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Cited by 53Parasitic Diseases Research and TreatmentHelminth infection and controlResearch on Leishmaniasis Studies

Dirofilarioses in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management

Open access
Pennisi, Maria Grazia, Tasker, Séverine, Hartmann, Katrin, Belák, Sándor, Addie, Diane, Boucraut-Baralon, Corine, Egberink, Herman, Frymus, Tadeusz +7 more·2020·Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
DOI 10.1177/1098612x20917601PMC PMC11132531
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Abstract

Overview: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the most important filarial worms, causing heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. D repens is currently considered an emerging zoonotic agent in Europe. Life cycle and infection: Filarial worms infect mainly dogs, but also cats, ferrets, wild carnivores and humans. The life cycle involves an intermediate mosquito host. Compared with dogs, cats are imperfect hosts for dirofilarial worms. After inoculation, only a low number of L3 larvae develop to the adult stage in a small percentage of cats. Heartworm disease in cats may be associated with severe pulmonary thromboembolism and an eosinophilic inflammatory response in the lungs, potentially leading to sudden death. Otherwise self-cure occurs in most cases after 18–48 months. Subcutaneous dirofilariosis may present as subcutaneous nodules or dermatitis. Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis in cats is more difficult compared with dogs and needs a multistep approach (antigen and antibody tests, as well as diagnostic imaging). Cats with acute heartworm disease require stabilisation within an intensive care unit. Cats with respiratory signs or suggestive radiographic changes should receive prednisolone and follow-up with a similar multistep approach. Adulticidal therapy is not safe in cats. Prevention: In endemic areas cats should receive year-round chemoprophylaxis from 2 months of age.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

These European ABCD guidelines summarize feline dirofilariosis caused by *Dirofilaria immitis* and *Dirofilaria repens*, emphasizing that cats are imperfect hosts and that diagnosis requires a multistep approach. They recommend year-round chemoprophylaxis from 2 months of age in endemic areas and state that adulticidal therapy is not safe in cats.

Key findings

  • *D immitis* causes heartworm disease and *D repens* causes subcutaneous dirofilariosis; *D repens* is currently considered an emerging zoonotic agent in Europe.
  • Cats are imperfect hosts: only a low number of L3 larvae develop to adult stage in a small percentage of cats, and self-cure occurs in most cases after 18–48 months, though severe pulmonary thromboembolism and eosinophilic inflammation can cause sudden death.
  • Feline heartworm infection is detected in the same areas as canine heartworm at about 9–18% of the rate in unprotected dogs; outdoor cats have a three-fold higher risk of being antigen-positive.
  • Reported *D repens* prevalence in cats was 1.6% vs 5.6% in dogs in central Italy and 0.7% vs 38% in dogs in central Poland.

Methods

  • Design: European guidelines from the ABCD, presented as expert recommendations and a narrative synthesis of the literature.
  • Data or sample: no primary data collection described; the document cites experimental studies, prevalence surveys, case reports, and prior guidelines.
  • Main analysis: Not stated in the paper.

Limitations

  • The paper states that the true prevalence of feline heartworm disease is difficult to evaluate because of diagnostic difficulties, and that information about *D repens* prevalence in cats in Europe is very limited.
  • The paper states that efficacy and safety of slow-kill protocols are unknown and therefore not recommended; adulticidal therapy is not safe in cats.
  • Evident from the text: no formal systematic review methodology or formal limitations section is described, and recommendations rely on expert consensus.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1177/1098612x20917601

Cites

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 100 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    The life cycle of dirofilarial worms involves an intermediate mosquito host.

    “The lengthy life cycle of these nematodes involves an intermediate mosquito host (in Europe mainly Culex pipiens, Aedes vexans and Aedes albopictus) that becomes infected by taking a blood meal from a reservoir host carrying an adequate number of circulating LI larvae (microfilariae).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [1] 1. McCall JW, Genchi C, Kramer LH, et al. Heartworm disease in animals and humans. Adv Parasit 2008; 66: 193–285. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] 2. Simon F, Siles-Lucas M, Morchon R, et al. Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25: 507–544. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [4] 4. Cancrini G, Magi M, Gabrielli S, et al. Natural vectors of dirofilariasis in rural and urban areas of the Tuscan region, central Italy. J Med Entomol 2006; 43: 574–579. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] 5. Cancrini G, Scaramozzino P, Gabrielli S, et al. Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens implicated as natural vectors of Dirofilaria repens in central Italy. J Med Entomol 2007; 44: 1064–1066. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    D repens is currently considered an emerging zoonotic agent in Europe.

    “D repens is currently considered an emerging zoonotic agent in Europe.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] 14. Capelli G, Genchi C, Baneth G, et al. Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11: 663. DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3205-x. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    The presence of circulating Wolbachia species antigens and anti-Wolbachia antibodies has been associated in experimentally infected cats with an inflammatory reaction in the host tissues that affects respiratory function.

    “the presence of circulating Wolbachia species antigens and anti-Wolbachia antibodies has been associated in experimentally infected cats with an inflammatory reaction in the host tissues that affects respiratory function.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [27] 27. Garcia-Guasch L, Caro-Vadillo A, Manubens-Grau J, et al. Is Wolbachia participating in the bronchial reactivity of cats with heartworm associated respiratory disease? Vet Parasitol 2013; 196: 130–135. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [32] 32. Morchon R, Ferreira AC, Martin-Pacho JR, et al. Specific IgG antibody response against antigens of Dirofilaria immitis and its Wolbachia endosymbiont bacterium in cats with natural and experimental infections. Vet Parasitol 2004; 125: 313–321. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Adulticidal therapy is not safe in cats.

    “Adulticidal therapy is not safe in cats.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [26] 26. Venco L, Genchi C, Genchi M, et al. Clinical evolution and radiographic findings of feline heartworm infection in asymptomatic cats. Vet Parasitol 2008; 158: 232–237. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [46] 46. Jones S, Graham W, von Simon C, et al. Current feline guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of heart-worm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in cats. Batavia, Ill: American Heartworm Society, 2014. [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Interpretationreasoning
    § Abstract

    The true prevalence of feline HWD is difficult to evaluate because of diagnostic difficulties.

    “The true prevalence of feline HWD is difficult to evaluate because of diagnostic difficulties, but infection is detected in the same areas as canine HWD at about 9–18% of the rate in unprotected dogs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 18
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 2

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Filarial worms infect mainly dogs, but also cats, ferrets, wild carnivores and humans.

    “Filarial worms infect mainly dogs, but also cats, ferrets, wild carnivores and humans.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [1] 1. McCall JW, Genchi C, Kramer LH, et al. Heartworm disease in animals and humans. Adv Parasit 2008; 66: 193–285. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] 2. Simon F, Siles-Lucas M, Morchon R, et al. Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25: 507–544. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [3] 3. Otranto D, Deplazes P. Zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9: 370–383. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Heartworm disease in cats may be associated with severe pulmonary thromboembolism and an eosinophilic inflammatory response in the lungs, potentially leading to sudden death.

    “Heartworm disease in cats may be associated with severe pulmonary thromboembolism and an eosinophilic inflammatory response in the lungs, potentially leading to sudden death.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [24] 24. Dillon AR, Blagburn B, Tillson DM, et al. Immature heart-worm infection produces pulmonary parenchymal, airway, and vascular disease in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007; 21: 608–609. [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [25] 25. Dillon R, Tillson DM, Woolridge A, et al. Effect of pre-cardiac and adult stages of Dirofilaria immitis in pulmonary disease of cats: CBC, bronchial lavage cytology, serology, radiographs, CT images, bronchial reactivity, and histopathology. Vet Parasitol 2014; 206: 24–37. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] 27. Garcia-Guasch L, Caro-Vadillo A, Manubens-Grau J, et al. Is Wolbachia participating in the bronchial reactivity of cats with heartworm associated respiratory disease? Vet Parasitol 2013; 196: 130–135. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the most important filarial worms causing heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively.

    “Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens (subgenus Nochtiella) are the most important species causing heart-worm disease (HWD) and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [1] 1. McCall JW, Genchi C, Kramer LH, et al. Heartworm disease in animals and humans. Adv Parasit 2008; 66: 193–285. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] 2. Simon F, Siles-Lucas M, Morchon R, et al. Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25: 507–544. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [3] 3. Otranto D, Deplazes P. Zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9: 370–383. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Usually early death (3-4 months postinfection) of juvenile heartworms occurs soon after arrival in the pulmonary arteries; otherwise they survive about 2-4 years followed by self-cure in most cases.

    “Usually early death (3–4 months postinfection) of juvenile heartworms occurs soon after arrival in the pulmonary arteries; otherwise they survive about 2–4 years followed by self-cure in most cases.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26] 26. Venco L, Genchi C, Genchi M, et al. Clinical evolution and radiographic findings of feline heartworm infection in asymptomatic cats. Vet Parasitol 2008; 158: 232–237. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Diagnosis in cats is more difficult compared with dogs and needs a multistep approach (antigen and antibody tests, as well as diagnostic imaging).

    “Diagnosis in cats is more difficult compared with dogs and needs a multistep approach (antigen and antibody tests, as well as diagnostic imaging).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [46] 46. Jones S, Graham W, von Simon C, et al. Current feline guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of heart-worm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in cats. Batavia, Ill: American Heartworm Society, 2014. [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Aberrant migrations are rare, but more frequently reported in cats than in dogs and are responsible for effusions or neurological manifestations.

    “Aberrant migrations (eg, to body cavities, central nervous system, femoral artery) are rare, but more frequently reported in cats than in dogs and are responsible for effusions or neurological manifestations”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [1] 1. McCall JW, Genchi C, Kramer LH, et al. Heartworm disease in animals and humans. Adv Parasit 2008; 66: 193–285. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] 2. Simon F, Siles-Lucas M, Morchon R, et al. Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25: 507–544. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [37] 37. Favole P, Cauduro A, Opreni M, et al. Epidural dirofilariosis in a paraparetic cat: case report of Dirofilaria immitis infection. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 10: 137–144. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [38] 38. Oldach MS, Gunther-Harrington CT, Balsa IM, et al. Aberrant migration and surgical removal of a heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) from the femoral artery of a cat. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32: 792–796. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Chronic vomiting, anorexia and cachexia are also reported and can be the most obvious clinical manifestations.

    “Chronic vomiting, anorexia and cachexia are also reported and can be the most obvious clinical manifestations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [36] 36. Dillon AR, Brawner AR, Jr, Robertson-Plouch CK, et al. Feline heartworm disease: correlations of clinical signs, serology, and other diagnostic results of a multicentre study. Vet Ther 2000; 1: 176–182. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Male cats have been found to be more likely to develop mature infections in experimental studies.

    “male cats have been found to be more likely to develop mature infections in experimental studies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] 22. Levy JK, Burling AN, Crandall MM, et al. Seroprevalence of heartworm infection, risk factors for seropositivity and frequency of prescribing heartworm preventives for cats in the United States and Canada. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2017; 250: 873–880. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Despite the low parasite load (one to six adult worms per cat), severe pathological changes are found early in cats and they can be life-threatening.

    “Despite the low parasite load (one to six adult worms per cat), severe pathological changes are found early in cats and they can be life-threatening.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [24] 24. Dillon AR, Blagburn B, Tillson DM, et al. Immature heart-worm infection produces pulmonary parenchymal, airway, and vascular disease in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007; 21: 608–609. [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [25] 25. Dillon R, Tillson DM, Woolridge A, et al. Effect of pre-cardiac and adult stages of Dirofilaria immitis in pulmonary disease of cats: CBC, bronchial lavage cytology, serology, radiographs, CT images, bronchial reactivity, and histopathology. Vet Parasitol 2014; 206: 24–37. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    D repens infection is often subclinical in affected hosts; however, in dogs, subcutaneous nodules and dermatitis are associated with the presence of adult worms.

    “D repens infection is often subclinical in affected hosts; however, in dogs, subcutaneous nodules and dermatitis are associated with the presence of adult worms.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [42] 42. Venco L, Valenti V, Bertazzolo W, et al. A mini-invasive procedure for removal of adult Dirofilaria repens from subcutaneous nodules in dogs. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med 2011; 9: 217–223. [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Laboratory diagnosis may reveal eosinophilia on complete blood count and on bronchoalveolar lavage cytology.

    “Laboratory diagnosis may reveal eosinophilia on complete blood count and on bronchoalveolar lavage cytology.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [25] 25. Dillon R, Tillson DM, Woolridge A, et al. Effect of pre-cardiac and adult stages of Dirofilaria immitis in pulmonary disease of cats: CBC, bronchial lavage cytology, serology, radiographs, CT images, bronchial reactivity, and histopathology. Vet Parasitol 2014; 206: 24–37. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] 39. Venco L, Marchesotti F, Manzocchi S. Feline heartworm disease: a ‘Rubik’s-cube like’ diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. J Vet Cardiol 2015; 17: S190–S201. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [40] 40. Silvestre-Ferreira AC, Vieira L, Vilhena H, et al. Serum acute phase proteins in Dirofilaria immitis and Wolbachia seropositive cats. J Feline Med Surg 2016; 19: 693–696. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Anti-D immitis antibodies are found about 2 months postinfection and provide early confirmation of exposure to D immitis, irrespective of the parasite load.

    “Anti-D immitis antibodies are found about 2 months postinfection and provide early confirmation of exposure to D immitis, irrespective of the parasite load.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [52] 52. Prieto G, Ceciliani F, Venco L, et al. Feline dirofilariosis: antibody response to antigenic fractions containing specific 20 to 30 kDa polypeptides from the adult Dirofilaria immitis somatic antigen. Vet Parasitol 2002; 103: 341–353. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    HWD in cats has an unpredictable and potentially fatal course.

    “Because of the unpredictable and potentially fatal course of HWD in cats, and the lack of safe and effective treatments, all cats in endemic areas – irrespective of their access to the outdoors – should be given monthly chemoprophylaxis from 2 months of age year-round for killing infective larvae in the L3–L4 stages. 46”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [46] 46. Jones S, Graham W, von Simon C, et al. Current feline guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of heart-worm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in cats. Batavia, Ill: American Heartworm Society, 2014. [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning
    § Abstract

    The combined use of antigen and antibody testing increases diagnostic accuracy of testing for feline HWD but negative results on both tests still cannot rule out a diagnosis in suspected HARD cases.

    “The combined use of antigen and antibody testing increases diagnostic accuracy of testing for feline HWD but negative results on both tests still cannot rule out a diagnosis in suspected HARD cases.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Outdoor cats have a three-fold increased risk of being D immitis antigen-positive.

    “Although a recent study found that outdoor cats had a three-fold increased risk of being D immitis antigen-positive, it is known that about one-third of all antigen-positive cats actually live indoors. 22”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] 22. Levy JK, Burling AN, Crandall MM, et al. Seroprevalence of heartworm infection, risk factors for seropositivity and frequency of prescribing heartworm preventives for cats in the United States and Canada. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2017; 250: 873–880. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Melarsomine carries a high risk in cats of triggering pulmonary thromboembolism and anaphylactic reactions following parasite death.

    “Adulticide therapy used in dogs (melarsomine) is not safe in cats and carries a high risk of triggering pulmonary thromboembolism and anaphylactic reactions following parasite death.33,46”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [33] 33. Alho AM, Giannelli A, Otranto D, et al. Dirofilaria immitis: a silent cause of pulmonary thromboembolism and sudden death in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016; 249: 751–753. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [46] 46. Jones S, Graham W, von Simon C, et al. Current feline guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of heart-worm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in cats. Batavia, Ill: American Heartworm Society, 2014. [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    In contrast with dogs, both microscopic detection of microfilariae and ELISA or immunochromatographic (IC)-based tests that detect circulating antigens of adult D immitis females have low sensitivity in cats.

    “In contrast with dogs, both microscopic detection of microfilariae and ELISA or immunochromatographic (IC)-based tests that detect circulating antigens of adult D immitis females have low sensitivity in cats.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [1] 1. McCall JW, Genchi C, Kramer LH, et al. Heartworm disease in animals and humans. Adv Parasit 2008; 66: 193–285. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] 2. Simon F, Siles-Lucas M, Morchon R, et al. Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25: 507–544. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] 39. Venco L, Marchesotti F, Manzocchi S. Feline heartworm disease: a ‘Rubik’s-cube like’ diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. J Vet Cardiol 2015; 17: S190–S201. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [46] 46. Jones S, Graham W, von Simon C, et al. Current feline guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of heart-worm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in cats. Batavia, Ill: American Heartworm Society, 2014. [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Characteristic radiographic abnormalities include a vascular pattern and patchy infiltrates around the caudal lobar arteries or a diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern.

    “Characteristic abnormalities include a vascular pattern (enlargement, loss of tapering, tortuosity and truncation of the right or both caudal pulmonary arteries on ventrodorsal radiographs) and patchy infiltrates around the caudal lobar arteries resulting from plasma leakage and perivascular inflammation (often peripheral in caudal lobes) (Figure 8) or a diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] 39. Venco L, Marchesotti F, Manzocchi S. Feline heartworm disease: a ‘Rubik’s-cube like’ diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. J Vet Cardiol 2015; 17: S190–S201. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Necropsy is the only diagnostic method available in cases of sudden death but is also used to confirm the disease when negative results of ante-mortem diagnostic methods are obtained in suspected cases.

    “Necropsy is the only diagnostic method available in cases of sudden death but is also used to confirm the disease when negative results of ante-mortem diagnostic methods are obtained in suspected cases.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] 31. Biasato I, Tursi M, Zanet S, et al. Pulmonary artery dissection causing haemothorax in a cat: potential role of Dirofilaria immitis infection and literature review. J Vet Cardiol 2017; 19: 82–87. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Abstract

    Five preventive drugs are currently available for cats and are given monthly orally or topically as spot-ons.

    “Five preventive drugs are currently available for cats and are given monthly orally or topically as spot-ons (Table 1).25,63-65”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [25] 25. Dillon R, Tillson DM, Woolridge A, et al. Effect of pre-cardiac and adult stages of Dirofilaria immitis in pulmonary disease of cats: CBC, bronchial lavage cytology, serology, radiographs, CT images, bronchial reactivity, and histopathology. Vet Parasitol 2014; 206: 24–37. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [63] 63. Baker CF, Tielemans E, Pollmeier MG, et al. Efficacy of a single dose of a novel topical combination product containing eprinomectin to prevent heartworm infections in cats. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202: 49–53. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [64] 64. Little SE, Hostetler J, Thomas JE, et al. Moxidectin steady state prior to inoculation protects cats from subsequent, repeated infection with Dirofilaria immitis. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8: 107. DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0710-z. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

      Not checked in the free run.

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      Not checked in the free run.

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  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Cats are imperfect hosts for Dirofilaria worms, so the parasite life cycle in cats differs from dogs.

    “Cats are imperfect hosts for Dirofilaria worms; thus, the parasite life cycle in cats and dogs differs in a number of important respects (see box).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The efficacy and safety of slow kill protocols in cats are unknown.

    “have been reported in cats, 21 but their efficacy and safety are unknown and therefore these protocols are not recommended.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is no adulticidal drug approved for the treatment of feline subcutaneous dirofilariosis.

    “There is no adulticidal drug approved for the treatment of feline subcutaneous dirofilariosis.”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The sensitivity of antigen detection in infected cats is low, because these hosts generally harbor a low number of adult worms, or because symptoms occur when the parasites are in larval stages.

    “It is known that the sensitivity of the detection of antigens in infected cats is low, because these hosts generally harbor a low number of adult worms, or because the symptoms produced by their presence occur when the parasites are in larval stages (20–22).”

    From Seroprevalence of Feline Heartworm in Spain: Completing the Epidemiological Puzzle of a Neglected Disease in the Cat (2022) · cites this paper as [22]

  • Infections with Dirofilaria spp. in cats and dogs historically occur in Mediterranean countries but have recently spread within these countries.

    “Infections with Dirofilaria spp. in cats and dogs historically occur in Mediterranean countries but have recently spread within these countries, such as for example Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Turkey [10].”

    From Retrospective evaluation of vector-borne pathogens in cats living in Germany (2012–2020) (2021) · cites this paper as [10]

  • According to predictive models developed for dirofilariasis, temperatures during the summer may be suitable for the life-cycle of larvae in mosquitoes even in colder regions like the UK, provided that reservoirs are present.

    “According to predictive models developed for dirofilariasis, temperatures during the summer may be suitable for the life-cycle of larvae in mosquitoes even in colder regions like the UK, provided that reservoirs are present [10, 27, 41, 42].”

    From Retrospective evaluation of vector-borne pathogens in cats living in Germany (2012–2020) (2021) · cites this paper as [10]

The citation lists haven’t been fetched yet

References 64 · Cited by 53

Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Cancrini G, 2007, J Med Entomol, 44, 1064
  2. Dillon AR, 2007, J Am Vet Med Assoc, 21, 608
  3. Dillon AR, 2000, Vet Ther, 1, 176
  4. Favole P, 2013, J Feline Med Surg, 10, 137
  5. Venco L, 2011, Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 9, 217
  6. Jones S, 2014, (Dirofilaria immitis)

Authors
Pennisi, M. G., Tasker, S., Hartmann, K., Belák, S., Addie, D., Boucraut-Baralon, C., Egberink, H., Frymus, T., Hofmann-Lehmann, R., Hosie, M., Lloret, A., Marsilio, F., Thiry, E., Truyen, U., & Möstl, K.
Affiliations
European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
Corresponding author
Pennisi, Maria Grazia
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2020-04-24
Volume
22
Issue
5
Pages
442-451
ISSN
  • 1098-612X (ISSN-L)
  • 1532-2750
DOI
10.1177/1098612x20917601
PMC
PMC11132531
OpenAlex
W3019841822
Semantic Scholar
0691998ca19b4b71c4085870acf2351dcafb21e0
Cited by
53
References
64
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 22 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 1
FWCI
0.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
  • Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Explore Bristol Research (publishedVersion)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • ORBi (University of Liège) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Bristol Research (University of Bristol) (submittedVersion)
  • Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) (submittedVersion)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (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 immitis, chemoprophylaxis, prednisolone, intensive care management
MeSH terms
Animals, Cat Diseases, Cats, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilariasis, Dirofilaria repens

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