Publications by authors named "Sohini Kumar"
First case of macrocyclic lactone-resistant Dirofilaria immitis in Europe - Cause for concern.
Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist
August 2024
Article Synopsis
- Heartworm disease in dogs, caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, is hard to treat but easy to prevent with medications called macrocyclic lactones (MLs).
- A recent case in Rome described a dog that tested positive for heartworms after arriving from the USA, despite treatment with MLs, indicating the presence of a resistant strain.
- Genetic analysis confirmed the dog's infection was caused by a ML-resistant strain, raising concerns about the risk of such strains spreading into Europe and underscoring the need for monitoring dogs from regions known for ML-resistance.
Article Synopsis
- - Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic worm that causes heartworm disease mainly in dogs, and there's rising concern about its resistance to standard preventative treatments known as macrocyclic lactones (MLs) in the USA.
- - Recent studies show that some D. immitis strains in the USA have distinct genetic traits that help identify their resistance to MLs, including specific genetic markers (SNPs) useful for tracking the spread of this resistance.
- - Research involving laboratory-maintained and European clinical samples indicates that while there is resistance in the USA, many genotypes in Europe still respond well to ML treatments, highlighting the need for effective monitoring and compliance with prevention strategies.
Droplet digital PCR as a tool to detect resistant isolates of Dirofilaria immitis.
Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist
December 2023
Prevention of canine heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, relies on macrocyclic lactones for which drug resistance is now a concern. Although genetic polymorphisms have been associated with resistance in D. immitis populations, the mechanism is still not well understood.
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