Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode which infects domestic and wild canines worldwide, posing a zoonotic risk as they can also infect humans. Despite its zoonotic significance, Colombia has a lack of comprehensive studies on the prevalence of D. immitis. The Island of San Andrés, an endemic area for Dirofilaria's intermediate hosts (mosquitoes of the Aedes, Anopheles, Culex genera) and provides an ideal environment for their proliferation due to the island's geographical and climatic conditions. The island attracts thousands of tourists annually and, along with its resident population, is at a high risk for vector-borne pathogen infections. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of D. immitis antibodies in a sample of stray and domestic dogs and identify the most prevalent vector. The results revealed a 70% prevalence of D. immitis antibodies in dogs, with a statistically significant association between the presence of larvae and the seroprevalence of D. immitis. Aedes aegypti was identified as the most prevalent vector of D. immitis. This eco-region showed a higher prevalence of D. immitis than other Colombian cities.
Santisteban-Arenas et al. (Fri,) studied this question.