Prevalence and risk factors for heartworm infection in cats from northern Florida.
Necropsies were performed on 630 adult cats in northern Florida to determine the prevalence and risk factors for heartworm infection in cats of this region. Heartworms were identified in 4.9% of cats, and serological evidence of heartworm exposure was present in 17% of cats. Not all cats from which heartworms were recovered were seropositive for heartworm antigen or antibody. There was no association between heartworm infection and co-infection with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Male cats were at higher risk of infection with heartworm, FeLV, or FIV than were females. Because even a single heartworm can cause clinical disease or death in cats, the authors conclude that cats in this region should receive heartworm prophylaxis to prevent heartworm infection.
Levy
Julie K
JK
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
Snyder
Patti S
PS
Taveres
Larissa M
LM
Hooks
Jennifer L
JL
Pegelow
Mike J
MJ
Slater
Margaret R
MR
Hughes
Kathy L
KL
Salute
Marc E
ME
D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002415:Cats; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000276:immunology*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth