Rapid heartworm test FASTest® HW

for catsfor dogsfor antigens

FASTest® HW Antigen is a rapid immunochromatographic test for the qualitative detection of Dirofilaria immitis specific antigens in whole blood, plasma or serum of the dog and cat. The dirofilariosis of the dog, cat, ferret as well as other carnivores, is caused by the so-called “heart worm”, a nematode of the filaria family named Dirofilaria immitis. Infection of humans (dead end host) is possible (zoonosis). The filaria manifest especially in lungs and conjunctive tissue, but are rarely diagnosed. Dirofilariosis occurs world-wide in warmer climate zones, especially in the south of the USA, Middle and South America, in parts of Eastern Asia and in the Mediterranean area (Italy with the Padan Plain, Spain and Greece). However, there are first scientifically verified cases of dirofilariosis in Ticino (Switzerland). In the course of climate warming, dirofilariosis seems to be on the march to temperate zones. The transmission happens via infected, haematophagous mosquito species (Culicidae), releasing infectious D. immitis larvae (stage L3) in the host blood with the sting. After development of the larva (stage L4) in the hypodermis of the host (about 8 days post infection), they migrate into the blood circulation. The establishment of the adult worms (macrofilaria: up to 1 mm thick, 20-30 cm long) takes place earliest 80 days post infection, most of all in the pulmonary artery and in the right heart chamber. The female adult parasite of the bisexual macrofilaria produce new larvae (stage L1, microfilaria) at first after 6 (dog) to 7 (cat) months.