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Related Experiment Videos

Human disease caused by dog heartworm.

J Watson1, W J Wetzel, J Burkhalter

  • 1Department of Pathology, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, Jackson.

Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association
|November 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Pulmonary dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a rare lung disease in humans. Definitive diagnosis relies on identifying the worm through histologic examination of lung lesions.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Human Pathology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Pulmonary dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is an uncommon cause of human lung disease.
  • While historically underreported, cases are increasing, particularly in North America.

Observation:

  • Clinical diagnosis is challenging, with no cases reported in children.
  • The typical age range for affected individuals is 40-60 years, and it is diagnosed more frequently in males.
  • Histologic examination revealing the nematode within lung lesions is the definitive diagnostic method.

Findings:

  • The parasite is often found in a minority of tissue sections, necessitating multiple examinations.
  • Distinguishing D. immitis from other lung-dwelling nematodes like Enterobius vermicularis, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Onchocerca volvulus is crucial.

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  • Morphological differences, including size and the presence of reproductive organs, differentiate D. immitis from ascarids, strongyloids, and hookworm larvae.

    • Implications:

    • Pulmonary infarction with a granulomatous response warrants thorough histologic evaluation for D. immitis.
    • Identifying nematode fragments in pulmonary infarcts in North America is highly suggestive of pulmonary dirofilariasis.
    • Accurate diagnosis is essential for understanding the epidemiology and clinical impact of this zoonotic disease.