title: Serological and Molecular Detection ofDirofilariaSpecies in Stray Dogs and Investigation ofWolbachiaDNA by PCR in Turkey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dirofilaria immitisandDirofilaria repensare the most common species of filarial nematodes described in the dogs. A single-step multiplex PCR was applied to detect and differentiate simultaneously and unequivocallyD. immitisandD. repenson DNA extracted from canine peripheral blood and besides to detect the seroprevalance ofD. immitisby ELISA in Elazig Province, Turkey. A PCR detection of theWolbachia, which plays an important role inD. immitisbiology and contributes to the inflammatory pathology of the heartworm, was also applied for the first time in Turkey.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 161 whole blood and sera samples were collected from stray dogs and stored at -20 °C until used. After DNA extraction, all samples were processed withDirofilariaprimers by multiplex-PCR andWolbachiaprimers by conventional PCR besides ELISA for serology. The amplification was performed using a set of primers designed on a portion of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrion (12S rDNA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three of the examined dogs (1.8%) were found to be infected with onlyD. immitis, one (0.6%) withD. repensand three (1.8%) with both parasites. Besides, 10 out of 161 dogs (6.2%) were found infected withWolbachiasp. Finaly, the seroprevalence of dirofilariosis in the examined dogs was found to be 3.7% (6/161).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although dirofilariosis is not a serious problem in the region, the stray dogs still continue to be a source of infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simsek
authors.affiliation: Parasitology and Bee Diseases Laboratory, Veterinary Control and Research Institute, Elazig, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayse Turkan
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Ciftci
keywords: Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; ELISA; Multiplex-PCR; Wolbachia