Acantocheilonema reconditum in Hunting Dogs from Southern Italy: Distribution, Risk Factors and Haematobiochemical Findings

Acantocheilonema reconditum is a parasite transmitted by fleas, lice and ticks and is included among the filaroid species infecting dogs. Contrary to the more well-studied Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, A. reconditum is believed to be less pathogenic, as adult worms are localized in the subcutaneous tissues and in the perirenal fat. Although previous studies reported the absence of clinical symptoms in infected dogs, there are few data regarding the haematological and biochemical changes that could be potentially caused by this parasite. Because hunting dogs are frequently exposed to vector-borne pathogens, the aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors and potential hematobiochemical abnormalities associated with A. reconditum infection in this specific canine population. Blood samples were collected from 3,020 hunting dogs living in Campania region, and were tested by a modified Knott technique to count and identify microfilariae. Out of 3,020 dogs tested, 84 were positive to A. reconditum, with an overall prevalence of 2.78% (95% CI: 2.19– 3.37%). The number of microfilariae/ml ranged from 1 to 442. After excluding dogs co-infected by different filarial worm species and/or other vector-borne pathogens common in Southern Italy, n. 74 dogs showed A. reconditum single infection. The main clinical features observed were dehydration (n. 1), fever (n. 1), congested mucous membranes (n. 2) and exercise intolerance (n. 2). Complete blood cell count results revealed leukocytosis (n. 16), anaemia (n. 2), thrombocytopenia (n. 8), eosinophilia (n. 1). Biochemical data showed increased serum values of total globulins (n. 14), albumins (n. 9), gamma glutamyl transferase (n. 2) and alkaline phosphate (n. 1), hypoalbuminemia was observed in one dog. Dogs co-infected with other vector-borne pathogens were not included in the statistical analysis. The living area (p