Dirofilaria immitis (Null)

Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic roundworm (nematode) of the family Onchocercidae that causes heartworm disease in dogs and other mammals, including rarely humans. The adult worms inhabit the pulmonary arteries and sometimes the right side of the heart, leading to severe cardiovascular and pulmonary pathology if untreated. Transmission occurs through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which act as intermediate hosts. The primary hosts in nature are dogs and wild canids; cats, ferrets, and occasional other mammals can be infected. Dirofilaria immitis is not a molecular “target” such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but rather an organism (parasite) subject to therapeutic intervention with antiparasitic drugs[2][7][6][4].

Other names

Dog heartwormheartworm

Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, moxidectin, selamectin) kill larval stages (microfilariae, L3, and L4). Adulticides (melarsomine) kill adult worms. Doxycycline targets Wolbachia endosymbionts, weakening the parasite[2].