Human dirofilariasis in Italy: a new case in the spermatic cord

A new case of human dirofilariasis associated with Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens (Nematoda, Filarioidea, Onchocercidae) located in the spermatic cord is reported in a 71-year-old man from the province of Campobasso (Central Italy). When clinical signs pointed to a testicular tumor, a monolateral orchifuniculectomy was performed. According to the scientific literature, this case appears to be exceptional in its location, being only the eighth such case recorded in the world until now. The nematode, as well as the presence of vectors suitable for its transmission, had already been observed both in dogs and in humans (3 subcutaneous cases) in the same geographical area.