ArticleVeterinary research communications2025
Unveiling Dirofilaria Asiatica infection: first clinical insights and treatment challenges for this feline zoonotic parasitosis.
Article in Veterinary research communications, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundDirofilaria asiatica (previously referred to as Dirofilaria sp. Hong Kong genotype, Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis, or Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis") is an emerging zoonotic filarioid nematode, initially described in human subcutaneous nodules in Hong Kong and later demonstrated in dogs and cats. This report includes the first description of clinical signs, diagnostic findings, including comparative clinicopathology, treatment and associated clinical complications in a feline infection.
methodsAn 18-month-old, indoor-only spayed female Domestic Shorthair cat presented with subcutaneous nodules and microfilariae in blood smears. Diagnostic work-up included a PCR from blood, a quantitative modified Knott test, haematology, echocardiography, and abdominal ultrasonography.
resultsPCR confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria asiatica. Haematology revealed neutrophilia (11.35 × 10³/µL) with left shift, and hyperproteinaemia (80 g/L). A quantitative modified Knott test revealed a microfilaremia of 36,907 per ml. Treatment with oral doxycycline and transdermal moxidectin triggered an acute onset of respiratory distress, managed with oxygen and dexamethasone. Nodules regressed, and microfilariae cleared by day 70.
conclusionsThis case supports that indoor feline pets are susceptible to infection with Dirofilaria asiatica. In addition, we describe for the first time, the clinical and clinicopathological findings associated with infection and highlight the risks of anaphylactic reactions to microfilaricidal therapy. Moxidectin and doxycycline were critical for resolution, but pre-treatment with corticosteroids is recommended. Exorbitant microfilaremia might be a critical feature in cats. The zoonotic potential of this parasite warrants heightened surveillance in endemic regions.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.