In the heart of Texas lies a hidden danger that threatens the lives of cats—heartworm infections caused by the mosquito-borne nematode Dirofilaria immitis. Despite its potential fatality, heartworm infections in cats often go unnoticed by both cat owners and veterinarians. Diagnosing this perilous disease in cats presents unique challenges, requiring a combination of laboratorial tests and clinical examination.

Study design

A groundbreaking study was conducted to shed light on the prevalence of D. immitis infection in shelter cats from the Lower Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region of Texas. This area is home to a large population of stray animals with limited access to veterinary care, making them particularly vulnerable to heartworm infections.

The study analyzed 122 paired samples of serum and DNA from cats in 14 towns within the RGV region. Multiple diagnostic methods were employed to detect the presence of heartworm infection. Heartworm antibody detection, heartworm antigen detection (before and after immune-complex dissociation), and a species-specific qPCR assay were used to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Results

The results were alarming, with 18% (22 out of 122) of the shelter cats testing positive in at least one diagnostic test. Antibody testing identified the most cases (15.6%), followed by pre- and post-ICD antigen testing (4.9%), and qPCR (3.3%). Strikingly, two cats tested positive on all three diagnostic tests, underscoring the severity of the issue.

Veterinarians play a crucial role in combating this overlooked threat by encouraging cat owners to prioritize year-round heartworm prevention. Early detection and preventive measures can save the lives of these feline companions, ensuring their well-being and longevity.

Read more by clicking on this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10305843/