Diagnostic Testing Service
Dirofilaria immitis (PCB008)
Specimen type
EDTA whole blood
Contents
- Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as heartworm, is a parasitic roundworm, characterized by its small, thread-like appearance. Heartworm causes the disease dirofilariasis and is transmitted through mosquito bites.
- Common signs of heartworm infection include coughing, exercise intolerance, failure to grow, labored breathing, a blue or purplish discoloration of the skin and gums, spitting up blood, fainting, nose bleeding, and the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
