Skip to main content
Log in

Subcutaneous human dirofilariasis

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Parasitic Diseases Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Subcutaneous human dirofilariasis is caused by the zoonotic filariae Dirofilaria repens. The frequency of reports is increasing in literature during the last few years and is considered by some authors as an emerging zoonosis. Here we report 21 cases of subcutaneous dirofilariasis, which were encountered over a period of 8 years. None of these cases were associated with peripheral eosinophilia. Since these lesions can mimic benign and malignant tumors, it is important to consider this as a differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules especially in an endemic area. In this report we would like to emphasize the importance of studying multiple deeper levels in suspected cases of parasitic granuloma to demonstrate the parasite.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Dissanaike AS, De Abeyewickreme WS, Wijesundera M et al (1997) Human dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria (nochtiella) repens in Sri Lanka. Parassitologia 39:375–382

    Google Scholar 

  • Favia G, Lanfrancotti A, della Torre A et al (1998) Advances in the identification of Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria imitis by a PCR-based approach. Parassitologia 40:401–402

    Google Scholar 

  • Gautam V, Rustagi IM, Singh S et al (2002) Subconjunctival infection with Dirofilaria repens. Jpn J Infect Dis 52:47–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Munro A, Genchi C, Cordero M, Simon F (1999) Human dirofilariasis in the European Union. Parasitol Today 15:386–389

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nadgir S, Tallur SS, Mangoli V et al (2001) Sunconjunctival dirofilariasis in India. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 32(2):244–246

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orihel TC (1969) Dirofilaria corynodes (Linstow, 1899): morphology and life history. J Parasitol 55:94–103

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pampiglione S, Canestri Trotti G, Rivasi F (1995) Human Dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria (nochtiella) repens; a review of world literature. Parassitologia 37:149–193

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pampiglione S, Rivasi F, Angeli G et al (2001) Dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens in Italy, an emergent zoonosis: report of 60 new cases. Histopathology 38:34–354

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ratnatunga N, Wijesundera MS (1999) Histopathological diagnosis of subcutaneous Dirofilaria repens infection in humans. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 30:375–378

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabu L, Devada K, Subramanian H (2005) Dirofilariosis in dogs and humans in Kerala. Indian J Med Res 121:691–693

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sekhar HS, Srinivas H, Battu R et al (2000) Human ocular dirofilariasis in Kerala, Southern India. Indian J Pathol Microbiol 43:77–79

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Senthivel K, Pillai KM (1999) A case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in a woman in Kerala. Indian Vet J 76:263–264

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We the authors are thankful to the Secretary and Dean of our institution for permitting us to publish this paper. We are also thankful to all the staff members of the various surgical departments for providing the material for this study

Conflict of interest

None to declare.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth Joseph.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Joseph, E., Matthai, A., Abraham, L.K. et al. Subcutaneous human dirofilariasis. J Parasit Dis 35, 140–143 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-011-0039-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-011-0039-2

Keywords

Navigation