Global prevalence, diagnostics and epidemiological trends of canine filariosis and associated zoonotic infections (2021–2025): a review

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Abstract

Canine and human dirofilariosis, caused primarily by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, represents a significant veterinary and public health concern with distinct epidemiological patterns across geographic regions. This review synthesizes data from 60 canine studies and 72 publications on zoonotic human filariasis (all published between 2021 and 2025) to analyze the global burden and interspecies zoonotic transmission risks. In dogs, D. immitis shows hyperendemic areas in tropical Americas (Colombia: 60.1%) but lower rates in temperate zones (USA: 0.8%), while Europe exhibits a north-south divergence with D. immitis dominant in southern regions (Portugal: 51.6%) and D. repens emerging in eastern areas (Slovakia: 60% co-infections). Asia presents complex epidemiology with Sri Lanka reporting 89.3% D. repens prevalence and India documenting Dirofilaria hongkongensis infections (25.0-25.3%). Human cases mirror this geographic distribution, with 56.9% concentrated in Europe and 40.2% in Asia, primarily presenting as subcutaneous nodules or ocular manifestations. Molecular methods reveal greater sensitivity than microscopy in both species, underscoring microscopy’s limitations for prevalence studies; nevertheless, serological antigen tests remain the more reliable diagnostic approach for canine D. immitis. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance, climate-adaptive control strategies targeting zoonotic hotspots, and standardized diagnostic protocols to address these increasingly widespread parasitic infections. This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights for developing targeted interventions against dirofilariasis across human and veterinary medicine.

Publication Title

Veterinary Research Communications

ISSN

01657380

DOI

10.1007/s11259-025-10987-3

Volume

50

Issue

1

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