Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis in Children - An Emerging Zoonotic Nematodal Infection: A Case Series

Abstract

Human beings are often infected with species of filariasis which are naturally found in animals. Among these the commonly reported is due to dirofilaria species -D repens and D imitis. It is transmitted by mosquito bite. The review of literature revealed around 800 cases reported worldwide. Most of the pediatric cases reported in India are ocular dirofilariasis. Subcutaneous dirofilariasis cases are mostly reported in adult population. Here we present a series of four cases of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in children presenting as subcutaneous nodules.