Investigation of Dirofilaria immitis enfestation in dogs in Samsun Region

Background: Dirofilariaimmitis is a parasite encountered especially in dogs, sometimes in cats,fox, wolf and rarely in humans, which is transmitted with female mosquitos andresults in disorders in the circulatory and respiratory systems. It is alsonamed as “heartworm”. This nematode iswidespread in other countries and the presence of it in our country is reportedby various researchers. The aim of the present study is the investigation of Dirofilaria immitis presence in theSamsun city and neighbourhood regions and forming a preventative program incase of determination of distribution. Methods: In the study, 100 blood specimen were collectedfrom dogs over 1 years old, living around still waters and mature Dirofilaria immitis antigenes weresearched by the Dirofilaria immitis spesific ELISA test (FASTest HW. Antigen-MegaCor GmbH Diagnostik). Results: Although the dogs sed in the study were chosenfrom the regions with high probability of parasite presence, no positiveresults were achieved. Conclusions: Though this result may be evaluated as no Dirofilaria immitis parasite is presentin Samsun and nearby regions, considering that in nonendemic areas serologictests may give negative results, our certain opinion is that the Samsun cityand neighbouring regions are not endemicareas for heartworm, and the mentioned nematode may not be present in thisregion at all.