INDIRECT FLUORESCENT-ANTIBODY TEST IN OCCULT DIROFILARIASIS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (3) , 414-420
Abstract
Indirect fluorescent antibody [Ab] titers to Dirofilaria immitis microfilaria (IFA-mf) and peripheral eosinophilia were recorded from 15-52 mo. in 10 experimentally infected dogs with occult dirofilariasis (heartworm infection without microfilaremia). Five dogs which were experimentally sensitized with D. immitis microfilaria did not exhibit microfilaremia after inoculation with infective-stage larvae. In 3 other dogs, microfilaremia suddenly ceased after 4-7 mo. In these 3 dogs, antimicrofilarial Ab were detectable by IFA-mf test as soon as microfilaremia ended. In the remaining 2 dogs, which exhibited spontaneous occult dirofilariasis, Ab were detected at the end of the prepatent period of 6 mo. The presence of adult worms was confirmed by angiocardiography. Significant IFA-mf titer (.gtoreq. 1:8) persisted after successful treatment with an adulticide. Reinfection of treated dogs reestablished occult dirofilariasis. Eosinophilia was present in all dogs and peaked at about 3, 6 and 9 mo. after they were inoculated with infective-stage larave. At necropsy, the 10 dogs harbored gravid, reproducing adult worms in the heart and pulmonary arteries.

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