Geographic distribution of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in stray dogs of eastern Romania
Open accessAbstract
A survey was conducted in the eastern part of Romania to assess the prevalence and geographical distribution of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs. Plasma samples were collected from 458 stray dogs hosted in shelters in 8 counties and tested serologically for the presence of heartworm. In addition, 45 blood samples from dogs of a shelter in Galati city were examined by the modified Knott and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The immmunological assay showed a heartworm infection prevalence of 8.9% in the dogs. Optical density results for positive samples ranged between 0.217 and 2.683. Geographical information systems (GIS) were used to produce overlays of distribution maps of D. immitis prevalence and predictive maps based on temperature suitability. High prevalence of D. immitis was found in the central East up to the northern border of the country, i.e. Galati county (60%), followed by the counties of Vaslui (12.0%) and Iasi (7.7%). Out of 45 samples examined using the Knott test, 23 were positive for circulating microfilariae (51.1%), while 19 dogs were positive for D. immitis and 4 for both D. immitis and D. repens with the multiplex PCR test. The high prevalence for D. immitis shown in dogs in the Southeast (Galati, 42.2%) also by multiplex PCR gave strong support to the results achieved by the serological tests. The present study confirms the ability of GIS to predict the distribution and epidemiology of dirofilariosis in different geographical territories as has been already demonstrated by the empirical epidemiological data obtained at the continental, national and intraregional levels.
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
A 2013–2014 cross-sectional survey of 458 stray dogs in eight eastern Romanian counties found 8.9% *Dirofilaria immitis* seroprevalence by ELISA, with the highest prevalence in Galati county (60%). GIS mapping and temperature-suitability predictions matched the observed distribution, supporting GIS as a tool for heartworm risk assessment.
Key findings
- ELISA on 458 shelter dogs found an overall *D. immitis* prevalence of 8.9% (41/458); positive optical density values ranged from 0.217 to 2.683. County-level prevalence was highest in Galati (60%, 30/50), followed by Vaslui (12%, 6/50) and Iasi (7.7%, 5/65); no positives were found in Suceava, Botosani, Neamt, Bacau, or Vrancea.
- Among 45 dogs from a Galati city shelter, the modified Knott test found 23/45 (51.1%) positive for circulating microfilariae; multiplex PCR identified 19 dogs positive for *D. immitis* and 4 positive for both *D. immitis* and *D. repens*, giving a *D. immitis* PCR prevalence of 42.2% (19/45) in that subset.
- Higher *D. immitis* prevalence was found in dogs over 2 years of age (P<0.05); the paper states no significant differences by sex or coat length (P>0.05), though Table 1 lists female 12.7% vs male 4.7% and short-coat 11.8% vs long-coat 4.1%.
- GIS overlays and the HDU-based predictive model agreed with the observed distribution; the longest development period was in Bucharest (21 May–20 September).
Methods
- Cross-sectional survey conducted between 2013 and 2014 using plasma from 458 stray dogs (245 females, 213 males; ages 9 months to 12 years) housed in shelters across 8 eastern Romanian counties; samples were tested for *D. immitis* antigen by commercial ELISA (PetCheck), with sex, age, and coat length recorded as potential risk factors.
- An additional 45 EDTA blood samples from dogs in a Galati city shelter (28 females, 17 males; ages 2–10 years) were examined by modified Knott test and multiplex PCR targeting the 12S rDNA region.
- Data were georeferenced at county level and mapped in ArcGIS 10.3, compared with the temperature-suitability HWD predictive model by Genchi et al.; univariate chi-squared tests were performed in SPSS.
Limitations
- The paper does not include a formal limitations section. It notes that antigen tests may give false negatives in dogs with low parasitic burdens or infections with only male worms, which may explain a previous failure to detect cases in Iasi county.
- Evident from the text: sampling was cross-sectional and restricted to stray dogs in shelters, molecular confirmation covered only 45 dogs from one Galati shelter, and spatial analysis was conducted at county level, limiting finer-scale inference.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
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Cites
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Claims the paper makes
0 of 9 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
No D. immitis infections were detected by serology in stray dogs from Botosani, Suceava, Neamt, Bacau, and Vrancea counties.
“The present study showed negative results in some counties, such as Botosani, Suceava, Neamt, Bacau and Vrancea.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Rests on an assumption: The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
- Findingown data
There was no significant difference in D. immitis seroprevalence between dogs with short and long coats (P>0.05).
“there were no significant differences between dogs with short or long coat (P>0.05).”
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
“There were no significant differences between dogs with short or long coat (P>0.05), as also found by Vieira et al. (2014).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Rests on an assumption: The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
- Findingown data
Multiplex PCR detected both D. immitis and D. repens in 4 of the 45 dogs from Galati city.
“19 dogs were positive for D. immitis and 4 for both D. immitis and D. repens with the multiplex PCR test.”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“Nineteen dogs were positive for D. immitis and 4 were positive for both D. immitis and D. repens according to the PCR test (Table 2).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
D. immitis seroprevalence was higher in dogs over 2 years of age than in younger dogs (P<0.05).
“The D. immitis prevalence was higher in dogs over 2 years of age (P<0.05) but there were no significant differences between dogs with short or long coat (P>0.05).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Rests on an assumption: The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
- Findingown data
The prevalence of D. immitis in dogs in Galati county by multiplex PCR was 42.2%.
“The high prevalence for D. immitis shown in dogs in the Southeast (Galati, 42.2%) also by multiplex PCR gave strong support to the results achieved by the serological tests.”
- Also stated in: § Results · boosted
“The high prevalence for D. immitis in dogs in the Southeast (Galati county, 42.2%) was confirmed by multiplex PCR providing strong support to the results achieved by the serological tests.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Also stated in: § Results · boosted
- Findingown data
The seroprevalence of D. immitis in stray dogs in Iasi county was 7.7%.
“Iasi (7.7%)”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“The highest prevalence of HWD was seen in the central East of Romania with 60% recorded near the northern border of Galati county followed by Vaslui county (12%) and Iasi county (7.7%).”
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
“Iasi 5/65 (7.7) 2.9-17.8”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Rests on an assumption: The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
The serological prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in stray dogs in eastern Romania was 8.9%.
“The immmunological assay showed a heartworm infection prevalence of 8.9% in the dogs.”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“The mean prevalence of D. immitis was 8.9% and the OD results for the positive samples ranged from 0.217 to 2.683.”
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
“Total 41/458 (8.9) 6.6-12.0”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Rests on an assumption: The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
The seroprevalence of D. immitis in stray dogs in Vaslui county was 12.0%.
“Vaslui (12.0%)”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“The highest prevalence of HWD was seen in the central East of Romania with 60% recorded near the northern border of Galati county followed by Vaslui county (12%) and Iasi county (7.7%).”
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
“Vaslui 6/50 (12) 5-25”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Rests on an assumption: The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
Multiplex PCR detected D. immitis in 19 of the 45 dogs from Galati city.
“19 dogs were positive for D. immitis and 4 for both D. immitis and D. repens with the multiplex PCR test.”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“Nineteen dogs were positive for D. immitis and 4 were positive for both D. immitis and D. repens according to the PCR test (Table 2).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
There was no significant difference in D. immitis seroprevalence between male and female dogs (P>0.05).
“Both sexes had similar prevalence (P>0.05).”
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
“Both sexes had similar prevalence (P>0.05) in agreement with several authors (Song et al., 2003;Montoya et al., 2006;Rapti and Rehbein, 2010), which is in contrast to other studies (Yldrim et al., 2007;Traversa et al., 2010), where significantly higher prevalence rates in males were shown.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Rests on an assumption: The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
- Findingown data
The seroprevalence of D. immitis in stray dogs in Galati county was 60%.
“Galati county (60%)”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“The highest prevalence of HWD was seen in the central East of Romania with 60% recorded near the northern border of Galati county followed by Vaslui county (12%) and Iasi county (7.7%).”
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
“Galati 30/50 (60) 45.2-73.30”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Rests on an assumption: The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
Among 45 blood samples from dogs in Galati city examined by the modified Knott test, 23 (51.1%) were positive for circulating microfilariae.
“Out of 45 samples examined using the Knott test, 23 were positive for circulating microfilariae (51.1%)”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“Out of the 45 samples examined with the Knott test, 23 were positive for circulating microfilariae (51.1%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Interpretationown data
The presence of D. immitis in eastern Romania extends the known positive areas for the parasite from the southern, southwestern and southeastern parts of the country.
“The presence of D. immitis in the eastern part of the country extends the areas positive for the parasite from the southern, southwestern and southeastern parts of the country.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The multiplex PCR results support the serological test results for D. immitis prevalence in Galati.
“gave strong support to the results achieved by the serological tests.”
- Also stated in: § Results · boosted
“providing strong support to the results achieved by the serological tests.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Results · boosted
- Interpretationreasoning
Dogs kept in outdoor shelters were more likely to acquire D. immitis infection.
“in fact these dogs were kept in outdoor shelters, where they were more likely to acquire this infection.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning
The prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria spp. infections in dogs in Romania are still unclear.
“However, the prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria spp.infections in dogs in Romania are still unclear.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
GIS can predict the distribution and epidemiology of dirofilariosis in different geographical territories.
“The present study confirms the ability of GIS to predict the distribution and epidemiology of dirofilariosis in different geographical territories as has”
- Also stated in: § Conclusions · boosted
“The ability of GIS to predict the distribution and epidemiology of dirofilariosis in different geographical areas has been already demonstrated by the empirical epidemiological data obtained at the continental (Genchi et al., 2009;Kartashev et al., 2014), national (Medlock et al., 2007;Simón et al., 2014), and regional (Mortarino et al., 2008;Montoya-Alonso et al., 2015) levels.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Conclusions · boosted
- Interpretationown data
HWD in the study area was found in dogs living in areas with environmental temperatures and humidity favourable for the D. immitis life cycle.
“In the present study, HWD has been found in dogs living in areas with favourable environmental temperatures and humidity factors required by the life cycle of this parasite.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
D. immitis infection appears to expand in the northeastern areas of Romania where climate conditions support transmission.
“Thus, the infection seems to expand in the northeastern areas of the country where the climate conditions support the transmission of this infection.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The distribution of D. immitis prevalence in eastern Romania agrees with the HWD distribution predicted by Genchi et al. (2005).
“Moreover, the maps agree well with the distribution of HWD presented by Genchi et al. (2005).”
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
“Finally, the results achieved by the serological tests are in line with the predictive map based on HDUs in the eastern part of Romania (Figure 1).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Genchi et al. (2005)
Not checked in the free run.
- Also stated in: § n l y Discussion · plain
- May combine two claims. 4
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 5
May combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationThe low-level prevalence of D. immitis in Iași county is important because D. immitis may serve as a reservoir of infection for other animals in low-incidence areas.
“However, also the low-level prevalence in Iași county revealed in our study is important because, as reported by Miro et al. (2013), D. immitis may serve as a reservoir of infection for other animals in low-incidence areas.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Miro et al. (2013)
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationDirofilariosis in animals and humans is being detected more and more frequently in the Mediterranean countries.
“Dirofilariosis in animals and humans is being detected more and more frequently in the Mediterranean countries (Genchi et al., 2005).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Genchi et al., 2005
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe intermediate hosts and vectors of D. immitis are different species of culicid mosquitoes of the genera Culex, Aedes and Anopheles.
“The intermediate hosts and vectors are different species of culicid mosquitoes of the genera Culex, Aedes and Anopheles (Cancrini and Kramer, 2001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Cancrini and Kramer, 2001
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe presence of canine and human Dirofilaria infections in the Balkan Peninsula suggests that climate, ecology factors and mosquito abundance are suitable for full development and transmission of the infection.
“The presence of canine and human Dirofilaria infections in the Balkan Peninsula suggests that climate, ecology factors and mosquito abundance are suitable for the full development and transmission of the infection (Tasić-Otaševi et al., 2015).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Tasić-Otaševi et al., 2015
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationD. immitis is one of the most pathogenic parasites of dogs and has an increasing distribution, possibly due to climatic changes and animal and human movements.
“Cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis or heartworm disease (HWD) is caused by D. immitis, which is the one of the most pathogenic parasites of dogs with an increasing distribution, possibly due to climatic changes as well as animal and human movements (Genchi et al., 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Genchi et al., 2011
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationThe high prevalence of D. immitis in southeastern Romania could be explained by the presence of floodplains and confirmed vector species.
“Therefore, this could be an explanation for the high prevalence in the southeastern Romania as detected in this study.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationHWD is still prevalent in dogs in large areas despite the availability of reliable diagnostic tools and effective prophylaxis.
“In spite of the availability of reliable diagnostic tools and effective prophylaxis, HWD is still prevalent in dogs in large areas (McCall et al., 2008).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites McCall et al., 2008
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationDirofilaria spp. have spread towards eastern and north-eastern European countries, but only limited epidemiological information is available from there.
“Dirofilaria spp.have spread towards the eastern and north-eastern European countries, but only limited epidemiological information is available from there (Genchi et al., 2009(Genchi et al., , 2011)).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Genchi et al., 2009
Not checked in the free run.
- cites Genchi et al., 2011
Not checked in the free run.
The paper relies on this without support.
Stray dogs hosted in shelters in the eight sampled counties are representative of the stray dog population in eastern Romania.
“Plasma samples were collected from 458 stray dogs hosted in shelters in 8 counties and tested serologically for the presence of heartworm.”
“The mean prevalence of D. immitis was 8.9% and the OD results for the positive samples ranged from 0.217 to 2.683.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The commercial ELISA test kit used accurately detects D. immitis infection in dogs.
“At least 2 mL of blood from each of the 458 analysed dogs was collected in a plasma separator tube and stored at -20°C until tested for the presence of D. immitis antigen using a commercial ELISA test kit based on heartworm antigen (HA) available from PetCheck ® (Westbrook, ME, USA) according to the manufacturers' instructions.”
“The immmunological assay showed a heartworm infection prevalence of 8.9% in the dogs.”
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?
High numbers of stray dogs in some countries act as reservoirs for Dirofilaria parasites.
“Another reason is the continuously high number of stray dogs in some countries, which are not subject to regular treatment and act as reservoirs for the parasites, e.g. countries with many stray dogs, such as Romania or Bulgaria continue to regularly report Dirofilaria spp. cases [74–76].”
From Vectors, host range, and spatial distribution of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in Europe: a systematic review (2025) · cites this paper as [75]
The relationship between prediction and actual prevalence of Dirofilaria has already been confirmed in several studies.
“The relationship between prediction and actual prevalence of Dirofilaria has already been confirmed in several studies [32, 40, 41].”
From Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from Corsica Island, France (2021) · cites this paper as [41]
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.
Sex difference is reported as nonsignificant despite the stated counts
MajorTable 1 reports 31 positives among 245 females and 10 among 213 males. A chi-squared test on those counts gives approximately P=0.003, contradicting the reported P>0.05.
“Both sexes had similar prevalence (P>0.05).”
“31/245 (12.7) 8.9-17.6 10/213 (4.7)”
Coat-length difference is reported as nonsignificant despite the stated counts
MajorTable 1 reports 34 positives among 289 short-coated dogs and 7 among 169 long-coated dogs. A chi-squared test on those counts gives approximately P=0.006, not P>0.05.
“there were no significant differences between dogs with short or long coat (P>0.05).”
“34/289 (11.8) 1.8-16.27/169 (4.1)”
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Sassnau, R., Czajka, C., Kronefeld, M., Werner, D., Genchi, C., Tannich, E., & Kampen, H. (2014) · Parasitology Research · doi:10.1007/s00436-014-3970-1 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Montoya-Alonso, J. A., Carretón, E., Simón, L., González-Miguel, J., García-Guasch, L., Morchón, R., & Simón, F. (2015) · Veterinary Parasitology · doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.06.025 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
GIS modeling for canine dirofilariosis risk assessment in central Italy
Mortarino, M., Musella, V., Costa, V., Genchi, C., Cringoli, G., & Rinaldi, L. (2008) · Geospatial health · doi:10.4081/gh.2008.248 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Self-citationMontoya-Alonso, J. A., Morales, M., Juste, M. C., Bañares, A., Simón, F., & Genchi, C. (2006) · Parasitology Research · doi:10.1007/s00436-006-0257-1 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Seroprevalence of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in Albania
Rapti, D., & Rehbein, S. (2010) · Parasitology Research · doi:10.1007/s00436-010-1914-y · Cited by 23 · see citing works
The distribution of mosquitoes in Romania (Diptera: Culicidae). Part I: Anopheles, Aedes and Culex
Nicolescu, G., Vladimirescu, A. F., & Ciolpan, O. (2002) · European mosquito bulletin · Cited by 14 · see citing works
(2001) · IRIS Research product catalog (Sapienza University of Rome) · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Detection of Dirofilaria spp. in Dogs by PCR
Ciocan, R. (2010) · Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Veterinary Medicine · doi:10.15835/buasvmcn-vm:67:2:5919 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Nicolescu, G., Viadimirescu, A., & Ciolpan, O. (2003) · European mosquito bulletin · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Serological screening of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infections in Turkey.
Köse, M., & Erdoğan, M. (2014) · PubMed · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Nicolescu, G., Vladimirescu, A. F., & Ciolpan, O. (2003) · European mosquito bulletin · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Epidemiological and clinical features regarding dirofilariosis in dog.
Tudor, P., Brăslaşu, D. E., Brăslaşu, M. C., Joiţa, S., Bican, A., & Tudor, N. (2009) · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 1
- Coman S, Bacescu B, Coman T, 2007. Epidemiological and paraclinical aspects in dirofilariosis in dogs. In: Proceedings of the First European Dirofilaria Days, 22-25 Feb 2007, Zagreb, Croatia, p.
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Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in dog and cat: A questionnaire study in Italy
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Self-citationSeroepidemiological survey of human exposure to Dirofilaria spp. in Romania and Moldova
Ciuca, L., Simòn, F., Rinaldi, L., Kramer, L., Genchi, M., Cringoli, G., Acatrinei, D., Miron, L., & Morchon, R. (2018) · Acta Tropica · doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.012 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
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Kamyingkird, K., Junsiri, W., Chimnoi, W., Kengradomkij, C., Saengow, S., Sangchuto, K., Kajeerum, W., Pangjai, D., Nimsuphan, B., Inpankeaw, T., et al. (2017) · Agriculture and Natural Resources · doi:10.1016/j.anres.2017.05.003 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Exposure of humans to the zoonotic nematode <i>Dirofilaria immitis</i> in Northern Portugal
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McGill, E., Berke, O., Peregrine, A. S., & Weese, J. S. (2019) · Geospatial health · doi:10.4081/gh.2019.741 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from Corsica Island, France
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Hattendorf, C., & Lühken, R. (2025) · Infectious Diseases of Poverty · doi:10.1186/s40249-025-01328-2 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
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Alsarraf, M., Carretón, E., Ciucă, L., Diakou, Α., Dwużnik-Szarek, D., Fuehrer, H., Genchi, M., Ionică, A. M., Kloch, A., Kramer, L. H., et al. (2023) · Parasites & Vectors · doi:10.1186/s13071-023-05945-4 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
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Macchioni, F., Sed, G., & Cecchi, F. (2020) · Veterinary Parasitology Regional Studies and Reports · doi:10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100404 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
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Evidence of Dirofilaria immitis in Felids in North-Eastern Italy
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“From a One Health perspective, Bucharest is identified as an endemic area for D. immitis (Ciucă et al. 2016).”
Luca, I., Stancu, A. C., Olariu-Jurca, A., Garedaghi, Y., & Ugochukwu, I. C. I. (2023) · International Journal of Medical Parasitology and Epidemiology Sciences · doi:10.34172/ijmpes.3106 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Lindhorst, Z. T. L., Brandstetter, S., Unterköfler, M. S., Eigner, B., Spergser, J., Colyn, M., Steinbach, P., Ćirović, D., Šprem, N., Dumić, T., et al. (2024) · Parasites & Vectors · doi:10.1186/s13071-024-06515-y · Cited by 3 · see citing works
VECTOR-BORNE PATHOGENS-TESTING IN A ROMANIAN CANINE BLOOD BANK
Ionescu, T.-S., Radulescu, S. M., Florea, R., Bărăităreanu, S., & Daneș, D. (2018) · CBU International Conference Proceedings · doi:10.12955/cbup.v6.1269 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Ivanescu, L. M., MÎNDRU, R., Bodale, I., MARTINESCU, G.-V., ANDRONIC, L., Hristodorescu, S. G., Azoicăi, D., & Miron, L. D. (2025) · Life · doi:10.3390/life15101612 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Self-citationGonzález-Mohino, E. I., Rodríguez-Escolar, I., Balmori-de la Puente, A., Collado-Cuadrado, M., Carretón, E., Montoya-Alonso, J. A., & Morchón, R. (2025) · Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases · doi:10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100330 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Walter-Weingärtner, J., Bergmann, M., & Hartmann, K. (2024) · Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe K Kleintiere / Heimtiere · doi:10.1055/a-2289-1927
Alsarraf, M., Carretón, E., Ciucă, L., Diakou, A., Dwużnik-Szarek, D., Fuehrer, H.-P., Genchi, M., Ionică, A. M., Kloch, A., Kramer, L. H., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26617012
Self-citation
- Authors
- Ciucă, L., Musella, V., Miron, L. D., Maurelli, M. P., Cringoli, G., Bosco, A., & Rinaldi, L.
- Affiliations
- "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" Iasi University of Life Sciences (RO)
- Magna Graecia University (IT)
- University of Naples Federico II (IT)
- Corresponding author
- Ciucă, Lavinia
- Musella, Vincenzo
- Miron, Liviu D.
- Maurelli, Maria Paola
- Cringoli, Giuseppe
- Bosco, Antonio
- Rinaldi, Laura
- ORCID
- Venue
- Geospatial Health
- Publisher
- PAGEPress Publications
- Published
- 2016-11-21
- Volume
- 11
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 499-499
- ISSN
- 1827-1987 (ISSN-L)
- 1970-7096
- OpenAlex
- W2559281245
- Cited by
- 35
- References
- 37
- Citations by year
- 2025: 5 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 1
- FWCI
- 2.75
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Geospatial health (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- INFM-OAR (INFN Catania) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Funders
- European Social Fund (2007–2013, POSDRU/159/1.5/S/132765)
- 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, canine heartworm disease, stray dogs, geographic distribution, infection prevalence, serological diagnosis, multiplex PCR, Dirofilaria repens, temperature suitability, Eastern Romania
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilariasis, Dog Diseases, Dogs, Romania, Prevalence
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.
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