Filtration of Intravenous Cardiopulmonary Parasitic Nematodes Using a Cross-Flow Microfluidic Separator

A cross-flow microfluidic device has been fabricated to separate larvae of Dirofilaria species form intravenous blood sample from monolithic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic structure. The number of the dirofilariasis increases in veterinary cases, which disease is caused by Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens and Dirofilaria immitis. Each fifth pet contracts dirofilariasis in the Mediterranean region, Southern and Eastern Europe, North Africa and Asia. The zoonotic filariae, recovered commonly from humans, are found in the subcutaneous tissues, pulmonary arteries and in the right heart; the vast majority belong to the genus Dirofilaria. The utility of nematodes-filtering device is to separate larvae from the blood-steam without use of parasiticide or anthelmintic. Additionally, due to the biocompatibility of chosen materials and the hydrodynamic separation significant percent of the blood-sample is recyclable without any kind of biological modification.