For more than 3 decades, macrocyclic lactone (ML) heartworm preventives have been extremely effective at preventing Dirofilaria immitis infections in dogs. Reports of loss of efficacy (LOE) of the MLs in the early 2000s led to in-depth research which identified the presence of resistant strains of D. immitis in the Southeast United States. Detailed genetic analysis of such parasites identified genetic markers for resistance. In order to evaluate the prevalence of these markers in Ontario...

Resistance to chemotherapy continues to limit the ability to cure infectious diseases and cancer. Resistance to antiparasitic drugs is affecting control of many pathogens in human and veterinary medicine. In veterinary medicine, particular attention has been focused on resistance to parasites of livestock, including helminths, ectoparasites and protozoa, as an effect of intensive treatment regimens that promote economic sustainability of production systems. Less attention has been given to drug...

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to estimate the burden of HBV and HCV among immigrants at the national level in Canada. The results show that the prevalence of viral hepatitis among immigrants is higher than the general Canadian population. However, grouping all immigrants into one category masks important variation, and potentially over-estimates the burden of HBV and HCV among immigrants. Strengthening our understanding of hepatitis prevalence among immigrants can improve our ability to...

CONCLUSION: Proportions and absolute numbers of CLM in travellers returning to Canada from the Caribbean are increasing. Improved awareness of this common dermatosis among physicians and travellers, as well as improved access to effective therapies, will reduce associated morbidity.