Molecular Evidence of Filariasis Transmission Through Cats and Dogs in West Sumatra

Background and Objective: West Sumatra Province is ranked as the 11th highest filariasis case in Indonesia in 2013. Pasaman Barat and Pesisir Selatan have passed Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS)-1 on filaria elimination program. Evaluation for mass drug administration in Pasaman Barat has proved that microfilariae from Brugia malayi are still found in humans. This study investigated microfilariae in cats, dogs and primates in Pasaman Barat and Pesisir Selatan to determine their potential reservoir status. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Pasaman Barat and Pesisir Selatan Districts in 2017. Total samples of 202 reservoir animals were used in this study, namely house cats (Felis catus), dogs (Canis familiaris) and Macaca fascicularis. Reservoir blood samples were taken by a veterinarian on savena or femoralis vein and then examined by microscopic. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) had been done to cross-check positive B. malayi samples. Results: Microscopic examination showed that 6 cats in Pasaman Barat were positive for B. malayi and confirmed by PCR and 7 dogs were positive Dirofilaria sp. All of the reservoirs in Pesisir Selatan were negative for B. malayi, but there were 19 dogs positive Dirofilaria sp. Conclusion: This study proved that cats can be the source of B. malayi transmission to humans in Pasaman Barat. The animal can be a potential source of transmission of Dirofilaria sp. from dogs to humans in both districts. Alertness in cats and dogs as the reservoir of B. malayi and dirofilariasis transmission needs to be raised.