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Human Dirofilaria repens infection in Serbia

A M Dzamić1, I V Colović, V S Arsić-Arsenijević

  • 1Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. dzamica@med.bg.ac.rs

Journal of Helminthology
|April 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Human Dirofilaria repens infections are rising in Serbia. This study details 19 new cases from 2001-2008, with a significant increase in ocular infections, diagnosed via morphology and PCR.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Human Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Entomology

Background:

  • Human Dirofilaria repens infection, a zoonotic filariasis, has shown a steady increase in Serbia since 1971.
  • Previous reports (until 2001) documented eight cases, primarily subcutaneous, with rare ocular or epididymal involvement.
  • The increasing prevalence necessitates updated epidemiological data and diagnostic insights.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document and analyze new human Dirofilaria repens infections in Serbia between 2001 and 2008.
  • To characterize the clinical presentation, localization, and diagnostic methods for these cases.
  • To contribute to understanding the evolving epidemiology of dirofilariasis in the region.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 19 human Dirofilaria repens cases diagnosed between 2001 and 2008.
  • Morphological and histological examination of extracted intact worms and tissue sections.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) applied to paraffin-embedded tissues for species confirmation when morphology was inconclusive.

Main Results:

  • Nineteen new cases were identified, a significant increase from previous reports.
  • Ocular and periocular infections were most common (63.1%), typically presenting under the conjunctiva.
  • Other infection sites included the head, epididymis, testicle, abdomen, breast, and arm.
  • Morphological analysis confirmed Dirofilaria repens in 17 cases; PCR confirmed the species in 2 additional cases.
  • Single parasites were found in lesions, with both adult worms and immature nematodes observed.

Conclusions:

  • Human Dirofilaria repens infections continue to rise in Serbia, with a notable shift towards ocular manifestations.
  • Combined morphological and molecular diagnostic approaches are crucial for accurate identification.
  • Continued surveillance and awareness are essential for managing this emerging zoonotic disease.

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