Epidemiological Survey of Dirofilaria Spp. and Acanthocheilonema Spp. in Dogs from the Republic of Moldova

Abstract Background: During the last decades, the spread of the infection with filarial nematodes Dirofilaria spp. in dog’s population in various European countries has been dynamic and rapid. The increased interest of the scientific community as well as the availability of new diagnosis tools, allowed a better knowledge on the biology, morphology and epidemiology of different species of filarial worms. However, in some countries, data are still scarce on this topic. To address some knowledge gaps, we assessed the epidemiological status of different canine filariasis in the Republic of Moldova. Methods: A total of 120 blood samples were collected between June 2018 and July 2019 from dogs originating from Cahul and Chișinău cities. The samples were microscopically examinated and multiplex PCR was performed to evaluate filarioid species diversity. Results: Microscopic examination revealed that 12 dogs (10%) were positive for circulating microfilariae. Molecular test showed that 1 dog was positive for Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.83%), 1 for D. immitis (0.83%), 6 for D. repens (5%), and 4 (3.33%) harboured a coinfection with D. immitis and D. repens. Conclusions: This study is the first epidemiological survey of filaroid worms in dogs from the Republic of Moldova and the first to show the presence of D. repens and A. reconditum in this species.