosquito-prone areas and dog shelters, along with controlling mosquito populations, especially in humid regions during warm seasons, will prevent the spread of this zoonotic disease among dogs and humans.

Keywords

• Microfilariae
• Dirofilaria immitis
• Culex pipiens
• PCR

Main Subjects

• Parasitology

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