title: Nodular lesions due to infestation by Dirofilaria repens in dogs from Italy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria repens is an important cause of human dirofilariosis in the Old World.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the clinical and pathological features of infestation by D. repens in dogs with cutaneous nodules and to discuss key diagnostic procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen privately owned dogs of different breeds, ages and genders with subcutaneous nodules were positive for D. repens on at least one diagnostic test.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diagnostic tests included cytological examination of fine-needle aspiration biopsies, detection of circulating larvae by Knott's test, morphological and molecular identification of adult parasites and microfilariae, and histopathological examination of excised nodules.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve animals were positive for D. repens microfilariae, using cytology and at least one other diagnostic test. Four of twelve dogs screened by Knott's test had circulating D. repens microfilariae, and three of them were co-infected with Dirofilaria immitis. In eight dogs, adult nematodes were morphologically identified as D. repens. Nodular panniculitis was observed in all cases, with nodules containing either one or several cross-sections of nematodes and microfilariae. The nematodes extracted were identified as D. repens by an RT-PCR on the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adults and larvae of D. repens can induce skin nodules in dogs, and these lesions should be carefully evaluated in endemic areas. Clinicians should be aware that correct tissue sampling (including the storage of part of a sample in ethanol instead of formalin) is pivotal to achievement of a specific diagnosis. Cytology of fine-needle tissue aspirates was shown to be useful.
authors: Clinica Veterinaria S. Clemente, 7 Via Pietro Benvenuti, Arezzo, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Albanese
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Abramo
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Braglia
authors: Chiara
authors: C
authors: Caporali
authors: Luigi
authors: L
authors: Venco
authors: Antonella
authors: A
authors: Vercelli
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Ghibaudo
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Leone
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Carrani
authors: Alessio
authors: A
authors: Giannelli
authors: Domenico
authors: D
authors: Otranto
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D060348:Dirofilaria repens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012876:Skin Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*