Serological detection of circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and specific antibodies in dogs from central and northern Italy

摘要: The most frequently employed method for the diagnosis of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs is detection first stage larvae (L1) faeces. sensitivity coproscopy, however, limited case low parasite load, intermittent larval excretion, and during pre-patency. An epidemiological survey on was conducted applying serological methods two Italian regions where angiostrongylosis endemic foxes. 265 dog serum samples from Tuscany (central Italy - site A) 447 Liguria (north-western B) were tested with a sandwich-ELISA circulating antigen, an ELISA using A. adult somatic antigen purified by monoclonal antibodies specific antibody detection. During previous examinations naturally infected Leishmania infantum (n=149), Dirofilaria immitis (n=40), repens (n=30), Acanthocheilonema reconditum (n=27), Crenosoma vulpis (n=1), (n=2), Capillaria aerophila (n=35), boehmi (n=3), Toxocara canis (n=68), Toxascaris leonina (n=5), hookworms (n=37) Trichuris (n=39) detected. Sera these used to evaluate cross reactions. In A, 2 (0.8%) seropositive 4 (1.5%) only. From B, (0.9%) both tests, while other only 9 (2%) Considering subgroup 347 B which had also been Baermann technique, (0.6%) positive (1.2%) (2.6%) tests L1 No significant difference seropositivities observed group proven parasitic infections. serology presents advantages (diagnosis before patency, single sample instead repeated faecal samples, rapidity affordability particularly large number samples) it can be considered valid alternative individuals studies.