Immunoglobulin G Antibodies against the Endosymbionts of Filarial Nematodes ( Wolbachia ) in Patients with Pulmonary Dirofilariasis

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Abstract
The dog parasite Dirofilaria immitis can infect humans. Patients with pulmonary dirofilariasis were tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the surface protein of Wolbachia , the bacterial endosymbiont of D . immitis . These patients showed significantly higher IgG titers than healthy individuals from areas in which D . immitis was endemic as well as areas in which it was not endemic. Titration of anti- Wolbachia surface protein IgG could become useful for diagnostic applications.