CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 24Parasitic Diseases Research and TreatmentHelminth infection and controlResearch on Leishmaniasis Studies

First epidemiological report of feline heartworm infection in the Barcelona metropolitan area (Spain)

Open access
Montoya-Alonso, José Alberto, Carretón, Elena, García-Guasch, Laín, Expósito, Jordi, Armario, Belén, Morchón, Rodrigo, Simón, Fernando·2014·Parasites & Vectors
DOI 10.1186/s13071-014-0506-6PMC PMC4233076
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The metropolitan area of Barcelona is the most densely populated metropolitan area on the Mediterranean coast. Several studies have reported the presence of canine heartworm disease in this region; however, there are no published epidemiological data regarding feline heartworm in this region and the prevalence in this species remains unknown. METHODS: Serum samples from 758 cats living in the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Spain) were collected between 2012 and 2013. To establish the seroprevalence of heartworm infection in cats, serological techniques for anti-D.immitis and anti-Wolbachia antibody detection were used while a commercial ELISA test kit was used to detect circulating D.immitis antigens. RESULTS: Of these samples, 11.47% were positive to D.immitis and Wolbachia surface protein antibodies and 0.26% were positive to D.immitis antigens. The higher antibody seroprevalences were found in the areas that follow the courses of the rivers Llobregat and Anoia (Baix Llobregat 11.5%, Vallés Occidental 13.2%; Barcelonés 11.7%) where humidity and vegetation favour the development of the mosquito vectors. High antibody seroprevalences were also found in the urban areas (Barcelona city 13.1%; Sabadell 15.5%), which demonstrates that city cats are also at risk from D.immitis infection. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, in Spain cats do not receive prophylactic treatment and therefore the risk of infection is higher in this species than in dogs. Adequate prophylactic plans should be implemented in the feline population. This is the first epidemiologic study on feline heartworm infection to be carried out in continental Spain.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This first epidemiological report of feline heartworm in the Barcelona metropolitan area found 11.47% antibody seropositivity and 0.26% antigen positivity among 758 cats. It concludes that cats in the region, including urban cats, are at risk and that adequate prophylactic plans should be implemented.

Key findings

  • Of 758 cats, 11.47% (87/758) were positive for anti-*D. immitis* and anti-*Wolbachia* surface protein antibodies, while 0.26% (2/758) were positive for circulating *D. immitis* antigens.
  • Antibody seroprevalence by region was Vallés Occidental 13.2% (14/106), Barcelonés 11.7% (28/239), Baix Llobregat 11.5% (42/366), Maresme 9.1% (1/11), Alt Penedès 6.4% (2/31), and Vallés Oriental 0% (0/5); urban Sabadell had 15.5% (9/58) and Barcelona city 13.1% (16/199).
  • Outdoor cats had 21.2% seroprevalence versus 7.05% for indoor cats and 9.9% for indoor/outdoor cats (p < 0.001); 24.1% (21/87) of seropositive cats showed respiratory signs (p < 0.001), and 62.1% of seropositive cats were male versus 37.9% female (p < 0.001).
  • Both antigen-positive cats were outdoors and antibody-positive; one lived in urban Barcelona and the other in Baix Llobregat.

Methods

  • Serum samples from 758 client-owned cats over 6 months of age were collected between September 2012 and September 2013 at 27 veterinary centres in 6 of the 7 regions of the Barcelona metropolitan area; inclusion required no travel outside the study area, no prior heartworm treatment, and no previous heartworm history.
  • Seroprevalence was assessed using serological techniques for anti-*D. immitis* and anti-*Wolbachia* surface protein antibodies, with cats considered seropositive when both antibodies were present jointly; circulating *D. immitis* antigens were detected with a commercial immunochromatographic test kit.
  • Data were analysed descriptively with SPSS Base 20.0, using χ² and Fisher exact tests to compare proportions, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Limitations

  • Stated in the paper: antibody tests do not differentiate current from past infection and can remain positive after parasite death; antigen testing has relatively low sensitivity in cats, detects adult female worms, and a negative result does not rule out male, pre-adult, or single female worm infections.
  • Evident from the text: the study is a cross-sectional survey of client-owned cats presented to veterinary clinics, so the sample may not be fully representative of the broader feline population.
  • Evident from the text: some regional estimates are based on very small numbers, such as Vallés Oriental (0/5) and Maresme (1/11), limiting precision.

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

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/s13071-014-0506-6

Cites

27 of 27 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 44 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    In Sabadell (capital of Vallés Occidental), 15.5% (9/58) of cats studied were seropositive (p < 0.001).

    “In Sabadell (capital of Vallés Occidental) 15.5% of the cats studied were seropositive (9/58) (p < 0.001)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    11.47% (87/758) of cats showed D.immitis and WSP antibody seropositivity.

    “11.47% (87/758) of cats showed D.immitis and WSP antibody seropositivity”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Seroprevalence did not differ significantly between age groups.

    “Seroprevalence by age was 8.1% (<1 year), 9.7% (1-3 years), 13.7% (3-6 years), 13% (6-9 years), 9.5% (9-12 years), 10.8% (12-15 years) and 12% (>15 years), with no significant differences between groups.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    One antigen-positive cat lived in the urban area of Barcelona, close to an urban park.

    “Furthermore, one of the cats that tested positive to the antigen test lived in the urban area of Barcelona, close to an urban park.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Of seropositive cats, 24.1% (21/87) showed respiratory signs (p < 0.001).

    “Of the seropositive cats, 24.1% (21/87) showed respiratory signs (p < 0.001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 19
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 17

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There were no statistically significant differences between regions except Vallés Oriental.

    “There were no statistically significant differences between regions except Vallés Oriental.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among seropositive cats, 62.1% were males and 37.9% were females (p < 0.001).

    “of these 62.1% were males and 37.9% were females (p < 0.001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Of the 2 antigen-positive cats, one lived in the urban area of Barcelona (Barcelonés) and the other in Baix Llobregat.

    “Of the 2 cats that tested positive, one lived in the urban area of Barcelona (Barcelonés) and the other one in Baix Llobregat.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    By breed, the higher seroprevalences were observed in Siamese cats (19.6%), mixed breed cats (18.2%) and domestic shorthair cats (11.3%), followed by Persian cats (9.7%), while other studied breeds had 0%.

    “By breed, the higher prevalences were observed in Siamese cats (19.6%), mixed breed cats (18.2%) and domestic shorthair cats (11.3%), followed by Persian cats (9.7%), while the seroprevalence in the other studied breeds was 0%.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Lower seroprevalences were found in Maresme 9.1% (1/11), Alt Penedés 6.4% (2/31), and Vallés Oriental 0% (0/5).

    “Lower seroprevalences were found in Maresme 9.1% (1/11) and Alt Penedés 6.4% (2/31). Vallés Oriental showed a seroprevalence of 0% (0/5).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Seroprevalence was 21.2% for outdoor cats, 7.05% for indoor cats, and 9.9% for indoor/outdoor cats (p < 0.001).

    “Seroprevalence for outdoor cats was 21.2%, compared with 7.05% for indoor cats and 9.9% for indoor/outdoor cats (p < 0.001).”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
      “A higher rate of positivity for D.immitis in cats living outdoor was observed when compared with cats living indoor or outdoor/indoor.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Both antigen-positive cats were outdoors and tested positive to antibodies.

    “Both cats were outdoors and tested positive to antibodies tests.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    By regions, higher seroprevalences were found in Vallés Occidental 13.2% (14/106), Barcelonés 11.7% (28/239) and Baix Llobregat 11.5% (42/366).

    “By regions, the higher seroprevalences were found in cats living in Vallés Occidental 13.2% (14/106), Barcelonés 11.7% (28/239) and Baix Llobregat 11.5% (42/366).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    The domestic dog is the main biological reservoir for D. immitis, although infection has been reported in other carnivores including wild canines and domestic and wild felids.

    “The domestic dog is the main biological reservoir, although infection has been reported in other carnivores, including wild canines as well as domestic and wild felids [2].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] McCall JW, Genchi C, Kramer LH, Guerrero J, Venco L: Heartworm disease in animals and humans. Adv Parasitol. 2008, 66: 193-285. 10.1016/S0065-308X(08)00204-2. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Canine dirofilariosis constitutes a risk for the human population in endemic areas because D. immitis causes pulmonary dirofilariosis.

    “canine dirofilariosis constitutes a risk for the human population living in endemic areas, since D. immitis is the causative agent of pulmonary dirofilariosis”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3] Simón F, Siles-Lucas M, Morchón R, González-Miguel J, Mellado I, Carretón E, Montoya-Alonso JA: Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2012, 25 (3): 507-544. 10.1128/CMR.00012-12. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Several studies have reported canine heartworm disease in the Barcelona metropolitan region, with prevalences ranging from 0.6% to 3.57%.

    “Several studies have reported the presence of canine heartworm disease in this region, ranging from 0.6% [12] and 1.2% [13] to 3.57% [14].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [12] Guerrero J, Rojo F, Ródenas A: Estudio de la incidencia de la enfermedad del gusano del corazón en la población canina española. Med Vet. 1989, 6: 217-220.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [13] Rojo-Vázquez FA, Valcárcel F, Guerrero J, Gómez M: Prevalencia de la dirofilariosis canina en cuatro áreas geográficas de España. Med Vet. 1990, 7: 297-305.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [14] Guerrero J, Rodenas A, Gutierrez Galindo J, Florit F: The Extension of the Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in Cataluña, Spain. Proceedings of the Heartworm Symposium '95. Edited by: Soll MD, Knigh HD. 1995, American Heartworm Society, Batavia, IL, 73-77.

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Heartworm disease is spreading towards central and eastern areas of Europe previously considered free of the disease.

    “some studies have shown that it is spreading towards central and eastern areas of the European continent which were previously considered free of the disease [9,10].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [9] Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Mortarino M, Genchi M, Cringoli G: Climate and Dirofilaria infection in Europe. Vet Parasitol. 2009, 163 (4): 286-292. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.03.026. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [10] 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: 196-10.3389/fphys.2012.00196. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    The prevalence of heartworm infection in cats is between 5% and 20% of that in dogs in the same geographical area.

    “with a prevalence rate of infections in cats between 5% and 20% of that for dogs in the same geographical area [5,6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [5] Kramer L, Genchi C: Feline heartworm infection: serological survey of asymptomatic cats living in northern Italy. Vet Parasitol. 2002, 104 (1): 43-50. 10.1016/S0304-4017(01)00602-1. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Venco L, Genchi M, Genchi C, Gatti D, Kramer L: Can heartworm prevalence in dogs be used as provisional data for assessing the prevalence of the infection in cats?. Vet Parasitol. 2011, 176 (4): 300-303. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.013. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Heartworm disease may occur in cats in any area where dogs are infected.

    “It is now generally accepted that heartworm disease may occur in cats in any area where dogs are infected”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [5] Kramer L, Genchi C: Feline heartworm infection: serological survey of asymptomatic cats living in northern Italy. Vet Parasitol. 2002, 104 (1): 43-50. 10.1016/S0304-4017(01)00602-1. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Venco L, Genchi M, Genchi C, Gatti D, Kramer L: Can heartworm prevalence in dogs be used as provisional data for assessing the prevalence of the infection in cats?. Vet Parasitol. 2011, 176 (4): 300-303. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.013. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Diagnosis of feline heartworm is complicated by low adult worm burden, lack of microfilaremia, short life span, non-specific clinical signs, and frequent asymptomatic course.

    “This is reflected by relatively low adult worm burden, the lack of microfilaremia and their short life span, which complicates the diagnosis of this disease in the feline patient.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Lee AC, Atkins CE: Understanding feline heartworm infection: disease, diagnosis, and treatment. Top Companion Anim Med. 2010, 25 (4): 224-230. 10.1053/j.tcam.2010.09.003. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    The last study in 2006 reported a canine heartworm prevalence of 2% in the Barcelona region.

    “The last study in 2006 reported a canine prevalence of 2% [15].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] Solano-Gallego L, Llull J, Osso M, Hegarty B, Breitschwerdt E: A serological study of exposure to arthropod-borne pathogens in dogs from northeastern Spain. Vet Res. 2006, 37 (2): 231-244. 10.1051/vetres:2005054. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Heartworm disease is endemic in Mediterranean countries.

    “In Europe, heartworm disease is endemic in Mediterranean countries [7,8]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [7] Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cascone C, Mortarino M, Cringoli G: Is heartworm disease really spreading in Europe?. Vet Parasitol. 2005, 133 (2-3): 137-148. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.04.009. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] Simón F, López-Belmonte J, Marcos-Atxutegi C, Morchón R, Martín-Pacho JR: What is happening outside North America regarding human dirofilariasis?. Vet Parasitol. 2005, 133 (2-3): 181-189. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.03.033. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Dirofilaria immitis is a vector-borne zoonotic parasite.

    “Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) is a vector-borne zoonotic parasite.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1] Cancrini G, Gabrielli S: Vectors of Dirofilaria Nematodes: Biology, Behaviour and Host/Parasite Relationships. Mappe Parassitologiche 8: Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in Dog and Cat and Human Infections. Edited by: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G. 2007, Rolando Ed, Naples, 47-58.

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Spain is an endemic country for heartworm, with highest prevalences in the Mediterranean coast and Southern Spain, along the shores of major rivers, estuaries and marshlands, as well as in the Canary Islands.

    “Spain is an endemic country and the highest prevalences have been reported in the Mediterranean coast and Southern Spain, along the shores of major rivers, estuaries and marshlands, as well as in the Canary Islands [10,11].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [10] 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: 196-10.3389/fphys.2012.00196. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] Montoya-Alonso JA, Carretón E, Corbera JA, Juste MC, Mellado I, Morchón R, Simón F: Current prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, cats and humans from the island of Gran Canaria, Spain. Vet Parasitol. 2011, 176 (4): 291-294. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.011. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Transmission of D. immitis occurs through culicid mosquitoes of the genera Culex, Aedes and Anopheles, among others.

    “Transmission occurs through different species of culicid mosquitoes belonging to the genera Culex, Aedes and Anopheles, among others [1].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1] Cancrini G, Gabrielli S: Vectors of Dirofilaria Nematodes: Biology, Behaviour and Host/Parasite Relationships. Mappe Parassitologiche 8: Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in Dog and Cat and Human Infections. Edited by: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G. 2007, Rolando Ed, Naples, 47-58.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Antigen tests only detect adult and female worms, so a negative result does not rule out an infection from male worms or pre-adult worms.

    “because these tests only detect adult and female worms a negative result does not rule out an infection from male worms or pre-adult worms, most of which are common in cats [4].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Lee AC, Atkins CE: Understanding feline heartworm infection: disease, diagnosis, and treatment. Top Companion Anim Med. 2010, 25 (4): 224-230. 10.1053/j.tcam.2010.09.003. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Of seropositive cats, 24.1% showed respiratory signs, which may be a vascular and parenchymal inflammatory response associated with the arrival and death of D. immitis in the distal pulmonary arteries in cats.

    “Of the seropositive cats 24.1% showed respiratory signs, which may be a vascular and parenchymal inflammatory response associated with the arrival and death of D. immitis in the distal pulmonary arteries in cats, this has been previously reported in seropositive cats from Barcelona [4,19,20].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] Lee AC, Atkins CE: Understanding feline heartworm infection: disease, diagnosis, and treatment. Top Companion Anim Med. 2010, 25 (4): 224-230. 10.1053/j.tcam.2010.09.003. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [19] García-Guasch L, Caro-Vadillo A, Manubens-Grau J, Carretón E, Morchón R, Simón F, Montoya-Alonso JA: Evaluation of pulmonary function variables by using plethysmography in cats with respiratory disease associated to Dirofilaria immitis. Vet Parasitol. 2012, 187 (1-2): 254-258. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.013. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [20] García-Guasch L, Caro-Vadillo A, Manubens-Grau J, Carretón E, Morchón R, Simón F, Kramer LH, Montoya-Alonso JA: Is Wolbachia participating in the bronchial reactivity of cats with heartworm associated respiratory disease?. Vet Parasitol. 2013, 196 (1-2): 130-135. 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.01.060. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Higher antibody seroprevalences are mainly found following the courses of rivers and streams, where vegetation and humidity are higher, corresponding to irrigated crops and rural areas where cats live generally outdoors.

    “The results showed that the higher antibody seroprevalences are mainly found following the courses of rivers and streams (Figure 1), where vegetation and humidity are higher than in other points of the metropolitan area of Barcelona and correspond to irrigated crops, as well as rural areas where cats live generally outdoors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These climatic conditions are favourable for the development of the mosquito vectors.

    “These conditions are favourable for the development of the mosquito vectors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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

    Premisecitation

    Building construction and human activity increase the density of potential hosts and develop a suitable environment for the proliferation of certain species of mosquitoes due to an increase in the provision of water sources and vegetation.

    “It has been described that building construction and human activity increase the density of potential hosts and develop a suitable environment for the proliferation of certain species of mosquitoes due to an increase in the provision of water sources and vegetation [24,25].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [24] Harrus S, Baneth G: Drivers for the emergence and re-emergence of vector-borne protozoal and bacterial diseases. Int J Parasitol. 2005, 35 (11-12): 1309-1318. 10.1016/j.ijpara.2005.06.005. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [25] Petrić D, Bellini R, Scholte EJ, Rakotoarivony LM, Schaffner F: Monitoring population and environmental parameters of invasive mosquito species in Europe. Parasit Vectors. 2014, 7: 187-10.1186/1756-3305-7-187. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisereasoning

    Urban sprawl has led to the formation of heat islands, as buildings retain heat during the day and radiate it during the night.

    “Besides, urban sprawl has led to the formation of “heat islands”, as buildings retain heat during the day and which is subsequently radiated during the night.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Antibody tests detect antibodies produced by the host in response to infection, become positive after 2-3 months from infection in the prepatent phase, can remain positive long after the death of the parasite, and do not differentiate a current or a past infection.

    “these detect antibodies produced by the host in response to infection and become positive after 2-3 months from infection, in the prepatent phase; however, they can remain positive for a long time after the death of the parasite and therefore do not differentiate a current or a past infection [4,18].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [4] Lee AC, Atkins CE: Understanding feline heartworm infection: disease, diagnosis, and treatment. Top Companion Anim Med. 2010, 25 (4): 224-230. 10.1053/j.tcam.2010.09.003. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [18] Litster AL, Atwell RB: Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review. J Feline Med Surg. 2008, 10 (2): 137-144. 10.1016/j.jfms.2007.09.007. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Interpretationcitation

    The authors' results are similar to those reported in previous studies.

    “and our results are similar to those reported in previous studies [5].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] Kramer L, Genchi C: Feline heartworm infection: serological survey of asymptomatic cats living in northern Italy. Vet Parasitol. 2002, 104 (1): 43-50. 10.1016/S0304-4017(01)00602-1. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Antibody tests are suitable to assess the infection risk within a feline population.

    “Antibody tests are suitable to assess the infection risk within a feline population”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Litster AL, Atwell RB: Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review. J Feline Med Surg. 2008, 10 (2): 137-144. 10.1016/j.jfms.2007.09.007. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Heat islands can potentially create microenvironments that support the development of heartworm larvae in mosquito vectors during colder months, thus lengthening the transmission season.

    “This can potentially create microenvironments that support the development of heartworm larvae in mosquito vectors during colder months, thus lengthening the transmission season [10,26].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [10] 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: 196-10.3389/fphys.2012.00196. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [26] Arnfield AJ: Two decades of urban climate research: a review of turbulence, exchanges of energy and water, and the urban heat island. Int J Climatol. 2003, 23 (1): 1-26. 10.1002/joc.859. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    A previous study reported a canine heartworm prevalence of 12.8% in the Baix Llobregat region.

    “where a previous study reported a prevalence of canine heartworm of 12.8% [23].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] Aranda C, Panyella O, Eritja R, Castellà J: Canine filariasis. Importance and transmission in the Baix Llobregat area, Barcelona (Spain). Vet Parasitol. 1998, 77 (4): 267-275. 10.1016/S0304-4017(98)00109-5. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Although an indoor lifestyle does not protect cats from infection, a higher prevalence is to be expected in outdoor cats.

    “Although an indoor lifestyle does not protect cats from infection, a higher prevalence is to be expected in outdoor cats”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] Kramer L, Genchi C: Feline heartworm infection: serological survey of asymptomatic cats living in northern Italy. Vet Parasitol. 2002, 104 (1): 43-50. 10.1016/S0304-4017(01)00602-1. source

      Not checked in the free run.

32 of 32

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Cats in Spain generally do not receive prophylactic treatment.

    “Generally, in Spain cats do not receive prophylactic treatment”
    “Furthermore, cats do not usually receive prophylactic treatment”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 758 cats sampled are representative of the feline population in the Barcelona metropolitan area.

    “The present study included 758 client-owned cats presented to veterinary clinics.”
    “The animals lived in 6 of the 7 regions which form the metropolitan area of Barcelona”
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 Spain, feline heartworm seroprevalence and prevalence were 24.4% and 3.6% in Zaragoza, 7.3% and 0.2% in Madrid, and 11.47% and 0.26% in Barcelona, respectively.

    “It is the case of Zaragoza, where the seroprevalence reported was 24.4% and the prevalence was 3.6% [118]. In Madrid, seroprevalence and prevalence were 7.3 and 0.2%, respectively [22]. In Barcelona, 11.47% of the cats were seropositive and 0.26% were positive for D. immitis antigens [3].”

    From What has happened to heartworm disease in Europe in the last 10 years? (2022) · cites this paper as [3]

  • In cats, seroprevalence values of 11.4% and 18.1% were detected in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, respectively.

    “In cats, seroprevalence values of 11.4% and 18.1% were detected in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, respectively ( Montoya-Alonso et al., 2014 and Montoya-Alonso et al., 2015).”

    From Culex pipiens as a potential vector for transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and other unclassified Filarioidea in Southwest Spain (2016) · cites this paper as Montoya-Alonso et al., 2014

  • In Spain, only epidemiological studies of feline heartworm have been published in the Canary Islands, Madrid, Barcelona and Zaragoza.

    “in Spain, there are only published epidemiological studies in the Canary Islands, Madrid, Barcelona and Zaragoza (10–14).”

    From Seroprevalence of Feline Heartworm in Spain: Completing the Epidemiological Puzzle of a Neglected Disease in the Cat (2022) · cites this paper as [11]

  • The present results report the first epidemiological data on feline D. immitis in Madrid.

    “Regarding cats, the present results report the first epidemiological data on feline D. immitis and demonstrate the presence of feline heartworm in Madrid.”

    From Prevalence of heartworm in dogs and cats of Madrid, Spain (2017) · cites this paper as [16]

  • In cats, a great variability in prevalences by age ranges can be observed when the results are compared with other studies.

    “In cats, a great variability in the prevalences by age ranges can be observed when the results were compared with other studies [7, 14–16, 29].”

    From Prevalence of heartworm in dogs and cats of Madrid, Spain (2017) · cites this paper as [16]

Self-check

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

  • Barcelona city seroprevalence does not match its count

    Major

    The reported 16 positive cats out of 199 gives a seroprevalence of 8.04%, not 13.1%. The paper uses the higher figure to support its conclusion about seroprevalence in urban areas.

    Reported 13.1 · recomputed 8.040201

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Guerrero J, Rojo F, Ródenas A: Estudio de la incidencia de la enfermedad del gusano del corazón en la población canina española. Med Vet. 1989, 6: 217-220.
  2. Rojo-Vázquez FA, Valcárcel F, Guerrero J, Gómez M: Prevalencia de la dirofilariosis canina en cuatro áreas geográficas de España. Med Vet. 1990, 7: 297-305.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Montoya-Alonso, J. A., Carretón, E., García-Guasch, L., Expósito, J., Armario, B., Morchón, R., & Simón, F.
Affiliations
  • Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ES)
  • Universidad de Salamanca (ES)
Corresponding author
Carretón, Elena
ORCID
Venue
Parasites & Vectors
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2014-11-12
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
506-506
ISSN
1756-3305 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/s13071-014-0506-6
PMC
PMC4233076
OpenAlex
W2119437069
Cited by
24
References
27
Citations by year
2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 3
FWCI
1.17
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)
  • Acceda (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (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
feline heartworm infection, Dirofilaria immitis, seroprevalence, cats, Barcelona metropolitan area, mosquito vectors, Llobregat River
MeSH terms
Animals, Cat Diseases, Cats, Cities, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilariasis, Dog Diseases, Dogs, Female, Male, Spain

About these checks

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.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review