Clinical
JAAHA – Heartworm Microfilaria in Urine
Microfilaria are early, pre-larval stage of parasitic roundworms, and are usually found in the blood of infected hosts. But rarely, they can also be found in a urine sample. It is never a good sign.
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Microfilaria are early, pre-larval stage of parasitic roundworms. They are usually found in the blood of infected hosts. Although the term “microfilaria” can refer to different species of parasitic nematodes in the family Ochocercidae, when found in dogs it is usually Dirofilaria immitis, aka heartworm.
While D. immitis microfilaria are normally found in the blood, they are very rarely found in the urine. This condition is known as microfilaruria. One of these rare cases is documented in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
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Read about how this uncommon case presented itself in the article, “Microfilaria in the Urine of a Dog with Concurrent Urinary Bladder Sarcoma.”
Disclaimer: Trends content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Therefore, any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.
Photo credit: Urine wet mount of nematode. Unstained, ×50 objective, oil. Photo courtesy of JAAHA
