Human Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis

Cureus. 2023 Mar 7;15(3):e35879. doi: 10.7759/cureus.35879. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Dirofilariasis is a zoonotic infection transmitted by several species of mosquitoes. A 16-year-old boy presented with forearm swelling of two months duration. Imaging studies revealed a parasitic cyst. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed, and pharmacotherapy with diethylcarbamazine was given. A histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens. Clinicians should consider similar infections, especially in light of current climate changes and the emergence of various zoonoses. The epidemiological impact of diagnosing and preventing similar zoonotic infections is invaluable.

Keywords: dirofilariasis; emerging infections; mosquito-borne diseases; subcutaneous dirofiariasis; tropical infections; zoonotic diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports