Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis

Abstract

Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis (HSD) is a zoonotic filariasis caused by an infection with one of the several species of worms belonging to the genus dirofilaria. Most documented cases are attributed to dirofilaria repens. The parasites are transmitted to man by zoo-anthropophilic blood sucking insects and an infection is manifested as subcutaneous nodules. We hereby report a case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in front of the neck, in a 40-yearold female, clinically mimicking thyroglossal cyst. An excision biopsy showed the presence of an adult dirofilaria identified as D. repens with granulomatous inflammatory reaction.

Subcutaneous dirofilariasis in children—An emerging zoonotic nematodal infection: A case series

“…The definitive diagnosis of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis can be made after surgical excision on biopsy. Blood eosinophilia or elevated serum IgE levels are rarely observed 2 . In subcutaneous nodules, high‐resolution ultra sound imaging is helpful for spotting parasite migration.…”

“…repens ) that have adapted to canine, feline, and human hosts with different biological and clinical implications make up the zoonotic mosaic that is dirofilariasis 1 . Fewer than six of the approximately 40 distinct species of dirofilaria that are known to infect humans and can be found all over the world 2 . It is transmitted by mosquito bite.…”

Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis of forearm an unusual presentation

“…Microfilaria has never been reported in human blood with eosinophilia occurring in <15% of the cases with D. immitis and rarely with D. repens . [ 10 ]…”

Dirofilariasis in humans presenting as a subcutaneous nodule

“…1 In order to confirm the species, DNA extraction followed by pan filarial Polymerase chain reaction may be performed. 1,2,6 Surgical excision of the lesion is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Some advocate adding oral treatment with Albendazole, Diethylcarbamazine and Ivermectin.…”