About this Research Topic

Background

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are the most important filarial species causing diseases in dogs and in other species, including humans. Both filarial species are broadly distributed in the old and the new world. However, in the last decade, prescence of other filarial species have been reported in different studies. Even though Dirofilaria spp. has been widely investigated, the continous changes in their epidemiology require systematic updates. Furthermore, the report of neglected filarial species transmitted by other than mosquitoes vectors , such as Cercopithifilaria baine and Acanthocheilonema reconditum, as well as the presence of species with zoonotic potential (e.g. Onchocerca lupi) open new scenarios that need further investigations.

This Special Issue (SI) will bring novel and important data about filarid species infecting dogs worldwide. Blood stream parasites have been extensively studied, but over the last years subcutaneous species have also acquired importance. Regardless of the anatomical localization, all filarids infecting dogs have been considered serious threats for the animal health, some of them having a zoonotic character. Therefore, in this SI, different aspects of the host-parasite interaction will be covered. In addition, current perspectives on the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these parasites will be addressed.

The scope of this SI is to collect contributions from the research leaders in the field of canine filariosis. We aim to present recent advances in the epidemiological scenarios from historically endemic, emerging, and re-emerging areas. We aim to focus on the novelties of the diagnosis, therapy, and prevention, also considering the zoonotic aspects of this parasitosis. The main areas to be included in this research topic on dogs’ filarial infection are: - epidemiology - clinical parasitology - diagnosis including traditional and advanced laboratory procedures - treatment including innovative pharmacological approaches, studies on drug resistance -prevention and surveillance The high-quality works of internationally recognized researchers will be considered and accepted after editorial review. This research topic will accept Original Research, Short Communication, Case Report, Review, and Systematic Review

Keywords: Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Achantocheilonema reconditum, Cerchopitifilaria baine, Onchocerca lupi, Filariosis, Dogs, Vectors

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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