Nematodes: Dirofilaria immitus

Question 1

What is the common name for Dirofilaria immitus?

Answer 1

heartworm

Question 2

Where are Dirofilaria immitus seen? (How do you test fot them?)
(2)

Answer 2

1. CBC

2. microfilaria

Question 3

Why are Dirofilaria immitus important?

Answer 3

adults obstruct the heart valves and blood vessels

Question 4

How are Dirofilaria immitus diagnosed?

3

Answer 4

1. microfilaria in blood
2. antigen test
3. antibody test

Question 5

What does a positive antigen test mean?

Answer 5

adult worms present

Question 6

What does a negative antigen test mean?

2

Answer 6

1. no adults

2. immature infection

Question 7

What does a positive antibody test mean?

Answer 7

2 month old infection

Question 8

How are Dirofilaria immitus controlled?

2

Answer 8

1. treat infected dogs

2. preventative drug treatment

Question 9

How is Dirofilaria immitus transmitted?

Answer 9

mosquitos