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Cited by 50Parasitic Diseases Research and TreatmentResearch on Leishmaniasis StudiesMalaria Research and Control

Risk of canine and human exposure to Dirofilaria immitis infected mosquitoes in endemic areas of Italy

Open access
Capelli, Gioia, Frangipane di Regalbono, Antonio, Simonato, Giulia, Cassini, Rudi, Cazzin, Stefania, Cancrini, Gabriella, Otranto, Domenico, Pietrobelli, Mario·2013·Parasites & Vectors
DOI 10.1186/1756-3305-6-60PMC PMC3599681
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of infections by Dirofilaria immitis in canine and human populations depends on several factors linked to both the definitive and intermediate hosts. Little data are available on the risk of human and dog exposure to D. immitis in endemic areas. Data collected on dog- and human-bait traps in endemic areas of north-eastern Italy were used to estimate the likelihood of a receptive host coming into contact with an infected vector. METHODS: From 1997 to 1999, mosquitoes were collected from three sampling sites of north-eastern Italy on D. immitis microfilaraemic dogs and on human baits. The bite/night/host rates were determined based on the number of feeding and probing mosquitoes on dogs and humans, respectively. The survival/mortality rates of different species of mosquitoes following the blood meal, and the rate of natural Dirofilaria infection in unfed specimens were estimated. The risk of exposure of dogs and humans to infected mosquito species was determined by combining the bite/host/night and the mosquito infection rates. RESULTS: A total of 1,165 mosquitoes were collected on human (n=815) and dog (n=350) baits with varying species composition (i.e., Culex pipiens, 87.3% and Ochlerotatus caspius, 11.6%). Overall, dogs were more attractive to Cx pipiens than humans (feeding rate 70.2% vs probing rate 25.9%). The highest bite/night/host rate was 84.0 for dogs and 26.5 for humans. Cx pipiens displayed a mortality rate of 76.3% within 13 days and Oc. caspius of 100% within two days following the infective blood meal. In addition, D. immitis DNA was detected in unfed Cx pipiens (infection rate of 0.26%-2.07%). The infection rate adjusted for mosquito mortality was 0.38%. Based on data collected, the contact between an infected mosquito and a host can occur as often as every four nights for D. immitis infected-mosquitoes in dogs and within two weeks for humans. CONCLUSIONS: Cx pipiens was confirmed as the most efficient natural vector of D. immitis in the studied area. In endemic areas, the risk of transmission can be very high for dogs and relevant for humans. Despite the increased awareness of veterinarians and owners on canine dirofilarioses, dogs from rural areas still maintain the natural life cycle of Dirofilaria spp., therefore acting as a source of infection to humans through vector bites.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In endemic areas of north-eastern Italy, Culex pipiens was the most efficient natural vector of Dirofilaria immitis, and dogs were more attractive to it than humans. Combining mosquito biting rates with infection and mortality data indicated that dogs could contact an infected mosquito as often as every four nights, while humans could do so within two weeks.

Key findings

  • Of 1,165 mosquitoes collected on dog (n = 350) and human (n = 815) baits, Cx pipiens was dominant (87.3%), followed by Ochlerotatus caspius (11.6%).
  • Cx pipiens fed on dogs at 70.2% versus probing humans at 25.9% (p < 0.01); the highest bite/night/host rate was 84.0 for dogs and 26.5 for humans.
  • Cx pipiens mortality after an infective blood meal was 76.3% within 13 days, while Oc. caspius died within two days; D. immitis DNA was detected in unfed Cx pipiens at an infection rate of 0.26%–2.07%, adjusted for mortality to 0.38%.
  • Estimated exposure risk ranged from 4 to 300 days for dogs and 12 to 901 days for humans, with contact as often as every four nights for dogs and within two weeks for humans.

Methods

  • From 1997 to 1999, nocturnal mosquito collections were made at three peri-urban sites in north-eastern Italy using dog-bait and human-bait traps, with microfilaraemic dogs and human baits, over 17 sampling nights.
  • Mosquitoes were identified morphologically; unfed and human-collected specimens were pooled and analysed by PCR for D. immitis and D. repens, while dog-fed Cx pipiens were reared for 13 days to estimate mortality.
  • Bite/night/host rates, infection rates adjusted for pooled sampling and mortality (ERI), and exposure risk in days were calculated; proportions were compared by chi-square or Fisher exact tests and mean captures by ANOVA.

Limitations

  • The paper states that the small number of Oc. caspius collected does not allow definitive conclusions, that no mosquito ERI data were available for site A, and that variation in microfilaraemia density during the study cannot be excluded.
  • The paper also notes that the exposure risk estimate is likely conservative because it assumed mosquitoes with microfilariae in the abdomen suffered the same 76.3% mortality as Cx pipiens fed on highly microfilaraemic dogs.
  • Evident from the text: the study used only three dogs and a small number of human bait persons, and some risk calculations for site B relied on ERI data from a separate study performed ten years later.

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

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/1756-3305-6-60

Cites

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 33 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The infection rate adjusted for mosquito mortality was 0.38%.

    “The infection rate adjusted for mosquito mortality was 0.38%.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “After adjustment for mortality, the overall ERI for site C was 0.38%; this value was used to estimate the risk of exposure to a D. immitis infective Cx pipiens at the same site.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Ochlerotatus caspius displayed a mortality rate of 100% within two days following the infective blood meal.

    “Cx pipiens displayed a mortality rate of 76.3% within 13 days and Oc. caspius of 100% within two days following the infective blood meal.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Oc. caspius specimens, collected only at site C, died within two days (data not shown).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingcitation

    The rate of Cx pipiens infection with D. immitis estimated in this study in 1999 (0.26%-0.38%, site C) was very similar to that calculated more than ten years later (0.21-0.33%).

    “Interestingly, the rate of Cx pipiens infection with D. immitis estimated in this study in 1999 (0.26%-0.38%, site C) was very similar to that calculated more than ten years later (0.21-0.33%) [11].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Latrofa MS, Montarsi F, Ciocchetta S, Annoscia G, Dantas-Torres F, Ravagnan S, Capelli G, Otranto D: Molecular xenomonitoring of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from north-eastern Italy by real-time PCR coupled with melting curve analysis. Parasit Vectors. 2012, 5: 76-10.1186/1756-3305-5-76. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Findingown data

    Cx pipiens displayed a mortality rate of 76.3% within 13 days following the infective blood meal.

    “Cx pipiens displayed a mortality rate of 76.3% within 13 days and Oc. caspius of 100% within two days following the infective blood meal.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “The overall mortality rate of fed Cx pipiens 13 days following collection was 76.3%.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The same tendency (p = 0.053) was observed for Ochlerotatus caspius (90.0% vs 68.9%) in site C.

    “The same tendency (p = 0.053) was observed for Oc. caspius (i.e., 90.0% vs 68.9%) in site C (Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 15
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 14

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The highest bite/night/host rate was 84.0 for dogs and 26.5 for humans.

    “The highest bite/night/host rate was 84.0 for dogs and 26.5 for humans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The risk for dogs and humans to be exposed to D. immitis-infected Cx pipiens could range from a minimum of four to a maximum of 300 days for dogs and from a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 901 days for humans.

    “Based on this data, and according to biting rates and ERI recorded at different sites (Table 4) the risk for dogs and humans to be exposed to D. immitis infected Cx pipiens could range from a minimum of four to a maximum of 300 days and a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 901 days, respectively (Table 4).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Mosquitoes harbouring microfilariae in the abdomen would have suffered the same rate of mortality as Cx pipiens fed on high microfilaraemic dogs (76.3%).

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A total of 1,165 mosquitoes were collected on human (n = 815) and dog (n = 350) baits, with Culex pipiens comprising 87.3% and Ochlerotatus caspius 11.6%.

    “A total of 1,165 mosquitoes were collected on human (n = 815) and dog (n = 350) baits with varying species composition (i.e., Culex pipiens, 87.3% and Ochlerotatus caspius, 11.6%).”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Of the 1,165 mosquitoes captured on host-baits (i.e., 350 on dogs and 815 on humans) the most represented species was Culex pipiens (n = 1017; 87.3%), followed by Ochlerotatus caspius (n = 135; 11.6%), Cx modestus (n = 5; 0.4%), Coquillettidia richiardii (n =4; 0.3%) and Aedes vexans [Aedimorphus vexans] (n = 4; 0.3%).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Dogs were more attractive to Cx pipiens than humans, with a feeding rate of 70.2% on dogs versus a probing rate of 25.9% on humans.

    “Overall, dogs were more attractive to Cx pipiens than humans (feeding rate 70.2% vs probing rate 25.9%).”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Although the mean number of mosquitoes per dog/human which entered the traps did not differ significantly, the rate of Cx pipiens that fed on dogs was more than double that of mosquitoes probing on humans (i.e., 70.2% vs 25.9%; p < 0.01) (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Dirofilaria immitis DNA was detected in unfed Cx pipiens, with an infection rate of 0.26% to 2.07%.

    “In addition, D. immitis DNA was detected in unfed Cx pipiens (infection rate of 0.26%-2.07%).”
    • Also stated in: § Results · hedged
      “Out of the 915 unfed mosquitoes processed by PCR, eight pools of Cx pipiens from site C were positive for D. immitis, one in thorax/head pools and seven in abdomen-pools, corresponding to an estimated rate of infection (ERI) of 0.26% (95% CI 0.01-1.2) and of 2.07% (95% CI 1.03-4.11), respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mortality rates of fed Cx pipiens varied among sites, with the highest rate (91.3%) recorded in mosquitoes that fed on the dog from site C, the animal harbouring the largest number of microfilariae.

    “Mortality rates varied among sites with the highest rate (i.e., 91.3%) recorded in mosquitoes which fed on the dog from site C (i.e., the animal harbouring the largest number of microfilariae) (Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the present investigation, Cx pipiens fed preferentially on dogs (70%) rather than humans (26%), and was differently attracted by the three dogs used in the study, independently from their sizes.

    “Accordingly, in the present investigation, Cx pipiens fed preferentially on dogs (70%) than on humans (26%), and was differently attracted by the three dogs used in the study, independently from their sizes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Due to the introduction of Aedes albopictus in Italy and other European countries, the risk of Dirofilaria transmission is higher throughout the day time, because this species is diurnal and acts as a natural vector of both filariae in Italy.

    “In addition, due to the introduction of Aedes albopictus [Stegomya albopicta] in Italy as well in other European countries [26] the risk of Dirofilaria transmission is higher throughout the day time, as a consequence of the fact that this species is diurnal and it acts as natural vector of both filariae in Italy [9,27].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [26] European Center for Disease Control (ECDC), VIBORNET maps. available at: http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/activities/diseaseprogrammes/emerging_and_vector_borne_diseases/Pages/VBORNET_maps.aspx

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Cancrini G, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Ricci I, Tessarin C, Gabrielli S, Pietrobelli M: Aedes albopictus is a natural vector of Dirofilaria immitis in Italy. Vet Parasitol. 2003, 118: 195-202. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2003.10.011. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Cancrini G, Romi R, Gabrielli S, Toma L, DI Paolo M, Scaramozzino P: First finding of Dirofilaria repens in a natural population of Aedes albopictus. Med Vet Entomol. 2003, 17: 448-451. 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2003.00463.x. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In endemic areas, the risk of D. immitis transmission can be very high for dogs and relevant for humans.

    “In endemic areas, the risk of transmission can be very high for dogs and relevant for humans.”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · hedged
      “The results also indicate that in north-eastern Italy, where Cx pipiens is most prevalent [25], the risk of exposure to Dirofilaria spp. infected vectors can be very high for dogs and relevant for humans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [25] Mulatti P, Bonfanti L, Capelli G, Capello K, Lorenzetto M, Terregino C, Monaco F, Ferri G, Marangon S: West Nile Virus in North-Eastern Italy, 2011: Entomological and Equine IgM-Based Surveillance to Detect Active Virus Circulation. Zoonoses Public Health. 2011, 10.1111/zph.12013. Sep 13

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Dogs from rural areas still maintain the natural life cycle of Dirofilaria spp., therefore acting as a source of infection to humans through vector bites.

    “Despite the increased awareness of veterinarians and owners on canine dirofilarioses, dogs from rural areas still maintain the natural life cycle of Dirofilaria spp., therefore acting as a source of infection to humans through vector bites.”
    • Also stated in: § Conclusions · hedged
      “The similarity in the mosquito infection rates recorded over a period of ten years suggests that, in rural areas, dogs maintain the natural cycle of Dirofilaria spp., which enhances the risk of transmission to humans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Based on the collected data, contact between an infected mosquito and a host can occur as often as every four nights for D. immitis-infected mosquitoes in dogs and within two weeks for humans.

    “Based on data collected, the contact between an infected mosquito and a host can occur as often as every four nights for D. immitis infected-mosquitoes in dogs and within two weeks for humans.”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · hedged
      “Indeed, based on our calculations, during the seasons characterized by higher biting pressure, the contact between an infected mosquito and a host may occur as often as every four nights for D. immitis in dogs, whereas the possibility for a human to come into contact with an infected mosquito occurs within two weeks of exposure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Mosquitoes harbouring microfilariae in the abdomen would have suffered the same rate of mortality as Cx pipiens fed on high microfilaraemic dogs (76.3%).

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

    Interpretationcitation

    Alterations of physiological status (disease conditions) may change animal cue attractants to competent vectors.

    “Similarly, the mosquito host attractiveness is also enhanced in human patients infected by Plasmodium spp. [29,30] indicating that alterations of the physiological status (disease conditions) and consequently of physiological parameters, may ultimately change the animal cue attractants (fever, sweat and breathing rhythm and odour) to competent vectors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [29] Lacroix R, Mukabana WR, Gouagna LC, Koella JC: Malaria infection increases attractiveness of humans to mosquitoes. PLoS Biol. 2005, 3: e298-10.1371/journal.pbio.0030298. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] Cornet S, Nicot A, Rivero A, Gandon S: Malaria infection increases bird attractiveness to uninfected mosquitoes. Ecol Lett. 2012, 10.1111/ele.12041. Dec 3

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Study design and conductcitation

    The risk of mosquitoes escaping from the trap was considered negligible due to insect host-seeking behaviour and the fact that engorged females do not move after the blood meal.

    “The risk of mosquitoes escaping from the trap was considered negligible, due to both the insect host-seeking behaviour (in which mosquitoes rarely fly downwards when leaving an enclosed space), and to the fact that engorged females do not move after the blood meal, resting on the net [14].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] Mattingly PF: The biology of mosquito-borne disease. The Science of Biology (Series No I). Edited by: Carthy JD, Sutcliffe JF. 1969, London, United Kingdom: George Allen and Unwin Ltd

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Mosquito host attractiveness is enhanced in human patients infected by Plasmodium spp.

    “Similarly, the mosquito host attractiveness is also enhanced in human patients infected by Plasmodium spp. [29,30] indicating that alterations of the physiological status (disease conditions) and consequently of physiological parameters, may ultimately change the animal cue attractants (fever, sweat and breathing rhythm and odour) to competent vectors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [29] Lacroix R, Mukabana WR, Gouagna LC, Koella JC: Malaria infection increases attractiveness of humans to mosquitoes. PLoS Biol. 2005, 3: e298-10.1371/journal.pbio.0030298. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] Cornet S, Nicot A, Rivero A, Gandon S: Malaria infection increases bird attractiveness to uninfected mosquitoes. Ecol Lett. 2012, 10.1111/ele.12041. Dec 3

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The ERI calculated in this study was used for site C, while the ERI estimated in a separate study performed in the same area in 2010 was used for site B; no data on mosquito ERI is available for site A.

    “The ERI calculated in this study was used for site C, while the ERI estimated in a separate study performed in the same area in 2010 [11] was used for site B. No data on mosquito ERI is available for site A.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Latrofa MS, Montarsi F, Ciocchetta S, Annoscia G, Dantas-Torres F, Ravagnan S, Capelli G, Otranto D: Molecular xenomonitoring of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from north-eastern Italy by real-time PCR coupled with melting curve analysis. Parasit Vectors. 2012, 5: 76-10.1186/1756-3305-5-76. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Interpretationcitation

    The microfilaraemic status of dogs may enhance the host-preference of Cx pipiens.

    “Besides the individual host attractiveness to mosquitoes, the microfilaraemic status of the dogs may enhance the host-preference of Cx pipiens.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Before calculating ERI for D. immitis, the positive pools detected from pooled mosquito abdomens were adjusted with the mean mortality rate found in reared Cx pipiens.

    “Before calculating ERI for D. immitis the positive pools detected from the pooled mosquito abdomens (infected and not still infective) was adjusted with the mean mortality rate found in reared Cx pipiens.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Although the small number of Ochlerotatus caspius collected does not allow any definitive conclusion, the high mortality rate of this species following a blood meal on a highly microfilaraemic dog indicates that Ochlerotatus caspius might be an effective vector in non-endemic areas.

    “Although the small number of Oc. caspius collected does not allow any definitive conclusion to be drawn, the high mortality rate of this species following a blood meal on a highly microfilaraemic dog indicates that Oc. caspius might be an effective vector in non-endemic areas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Dirofilaria spp. have been recognised as emerging zoonotic agents currently spreading throughout Europe.

    “Among vector-borne helminths, Dirofilaria spp. have been recognised as emerging zoonotic agents, currently spreading throughout Europe [5,6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [5] Genchi C, Kramer LH, Rivasi F: Dirofilarial infections in Europe. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2011, 11: 1307-1317. 10.1089/vbz.2010.0247. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Brianti E, Traversa D, Petrić D, Genchi C, Capelli G: Vector-borne helminths of dogs and humans in Europe. Parasit Vectors. 2013, 6: 16-10.1186/1756-3305-6-16. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Study design and conductcitation

    The procedures for sampling mosquitoes attracted to humans and dogs followed a standard protocol.

    “The procedures for sampling mosquitoes attracted to humans and dogs followed a standard protocol [12].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [12] Service MW: Mosquito ecology: field sampling methods. 1993, London and New York: Elsevier Applied Science, 2 source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Mosquito species of the genus Culex and Ochlerotatus have been reported as major vectors of Dirofilaria in Italy and other European countries.

    “Mosquito species of the genus Culex and Ochlerotatus have been reported as major vectors of Dirofilaria in Italy and other European countries [3,9,10].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [3] Cancrini G, Gabrielli S: Vectors of Dirofilaria nematods: biology behaviour and host/parasites relationships. Proceeding of the First European Dirofilaria days: 22–25 February 2007; Zagreb, 2007. Edited by: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G. 2007, Napoli: Rolando Editore, 49-58.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Cancrini G, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Ricci I, Tessarin C, Gabrielli S, Pietrobelli M: Aedes albopictus is a natural vector of Dirofilaria immitis in Italy. Vet Parasitol. 2003, 118: 195-202. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2003.10.011. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [10] Otranto D, Capelli G, Genchi C: Changing distribution patterns of canine vector borne diseases in Italy: leishmaniosis vs. dirofilariosis. Parasit Vectors. 2009, 2 (Suppl 1): S2-10.1186/1756-3305-2-S1-S2. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    DNA was extracted separately from pools of insect abdomens and thorax-heads in order to detect potentially infective specimens.

    “The DNA was extracted separately from pools of the insect abdomens and thorax-heads, respectively, in order to detect potentially infective specimens [18].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Favia G, Dimopoulos G, Della Torre A, Touré YT, Coluzzi M, Louis C: Polymorphism detected by random PCR distinguish between chromosomal forms of Anopheles gambiae. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 1994, 91 (22): 10315-10319. 10.1073/pnas.91.22.10315. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Current data on the vectors of Dirofilaria spp. derives from laboratory experiments, occasional findings in naturally infested insects, or from fieldworks using dogs and/or humans-bait traps.

    “Current data on the vectors of Dirofilaria spp. derives from laboratory experiments, occasional findings in naturally infested insects, or from fieldworks using dogs and/or humans-bait traps [11].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Latrofa MS, Montarsi F, Ciocchetta S, Annoscia G, Dantas-Torres F, Ravagnan S, Capelli G, Otranto D: Molecular xenomonitoring of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from north-eastern Italy by real-time PCR coupled with melting curve analysis. Parasit Vectors. 2012, 5: 76-10.1186/1756-3305-5-76. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    The rates of infection in the intermediate host depend on vector densities, host-seeking activity/feeding preference, and vector competence.

    “For example, the rates of infection in the intermediate host depend on vector densities, host-seeking activity/feeding preference, and vector competence [4,7,8].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] Morchón R, Carretón E, González-Miguel J, Mellado-Hernández I: Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and their vectors in Europe - New distribution trends. Front Physiol. 2012, 3: 196- source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [7] Rossi L, Pollono F, Meneguz PG, Cancrini G: Four species of mosquito as possible vectors for Dirofilaria immitis piedmont rice-fields. Parassitologia. 1999, 41: 537-542.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] Muñnoz J, Eritja R, Alcaide M, Montalvo T, Soriguer RC, Figuerola J: Host-feeding patterns of native Culex pipiens and invasive Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in urban zones from Barcelona, Spain. J Med Entomol. 2011, 48: 956-960. 10.1603/ME11016. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Dirofilaria immitis is transmitted by many species of mosquito vectors (genus Culex, Aedes, Ochlerotatus and Anopheles), in which it develops into the infective third stage within different timeframes depending on several factors.

    “This filarioid is transmitted by many species of mosquito vectors (genus Culex, Aedes, Ochlerotatus and Anopheles), in which it develops into the infective third stage within different timeframes, which depend upon several factors [1-4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [1] Kutz FW, Frederick W, Dobson RC: Effects of temperature on the development of Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) in Anopheles quadrimaculatus say and on vector mortality resulting from this development. Ann Entomol Soc Am. 1974, 67: 325-331. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] Cancrini G, Pietrobelli M, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Tampieri MP, della Torre A: Development of Dirofilaria and Setaria nematodes in Aedes albopictus. Parassitologia. 1995, 37: 141-145.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [3] Cancrini G, Gabrielli S: Vectors of Dirofilaria nematods: biology behaviour and host/parasites relationships. Proceeding of the First European Dirofilaria days: 22–25 February 2007; Zagreb, 2007. Edited by: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G. 2007, Napoli: Rolando Editore, 49-58.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [4] Morchón R, Carretón E, González-Miguel J, Mellado-Hernández I: Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and their vectors in Europe - New distribution trends. Front Physiol. 2012, 3: 196- source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Study design and conductreasoning

    In each site, the human and dog baits were located at a distance of at least ten meters to avoid interference between mosquito attractants.

    “In each site, the human and dog baits were located at a distance of at least ten meters to avoid interference between mosquito attractants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
26 of 26

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The risk of dogs and humans being exposed to D. immitis-infected vectors in endemic areas had never been investigated before this study.

    “Nevertheless, the risk of dogs and humans to be exposed to D. immitis infected vectors in endemic areas, has never been investigated.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Mosquitoes harbouring microfilariae in the abdomen would have suffered the same rate of mortality as Cx pipiens fed on high microfilaraemic dogs (76.3%).

    “assuming that mosquitoes harboring microfilariae in the abdomen would have suffered the same rate of mortality of Cx pipiens fed on high microfilaraemic dogs, 76.3%”
2 of 2

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?

  • In Italy, culicid vectors of Dirofilaria have been demonstrated in different regions, including Cx. pipiens in north-eastern Italy, Ae. albopictus, Cq. richiardii, Cs. annulate, Cx. pipiens, and Och. caspius in southern Italy, and Ae. albopictus in Pelagie Archipelago.

    “In Italy, several studies have continued to demonstrate the existence of culicid vectors of Dirofilaria in different regions of the country, such as Cx. pipiens in north-eastern Italy [150], Ae. albopictus, Cq. richiardii, Cs. annulate, Cx. pipiens, and Och. caspius in southern Italy [34,151], and Ae. albopictus in Pelagie Archipelago [40].”

    From What has happened to heartworm disease in Europe in the last 10 years? (2022) · cites this paper as [150]

  • Elsewhere, Cx. pipiens s.l. has been found as a competent vector for D. immitis.

    “However, elsewhere, Cx. pipiens s.l. has been found as a competent vector for this parasite ( Capelli et al., 2013).”

    From Culex pipiens as a potential vector for transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and other unclassified Filarioidea in Southwest Spain (2016) · cites this paper as Capelli et al., 2013

  • The night peaks of microfilaremia correspond to the peak biting activity of local mosquito species, such as Culex pipiens, which is an efficient vector for both Dirofilaria spp. and highly attracted to dogs, and to the sleeping behaviour of the sampled dogs.

    “This corresponds to the peak biting activity of local mosquito species, such as Culex pipiens, which is an efficient vector for both Dirofilaria spp. and highly attracted to dogs [25, 26], but also to the sleeping behaviour of the sampled dogs.”

    From Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens show circadian co-periodicity in naturally co-infected dogs (2017) · cites this paper as [26]

  • Aedes albopictus was found to be highly infested with D. immitis (MIR = 3%, EIR = 3.8%).

    “Aedes albopictus was found to be highly infested with D. immitis (MIR = 3%, EIR = 3.8%), as shown previously [6, 15, 51].”

    From Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from Corsica Island, France (2021) · cites this paper as [15]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Site A collection dates extend beyond the stated end date

    Minor

    The methods say Site A collections ended on September 15, 1997, but Table 2 includes a collection on September 25.

  • Site C has six listed nights rather than five

    Minor

    The methods specify five sampling nights at Site C, whereas Table 4 lists six collection dates.

  • Site B has five listed nights rather than six

    Minor

    The methods specify six sampling nights at Site B, whereas the collection dates listed in Table 4 number five.

3 of 3

The citation lists haven’t been fetched yet

References 25 · Cited by 50

Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Cancrini G, Gabrielli S: Vectors of Dirofilaria nematods: biology behaviour and host/parasites relationships. Proceeding of the First European Dirofilaria days: 22–25 February 2007; Zagreb, 2007. Edited by: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G. 2007, Napoli: Rolando Editore, 49-58.
  2. Coluzzi M, Petrarca V: Aspirator with paper cup for collecting mosquitoes and other insects. Mosq News. 1973, 33: 249-250.
  3. Snow KR: Towards a checklist of British mosquitoes. Entomol Mon Mag. 1987, 123: 83-89.

Authors
Capelli, G., Frangipane di Regalbono, A., Simonato, G., Cassini, R., Cazzin, S., Cancrini, G., Otranto, D., & Pietrobelli, M.
Affiliations
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IT)
  • University of Padua (IT)
  • Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
  • University of Bari Aldo Moro (IT)
Corresponding author
Capelli, Gioia
ORCID
Venue
Parasites & Vectors
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2013-03-07
Volume
6
Issue
1
Pages
60-60
ISSN
1756-3305 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/1756-3305-6-60
PMC
PMC3599681
OpenAlex
W2131795738
Semantic Scholar
03eec14a1c2852ad4cfd72b07e2fcb71d03d7f46
Cited by
50
References
25
Citations by year
2025: 4 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 3
FWCI
5.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Parasites & Vectors (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • IRIS Research product catalog (Sapienza University of Rome) (submittedVersion)
  • CINECA IRIS Institutional Research Information System (University of Bari Aldo Moro) (submittedVersion)
  • Padua Research Archive (University of Padova) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Malaria Research and Control
Keywords
Dirofilaria immitis, canine heartworm disease, mosquito-borne transmission, Culex pipiens, Ochlerotatus caspius, human exposure risk, biting rate, vector competence, northeastern Italy, endemic areas, zoonotic transmission
MeSH terms
Aedes, Animals, Bites and Stings, Culex, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilariasis, Dog Diseases, Dogs, Feeding Behavior, Female, Humans, Insect Vectors, Italy, Male, Culicidae, Risk, DNA, Helminth, Endemic Diseases, Ochlerotatus

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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

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