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Cited by 15Parasitic Diseases Research and TreatmentHelminth infection and controlResearch on Leishmaniasis Studies

Seroprevalence of Feline Heartworm in Spain: Completing the Epidemiological Puzzle of a Neglected Disease in the Cat

Open access
Montoya-Alonso, José Alberto, García Rodríguez, Sara Nieves, Carretón, Elena, Rodríguez Escolar, Iván, Costa-Rodríguez, Noelia, Matos, Jorge Isidoro, Morchón, Rodrigo·2022·Frontiers in Veterinary Science
DOI 10.3389/fvets.2022.900371PMC PMC9159151
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Abstract

Feline heartworm is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. It is a cosmopolitan disease that is continuously expanding. Spain is considered an endemic country; however, although there are many published studies in dogs, feline heartworm has been poorly studied in this country. Thus, the objective was to analyze the exposure to D. immitis throughout Spain to complete the epidemiological map in the feline species. For this, 6,588 feline serum samples were analyzed for the presence of D. immitis antigens and antibodies against D. immitis and Wolbachia. The results were analyzed according to sex, age, breed, habitat, origin (owned or shelter cats), presence of clinical signs, use of preventive, location and climatology. The results showed a prevalence of 0.5% and a seroprevalence of 9.4%. The highest antibody seroprevalences were reported in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands (19.2 and 16%, respectively), as well as in the autonomous communities located on the Mediterranean coast (9.2–11.2%). Seropositive cats were found in both indoor and outdoor cats, and from 6 months of age. Furthermore, only 5.8% of cats received regular prophylactic treatment. The results show that feline dirofilariasis is widely distributed throughout the national territory and corroborate that, where infected dogs are present, there are cats exposed to the parasite. It is necessary to implement efficient awareness and prophylaxis measures to control the incidence and expansion of feline heartworm in Spain.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This national Spanish serosurvey of 6,588 cats found a D. immitis antibody seroprevalence of 9.4% and an antigen prevalence of 0.5%, indicating widespread feline exposure despite low adult-infection detection. Seropositivity varied by region, habitat, shelter origin, clinical signs, and prophylaxis use, with only 5.8% of cats receiving monthly preventive treatment.

Key findings

  • Overall antibody seroprevalence was 9.4% (617/6,588), while antigen prevalence was 0.5% (34/6,588); the antigen test had 3.3% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity relative to antibody results.
  • Highest antibody seroprevalences were in the Canary Islands (19.2%) and Balearic Islands (16.0%); on the Iberian Peninsula, Murcia (11.2%), Catalonia (10.7%), and the Valencian Community (9.2%) were highest.
  • Shelter cats had double the seroprevalence of owned cats (15.8% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.001); outdoor cats had 15.3%, indoor/outdoor cats 12.9%, and indoor cats 5.6% (p < 0.001).
  • Only 5.8% received monthly prophylaxis and 1.9% intermittently; seroprevalence was lower with prophylaxis (5.5%) than without (9.6%, p < 0.05), and cats with clinical signs had 15.1% vs. 8.3% in those without (p < 0.001).

Methods

  • Cross-sectional serosurvey of 6,588 cats from across Spain, collected by 128 veterinary clinics and shelters between September 2020 and October 2021; inclusion required cats >6 months old, no travel outside their province, and no previous heartworm infection.
  • Serum was tested for circulating D. immitis antigen using a commercial immunochromatographic kit (Uranotest Dirofilaria®) and for anti-D. immitis and anti-Wolbachia antibodies by ELISA; cats were considered seropositive when both anti-D. immitis and anti-WSP antibodies were present jointly.
  • Analyses used SPSS with Pearson’s χ², Fisher’s exact test, Bonferroni correction, t-student/ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney/Kruskal-Wallis tests; significance was set at p < 0.05, and climate was classified by Köppen system.

Limitations

  • The paper states sampling bias may be present because census data were lacking in some autonomous communities, and Seville may be over-represented within Andalusia.
  • The paper states the low number of positive antigen tests did not allow a reliable statistical study.
  • The paper notes the antibody test cannot differentiate past from present infection, and the discussion suggests clinical categories may have been imprecise; evident from the text, FeLV/FIV status was unknown for 89.4% of cats, limiting viral-status comparisons.

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

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3389/fvets.2022.900371

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

    Cats with clinical signs had double the antibody seroprevalence (15.1%) compared with cats without clinical signs (8.3%) (p < 0.001).

    “Symptoms were present in 15% of the studied cats; the antibody seroprevalence among those was double that among cats without clinical signs (15.1 vs. 8.3%) (p < 0.001; Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    There were no significant differences in antibody seroprevalence among different cat breeds.

    “There were no significant differences between the antibody seroprevalences of the different breeds.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In the analyzed 6,588 feline serum samples from Spain, the prevalence of D. immitis antigen was 0.5%.

    “The results showed a prevalence of 0.5% and a seroprevalence of 9.4%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The prevalence of infection was much higher in the subtropical climate (19.2%) than in the Cfb climate, which was the least prevalent (4.1%).

    “Based on climate, it was observed that the prevalence of the infection was much higher in the subtropical climate (19.2%), while the Cfb climate was the least prevalent with 4.1%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The autonomous communities on the Mediterranean coast had antibody seroprevalences between 9.2% and 11.2%.

    “as well as in the autonomous communities located on the Mediterranean coast (9.2–11.2%).”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “The autonomous communities with the highest antibody seroprevalence in the Iberian Peninsula were Murcia, Catalonia and the Valencian Community (11.2, 10.7, and 9.2%, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 26
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 4
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 9

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The highest antibody seroprevalence by age group was in cats aged 5-10 years (11.1%), followed by 11-15 years (9.7%), 1-4 years (9.2%), and >15 years (9.1%).

    “By groups of age, the highest antibody seroprevalence was obtained in cats aged 5–10 years (11.1%), followed by cats aged 11–15 years (9.7%), 1–4 years (9.2%), and >15 years (9.1%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the cats assessed for FeLV/FIV, the viral status of 89.4% was unknown, 7.5% were negative to both viruses, 1.5% were positive to FeLV, 1.2% were positive to FIV, and 0.4% were positive to both.

    “When the presence or absence of feline leukemia (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was assessed, the viral status of 89.4% of cats was unknown, while 7.5% were negative to both viruses; 1.5% were positive to FeLV, 1.2% were positive to FIV and 0.4% were positive to both.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The antibody seroprevalence among cats younger than 1 year was 5.6%, which was 4-5 percentage points lower than in older age groups (p < 0.001).

    “The antibody seroprevalence among the youngest (<1 year) was 5.6%, which corresponds to 4–5% points lower than in other older age groups (p < 0.001; Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Antibody seroprevalence in FIV-positive cats was 14.5% and 12.0% in cats positive to both viruses.

    “Antibody seroprevalence in FIV positive cats was 14.5 and 12.0% in cats positive to both viruses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The provinces Badajoz (14.0%), Segovia (12.7%), Alicante (11.8%), Palencia (11.8%), Ourense (11.5%), Barcelona (11.4%), and Murcia (11.2%) exceeded 10% seropositivity.

    “When the provinces were evaluated, Badajoz (14.0%), Segovia (12.7%), Alicante (11.8%), Palencia (11.8%), Ourense (11.5%), Barcelona (11.4%), and Murcia (11.2%) exceeded 10% seropositivity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Indoor cats had the lowest antibody seroprevalence (5.6%), 8-10 percentage points less than outdoor cats (15.3%) or indoor/outdoor cats (12.9%) (p < 0.001).

    “Indoor cats showed the lowest antibody seroprevalence (5.6%), up to 8–10% points less than outdoor cats (15.3%) or indoor/outdoor (12.9%) (p < 0.001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Taking the antibody test as a reference, the antigen test would have a false negative rate of 96.7% (sensitivity 3.3%) and a false positive rate of 0.2% (specificity 99.8%).

    “Taking the antibody test as a reference, the antigen test would have a false negative rate of 96.7% (sensitivity of 3.3%) and a false positive rate of 0.2% (specificity of 99.8%).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There were significant differences in age distributions between seropositive and seronegative cats, with the median age of seropositive cats 1 year older than seronegative cats.

    “There were significant differences in the age distributions between seropositive and seronegative animals, and the median in positive cats is 1 year older than in negative cats.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingreasoning

    The prevalence shown by the antigen test is significantly lower than the antibody seroprevalence.

    “It is observed that the prevalence showed by the antigen test is significantly lower.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Shelter cats had a significantly higher antibody seroprevalence (15.8%) than owned cats (7.9%), approximately double (p < 0.001).

    “There were significant differences between the prevalence of owned cats (7.9%) and shelter cats (15.8%), being double the antibody seroprevalence in the latter group (p < 0.001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Antibody seroprevalence was higher among FeLV-positive cats (22.1%) than among FeLV-negative cats (9.3%) and cats of unknown status (9.1%) (p = 0.000).

    “Antibody seroprevalence was higher among FeLV positive (22.1%) than among negative cats (9.3%) and cats of unknown status (9.1%) (p = 0.000).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    92.3% of cats did not receive prophylactic treatment with macrocyclic lactones, 5.8% received it monthly, and 1.9% received it intermittently.

    “When chemoprophylaxis was assessed, 92.3% of the cats did not receive prophylactic treatment with macrocyclic lactones compared to 5.8% that did monthly, and 1.9% received it intermittently.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Antigen prevalence varied with age, climate, owned/shelter origin, habitat, presence/absence of symptoms, and FeLV/FIV status.

    “It was observed that the prevalence depended on age, climate, owned/shelter, habitat, presence/absence of symptoms, and viral status (Table 4)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The Canary Islands had the highest antibody seroprevalence in Spain, 19.2%.

    “The highest antibody seroprevalences were reported in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands (19.2 and 16%, respectively)”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Canary Islands and Balearic Islands showed the highest antibody seroprevalence exceeding 15% (19.2 and 16.0%, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    In the analyzed 6,588 feline serum samples from Spain, the antibody seroprevalence against D. immitis and Wolbachia was 9.4%.

    “The results showed a prevalence of 0.5% and a seroprevalence of 9.4%.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “The antibody detection test revealed an antibody seroprevalence of 9.4%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among islands, the highest antibody seroprevalences were on Tenerife (29%), Formentera (28.5%), and Gran Canaria (21.7%).

    “When islands were evaluated separately, the highest antibody seroprevalences were reported on Tenerife (29%), Formentera (28.5%), and Gran Canaria (21.7%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingreasoning

    The percentage of seropositivity among cats that do not receive prophylaxis is significantly higher than the antibody seroprevalence in cats receiving prophylaxis monthly.

    “the percentage of seropositivity among cats that do not receive prophylaxis is significantly higher than the antibody seroprevalence obtained in cats receiving prophylaxis monthly.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingreasoning

    The percentage of seropositivity in shelter cats was significantly higher than in owned cats.

    “The percentage of seropositivity in shelter cats was significantly higher.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The highest antibody seroprevalences appear in areas of the southern peninsula, the Mediterranean regions, and the Canary Islands.

    “The highest antibody seroprevalences appear in areas of the southern peninsula and the Mediterranean regions, as well as the Canary Islands”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [7] Montoya-Alonso, 2020, Current distribution of selected vector-borne diseases in dogs in Spain, Front Vet Sci source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] Morchón, 2012, I Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and their vectors in Europe - new distribution trends, Front Physiol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Montoya-Alonso, 2016, The impact of the climate on the epidemiology of Dirofilaria immitis in the pet population of the Canary Islands, Vet Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [24] Simón, 2014, Geo-environmental model for the prediction of potential transmission risk of Dirofilaria in an area with dry climate and extensive irrigated crops. The case of Spain, Vet Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The antigen prevalences were higher in older cats, cats living in favorable climates, cats kept outdoors, cats from shelters, cats showing symptoms, and cats infected by feline viruses.

    “the results showed that, as observed in the antibody tests, the prevalences were higher in older cats, living in favorable climates, being outdoors, coming from shelters, as well as among those that showed symptoms and were infected by feline viruses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    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).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [20] Simón, 2007, Immunopathology of Dirofilaria immitis infection, Vet Res Commun. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [21] Dillon, 2008, Activity of pulmonary intravascular macrophages in cats and dogs with and without adult Dirofilaria immitis source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [22] Pennisi, 2020, Dirofilarioses in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management, J Feline Med Surg source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    This study completes, for the first time, the epidemiological map of feline heartworm in Spain, revealing a high antibody seroprevalence.

    “This study completes, for the first time, the epidemiological map of feline heartworm in Spain, revealing a high antibody seroprevalence.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The cats sampled are representative of the feline population of Spain, so the observed seroprevalence reflects the distribution of D. immitis across the country.

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

    Premisecitation

    Infections with even a single worm can have fatal consequences and present high mortality rates in cats.

    “However, infections with even a single worm can have fatal consequences and present high mortality rates in the cat (3, 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [3] Litster, 2008, Atwell R. Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review, J Feline Med Surg. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [4] Lee, 2010, Atkins CE. Understanding feline heartworm infection: disease, diagnosis, and treatment, Top Companion Anim Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Cats are less suitable hosts than dogs, so fewer larvae develop into adults and adult worms have a shorter lifespan.

    “Although cats can be infected, they are less suitable hosts than dogs, so less larvae develop into adults and adult worms have a shorter lifespan.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [3] Litster, 2008, Atwell R. Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review, J Feline Med Surg. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [4] Lee, 2010, Atkins CE. Understanding feline heartworm infection: disease, diagnosis, and treatment, Top Companion Anim Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Feline heartworm is frequently asymptomatic, and sometimes sudden death may be the only symptom a cat exhibits.

    “In addition, feline heartworm is frequently asymptomatic, and sometimes sudden death may be the only symptom a cat exhibits.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [1] Simón, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin Microbiol Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Genchi, 2019, Vet Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Heartworm-infected cats are not usually subjected to necropsy, so the cause of death is rarely clarified.

    “Furthermore, these cats are not usually subjected to necropsy, so the cause of death is rarely clarified contributing to the lack of knowledge of the presence and importance of feline heartworm disease (1, 6).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [1] Simón, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin Microbiol Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Genchi, 2019, Vet Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Premisecitation

    Heartworm is considered an emerging disease in other European countries.

    “This expansion has been described in other European countries and heartworm is therefore considered an emerging disease (8, 9).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [8] Morchón, 2012, I Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and their vectors in Europe - new distribution trends, Front Physiol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Fuehrer, 2021, Pathogens. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Canine heartworm is present throughout the Spanish geography and is expanding toward northern areas traditionally considered free of the disease.

    “Recent studies have shown that canine heartworm is present throughout the Spanish geography and is expanding toward northern areas traditionally considered free of the disease (7).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] Montoya-Alonso, 2020, Current distribution of selected vector-borne diseases in dogs in Spain, Front Vet Sci source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The lack of prophylactic measures in populations of dogs and cats in non-endemic areas is probably allowing the expansion of this parasite.

    “probably the lack of prophylactic measures in populations of dogs and cats in non-endemic areas is allowing the expansion of this parasite.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Seville may be over-represented in Andalusia, assuming a bias to the prevalence of the autonomous community.

    “Seville may be over-represented in Andalusia, assuming a bias to the prevalence of the autonomous community.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Study design and conductnone given

    Written informed consent was obtained from the owners for the participation of their animals in this study.

    “Written informed consent was obtained from the owners for the participation of their animals in this study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A seropositive cat has been exposed to the parasite and is therefore at risk of infection.

    “a seropositive cat has undoubtedly been exposed to the parasite and is therefore at risk of infection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    As a vector-borne disease, the distribution of D. immitis is influenced by climate, with regions with more favorable climatic conditions allowing proliferation of vector mosquitoes and higher prevalences.

    “As it is a vector-borne disease, its distribution is influenced by the climate, so that those regions with more favorable climatic conditions allow the proliferation of vector mosquitoes and, therefore, presence of higher prevalences (9, 25, 26).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [9] Fuehrer, 2021, Pathogens. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [25] Morchón, 2007, Haplotype H1 of Culex pipiens implicated as natural vector of Dirofilaria immitis in an endemic area of Western Spain, Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [26] Morchón, 2011, Molecular characterization of Culex theileri from Canary Islands, Spain, a potential vector of Dirofilaria immitis source

      Not checked in the free run.

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

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lower antibody seroprevalence in younger cats is because their exposure to the parasite has been lower.

    “is understandable considering that their exposure to the parasite has been lower.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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

    Interpretationreasoning

    The double heartworm/FeLV infection could be circumstantial due to the poor conditions in which the cats were living.

    “the double heartworm/FeLV infection could be circumstantial due to the poor conditions in which the cats were living.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Feline heartworm is present where canine heartworm has been reported, and D. immitis is expanding from areas considered endemic to regions traditionally considered free of heartworm.

    “the results showed that feline heartworm is present where canine heartworm has been reported and demonstrate that D. immitis is expanding from areas considered endemic to regions traditionally considered free of heartworm.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The cats sampled are representative of the feline population of Spain, so the observed seroprevalence reflects the distribution of D. immitis across the country.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A positive result in the antibody test indicates contact with the parasite and cannot differentiate between past and present infection.

    “a positive result in the antibody test refers to contact with the parasite, not being able to differentiate between past and present infection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] Dillon, 2017, The progression of heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD) in SPF cats 18 months after Dirofilaria immitis infection, Parasit Vectors. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Feline heartworm disease should be added to the differential diagnosis of cats presenting with respiratory and gastrointestinal signs, especially in endemic areas.

    “It has been reported that feline heartworm disease should be added to the differential diagnosis of cats presenting at the veterinary clinic with respiratory and gastrointestinal signs, especially in endemic areas (4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Lee, 2010, Atkins CE. Understanding feline heartworm infection: disease, diagnosis, and treatment, Top Companion Anim Med. source

      Not checked in the free run.

38 of 38

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 6,588 cats sampled are representative of the feline population in Spain, so the observed seroprevalences can be generalised to the national territory.

    “The present study included 6,588 cats from the entire Spanish geography.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The cats sampled are representative of the feline population of Spain, so the observed seroprevalence reflects the distribution of D. immitis across the country.

    “The lack of census data in some autonomous communities does not allow knowing if the collection of samples has been carried out in a balanced way.”
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 [118]

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.

  • Antigen-positive counts by sex exceed the total

    Minor

    Table 4 reports 22 antigen-positive females and 15 antigen-positive males, totaling 37, although its overall total is 34.

    Reported 34 · recomputed 37

  • Antibody seroprevalence for ages 11-15 is misstated

    Minor

    The reported 98 positives among 992 cats give 9.9% to one decimal place, not 9.7%. The 9.7% figure is repeated in the results text.

    Reported 9.7 · recomputed 9.879032

  • Formentera seroprevalence differs from Table 1

    Minor

    The results state 28.5% for Formentera, whereas Table 1 reports 28.1%.

  • Outdoor-cat sample size differs between tables

    Minor

    Table 2 lists 1,609 outdoor cats, but Table 4 lists 1,604 for the same habitat category. The Table 4 habitat denominators consequently sum to five fewer than its overall sample size.

  • FeLV-positive antibody seroprevalence is misstated

    Minor

    Table 2 gives 22 seropositive cats out of 104 in the FeLV-positive/FIV-negative group, which is 21.2% to one decimal place, not 22.1%. The latter value is also used in the results text.

    Reported 22.1 · recomputed 21.153846

  • Gran Canaria seroprevalence differs from Table 1

    Minor

    The results state 21.7% for Gran Canaria, whereas Table 1 reports 22.9%.

  • Symptomatic-cat totals differ between tables

    Minor

    Table 2 reports 150 seropositive cats among 995 cats with clinical signs, while the total in Table 3 is 149 among 989. The text does not identify Table 3's total as a subset.

7 of 7

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Authors
Montoya-Alonso, J. A., García Rodríguez, S. N., Carretón, E., Rodríguez Escolar, I., Costa-Rodríguez, N., Matos, J. I., & Morchón, R.
Affiliations
  • Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ES)
  • Universidad de Salamanca (ES)
Corresponding author
Carretón, Elena
ORCID
Venue
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2022-05-12
Volume
9
Pages
900371-900371
ISSN
2297-1769 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fvets.2022.900371
PMC
PMC9159151
OpenAlex
W4280614957
Semantic Scholar
eed634d011dff2aab27d22fc6bc5473bde92468f
Cited by
15
References
27
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2
FWCI
1.59
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Frontiers in Veterinary Science (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)
Funders
  • Merck Sharp and Dohme
  • Agencia Canaria de Investigación, Innovación y Sociedad de la Información
  • Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
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, seroprevalence, cats, Spain, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands

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 ›

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