Migratory nodules caused by raccoon heartworms in an otherwise healthy adult male

Parks, Ashley; May, Joshua; Antonovich, Diana D.; Maize, John C.

doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.10.005

Cited by 3 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…4,27,39 The overwhelming number of cases show routine laboratory results within the normal limits (complete blood count, erythrocytes sedimentation rate, complete metabolic panel). 24,26,28,29 For our patient, we ordered Malaria thick smear for microfilariae, IgG4 enzymelinked immunosorbent assay test, and microscopic microfilaria detection with Knott concentration, which were all negative.…”

Section: Laboratory Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Dirofilaria, the cuticle is characteristically thick, laminated, and multilayered with at least 3 identifiable layers including the cortex, median fibrous layer, and the basal lamella, which ranges between 5 and 12 μm in thickness. 4,21,23,25,26,28,45,47,48 The cortex of the cuticle contains longitudinal ridges that are irregularly spaced between 5 and 10 μm. 38 The ridges are interrupted by regularly spaced transverse striations producing a beaded appearance.…”

Section: Parasitology/morphology (Macroscopic/ Microscopic)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…29 Perhaps the most significant risk factor is the density of mosquito vectors in a given area. 28 First-line prevention measures in mosquito-borne illness include human behavior modification, namely, wearing protective clothing, applying mosquito repellent, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours of mosquito activity. 29 State-level initiatives to control mosquito population dynamics are another means of reducing risks.…”

Section: Risks and Preventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, a small number of case reports have reported D. tenuis infection, yielding a total of at least 51 reported cases in the United States. 4,11,16,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] True prevalence of D. tenuis is precluded by the lack of a specific serologic assay and testing bias. Prevalence may also be difficult to determine because infection is often self-limited or asymptomatic, and therefore, medical treatment is underused and underreported.…”

Section: Epidemiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…44,49 Routine laboratory testing is generally normal and not helpful in making the diagnosis. 24,26,28,29 Molecular methods are not readily available for species identification, although research in the areas such as DNA barcoding for taxonomical identification has shown promise as an adjunct to morphologic species identification. 50 Identification is achieved by sequence analysis of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and comparing the polymerase chain reaction product to sequences in the GenBank.…”

Section: Diagnosis and Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis in the United States

Houston¹,

Parks

2021

Infect Dis Clin Pract

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Dirofilariasis is a filarial infection of domestic and sylvatic vertebrates such as canines, felines, raccoons, and bears (the definitive hosts) and is transmitted mostly by mosquitoes (the vector) with the exception being Dirofilaria ursi that is transmitted by the black fly. At least 60 cases of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in humans have been reported; however, the overall incidence of dirofilarial infection has increased, and dirofilariasis is considered an emerging zoonosis. Here, we present a case of subcutaneous Dirofilaria in an otherwise healthy woman in her sixth decade who presented with a painless, mobile, nonerythematous pea-sized nodule of the right upper extremity of 1 month's duration. Evaluation regarding possible disseminated infection, microfilaremia, filarial serology, pulmonary, and central nervous system involvement was negative. She reported no travel outside of South Carolina. Her only risk factor was exposure to mosquitoes 5 months prior in her backyard, composed primarily of wetlands, a common habitat in coastal southeastern United States. No antihelminthics were given. She had complete resolution of the lesion after surgical excision, with no sequelae. This is the second case reported in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Section: Laboratory Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Parasitology/morphology (Macroscopic/ Microscopic)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Risks and Preventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Epidemiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Diagnosis and Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis in the United States

Houston¹,

Parks

2021

Infect Dis Clin Pract

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Occurrence of Dirofilaria repens in wild carnivores in Poland

et al. 2023

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Dirofilaria repens is an expanding vector-borne zoonotic parasite of canines and other carnivores. Sub-clinically infected dogs constitute the most important reservoir of the parasite and the source of infection for its mosquito vectors. However, occurrence of D. repens infection in wild animals may contribute to the transmission of the parasite to humans and may explain the endemicity of filariae in newly invaded regions. The aim of the current study was to determine the occurrence of D. repens in 511 blood and spleen samples from seven species of wild carnivores (wolves, red foxes, Eurasian badgers, raccoons, raccoon dogs, stone martens, and pine martens) from different regions of Poland by means of a PCR protocol targeting the 12S rDNA gene. Dirofilaria repens–positive hosts were identified in seven of fourteen voivodeships in four of the seven regions of Poland: Masovia, Lesser Poland, Pomerania and Warmia-Masuria. The highest prevalence was found in Masovia region (8%), coinciding with the highest previously recorded prevalence in dogs in Central Poland. The DNA of Dirofilaria was detected in 16 samples of three species (total prevalence 3.13%). A low and similar percentage of positive samples (1.9%, 4.2% and 4.8%) was recorded among badgers, red foxes, and wolves, respectively. Dirofilaria repens–positive hosts were identified in seven of fourteen voivodships. Based on detection in different voivodeships, D. repens–positive animals were recorded in four out of the seven regions of Poland: in Masovia, Lesser Poland, Pomerania, and Warmia-Masuria. The highest prevalence of filariae was found in Masovia region (8%), reflecting the highest previously recorded prevalence in dogs (12–50%) in Central Poland. In summary, we conducted the first comprehensive study on the epidemiology of D. repens in seven species of wild hosts in all seven regions of Poland and identified the first case of D. repens infection in Eurasian badgers in Poland and the second in Europe.

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