This paper addresses the main aspects of the occurrence of dirofilariasis in animals and humans, especially in cases of infections by Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens. It highlights the importance of recognizing this parasitosis as an emerging zoonosis in the Americas, with a focus on Brazil, while providing global comparisons. The biological and environmental factors that influence its maintenance in natural conditions are also discussed.
KEY WORDS: Dirofilaria; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; zoonosis; dirofilariasis; Americas; Brazil.This paper addresses the main aspects of the occurrence of dirofilariasis in animals and humans, especially in cases of infections by Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens. It highlights the importance of recognizing this parasitosis as an emerging zoonosis in the Americas, with a focus on Brazil, while providing global comparisons. The biological and environmental factors that influence its maintenance in natural conditions are also discussed.
KEY WORDS: Dirofilaria; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; zoonosis; dirofilariasis; Americas; Brazil
