Causative agent of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) detected in wild lemurs

Abstract

The lemurs of Madagascar are threatened by human activities. We present the first molecular detection of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in a wild non-human primate, the mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus). Zoonotic D. immitis infection has been associated with clinical pathology that includes serious and often fatal cardiac and pulmonary reactions. With human encroachment and associated increases in free-roaming dog populations in Madagascar, we examined lemurs for zoonotic canid pathogens. D. immitis presents a new potential conservation threat to lemurs. We highlight the need for wide-ranging and effective interventions, particularly near protected areas, to address this growing conservation issue. Keywords: Madagascar conservation, Pathogen spillover, Mosquito-borne disease, Blood parasite, Canine vector-borne diseases, brown mouse lemur, Microcebus rufus