Dirofilaria

  

Contents

  

Rev 07/19/2024

  Classification Hosts
Morphology and Anatomy Life Cycle
Return to Dirofilaria Menu Economic Importance Damage
Distribution Management
Return to Onchocercidae Menu Feeding  References
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Classification:

Chromadorea
 Chromadoria

           Rhabditida 

                       Spirurina
                          Filarioidea
                   Onchocercidae
 
  •             Dirofilaria Railliet & Henry, 1911

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    Morphology and Anatomy:

       
    Body size range for the species of this genus in the database - Click:
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    Distribution:

    As of 2013,  the genus Dirofilaria was considered to have 27 apparently valid species and 15 species of questionable validity.Some species originally described in Dirofilria have been moved to other gtenera (Dantes-Torres and Otranto, 2013)

    The genus is distributed worldwide.

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    Economic Importance:

    Lymphatic filariasis is caused by nematodes occupying and disrupting the lymphatic system, often resulting in significant swelling of tissues and elephantiasis.

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    Feeding:

     

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    Hosts:

    Species infect dogs, a wide range of wild animals (foxes, coyotes, wolves, dogs, sea lions, harbour seals, ferrets, horses, bears, wolverines, muskrats, raccoons, bobcats, cats, monkeys, and red pandas), and humans (Dantes-Tores and Otranto, 2013).

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    Life Cycle:

    Transmitted by many species of mosquitos.    

    Two hosts to complete the life cycle, an intermediate host (often an arthropd) and a primary host (usually a vertebrate). The juvenile stages occur in the intermediate host and the reproductive adult in the definitive (primary) host.

    For Ecophysiological Parameters for this genus, click 
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    Damage:

    Damage to the heart, pulomonary nodules in the lungs., and subcutaneous infections.

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    Management:

     
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    References:

    Dantes-Tores, F and Otranto, D. 2013. Dirofilariosis in the Americas: a more virulent Dirofilaria immitis?. Parasites and Vectors, 6:288

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    For more information about nematodes, Go to Nemaplex Main Menu.

    Copyright 1999 by Howard Ferris.
    Revised: July 19, 2024.