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Subconjunctival dirofilariasis in India

S Nadgir1, S S Tallur, V Mangoli

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, India.

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|September 15, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Human dirofilariasis, a parasitic infection caused by Dirofilaria repens, is rare in India. This report details a case of subconjunctival dirofilariasis in a man from Karnataka, highlighting the need for increased awareness of this zoonotic disease.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary parasitology
  • Human and veterinary medicine
  • Zoonotic diseases

Background:

  • Human dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria repens, is prevalent in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
  • Reports of Dirofilaria repens infection in India are infrequent.
  • This zoonotic filarial nematode poses a public health concern in endemic areas.

Observation:

  • A 42-year-old male patient presented with ocular discomfort and swelling in the left eye.
  • A live nematode, measuring 3.5 cm, was surgically extracted from a conjunctival nodule.
  • The removed parasite was identified as an adult male Dirofilaria repens.

Findings:

  • Successful surgical removal of the Dirofilaria repens parasite.
  • Confirmation of subconjunctival dirofilariasis in an Indian patient.
  • The case contributes to the limited documented evidence of this infection in India.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for Dirofilaria repens to cause human ocular infections in India.
  • Underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of dirofilariasis.
  • Suggests the need for enhanced surveillance and public health awareness regarding zoonotic filariasis in the region.

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