Efficacy of a single administration of a spot-on solution containing imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 2.5% in eliminating Dirofilaria repens microfilariae in naturally infected dogs
Abstract
In the past decade reports of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis, caused by the mosquito-transmitted nematode Dirofilaria repens, increased in number in several countries in Europe, along with a rise of human cases. Given the merit to the new approaches for the control and treatment of this infection, the present study evaluated the efficacy of a single application of the spot-on formulation containing imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 2.5% (Advocate(®), Bayer Animal Health) in the elimination of D. repens microfilariaemia in naturally infected dogs. In September 2009, 18 dogs with a natural infection by D. repens were enrolled in the study. In October 2009 all the dogs were treated once with Advocate(®) and the presence/absence of circulating MF and skin lesions after treatment was evaluated monthly until April 2010. From November 2009 to April 2010 15 dogs scored negative for D. repens while one dog remained negative till March 2010 when it died. Two dogs had a recurrence of microfilariaemia in December 2009 and January 2010 respectively. Nine infected dogs showed skin lesions at the beginning of the trial, which disappeared after treatment in 7 dogs, whereas the other two symptomatic dogs did not show any dermatological improvement until the end of the trial even though they scored negative for D. repens microfilariae. This study demonstrated that a single dermal administration of Advocate(®) is effective in eliminating microfilariae of D. repens and likely has a certain degree of activity in killing subcutaneous adult worms as well. This study demonstrates the efficacy of Advocate(®) in the treatment of dermatitis caused by D. repens. Also, these results are of importance towards further control programs aiming to reduce the number of bites infectious for mosquitoes and the risk of infection for both humans and dogs.
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Moxidectin showed a high degree of efficacy in treating Dirofilaria repens infection, including potential ability to kill adults, after a single administration.
“The latter molecule also showed a high degree of efficacy in treating D. repens infection, including potential ability to kill adults, after a single administration [112-114].”
From Vector-borne helminths of dogs and humans in Europe (2013) · cites this paper as [113]
Commercial kits for detection of antigens released in the blood by adult female D. immitis are an alternative method for diagnosing D. immitis infestation in dogs.
“An alternative method for diagnosing D. immitis infestation in dogs is the use of commercial kits for the detection of antigens released in the blood by adult females.”
From Vector-borne helminths of dogs and humans in Europe (2013) · cites this paper as [113]
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- Authors
- Traversa, D., Aste, G., Di Cesare, A., Paoletti, B., Di Tommaso, M., Di Giulio, E., Pampurini, F., Tunesi, C., & Boari, A.
- Affiliations
- University of Teramo (IT)
- Bayer (Italy) (IT)
- Corresponding author
- Traversa, Donato
- Boari, Andrea
- Venue
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2011-06
- Volume
- 179
- Issue
- 1-3
- Pages
- 107-112
- ISSN
- 0304-4017 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2050803264
- Cited by
- 23
- References
- 23
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 2.38
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Veterinary Parasitology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- UniTERAMO Research Catalog (University of Teramo) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
- Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Helminth infection and control
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
- Keywords
- Dirofilaria repens, imidacloprid, moxidectin, skin lesions, skin inflammation, mosquito-borne diseases, zoonotic risk
- MeSH terms
- Neonicotinoids, Administration, Topical, Animals, Dirofilaria, Dirofilariasis, Dogs, Drug Administration Schedule, Filaricides, Imidazoles, Nitro Compounds, Skin Diseases, Parasitic, Macrolides
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