Canine filariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens in southeastern Nigeria.

Many species of canine filarial nematodes and their microfilariae have been described in various parts of the world. At the present time, it would appear that in Nigeria, the canine filarial species of importance is Dirofilaria repens. The parasite and its microfilariae appear to produce toxic and immunologic actions which are responsible for many pathological lesions.