Subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens in Sri Lanka: A potential risk of transmitting human dirofilariasis

Abstract

Objective:Dirofilariasis is a parasitic infection caused by filarial nematodes belonging to the genus Dirofilaria. Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens has been widely reported from European countries. Sri Lanka is the most affected country in Asia with an infection rate of almost 60% in dog population. However, human infection of D. repens remains undiagnosed and many of the cases are not scientifically documented. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation is to document the presence of dirofilariasis infections in humans.Method:A 1 year and 10 months old boy from Ragama, Gampaha District, Western Province of Sri Lanka, was presented to a private hospital with a painless, non-pruritic and ill-defined subcutaneous nodule on his right hypochondrial region of the anterior abdominal wall for 1 week. On examination, there was a non-tender swelling measuring 2 cm × 2 cm in the anterior abdominal wall, with surrounding mild redness. The patient was referred for ultrasound confirmation.Results:The ultrasound scan revealed a hypoechoic nodular lesion measuring 11 mm × 6 mm in the anterior abdominal wall. Parasitological examination on the excised nodule confirmed the presence of D. repens measuring 10.5 cm in length having characteristic cuticle with longitudinal ridges.Conclusion:It is essential to record the human infections and increase the awareness about this infection, diagnostic tests and vector controlling measures, in order to reduce the disease prevalence through suppressing vector densities, proper diagnosis and patient care.

Molecular Characterization of Culturable Aerobic Bacteria in the Midgut of Field-Caught Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex gelidus, and Mansonia annulifera Mosquitoes in the Gampaha District of Sri Lanka

“…The abundance of disease-transmitting vectors due to limited vector control activities and higher receptivity in these areas have been identified as major challenges to maintain the disease-free status in the country, for JE and filariasis. Therefore, alternative vector control methods are needed as additional tools to be incorporated into the integrated vector management [ 32 ]. Paratransgenesis could be a better control tool for vector management.…”

Sero-prevalence of Dirofilaria repens Infection in Dogs by Indirect-ELISA using Microfiarial and Adult Worm Antigen

“…based on morphological and morphometric studies. Gunathilaka et al, (2017) identified Dirofilaria repens adult worm extracted from the subcutaneous nodule of human with a similar morphological character from Sri Lanka.…”

Prevalence of dirofilariasis in cats in the Kars province, Turkey

“…Dirofilariasis is caused by filarial nematodes belonging to the genus Dirofilaria (16). In regions where dirofilariasis is endemic in dogs, cats are also considered to be under risk of infection and most possibly carry the disease (10).…”