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Dirofilariasis: a rare case report

R Singh1, J V Shwetha, J C Samantaray

  • 1Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110 029, India.

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|January 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Human dirofilariasis, a zoonotic infection caused by Dirofilaria repens, is rarely reported in India. This case highlights a new presentation of the infection in the lower body, expanding the known spectrum of human dirofilariasis in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Entomology

Background:

  • Human dirofilariasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection primarily caused by Dirofilaria repens.
  • The prevalence and recognition of Dirofilaria repens infections in India are limited.
  • A potential focus of human infection with Dirofilaria repens has been suggested in Kerala.

Observation:

  • This report details the first case of human dirofilariasis in Eastern India.
  • Previous documented cases in India predominantly involved ocular or facial subcutaneous infections.
  • This case represents a novel presentation of Dirofilaria repens infection in the lower extremities.

Findings:

  • The study confirms a case of human dirofilariasis in Eastern India.
  • The infection presented in the lower body, a site not previously reported in India.
  • This expands the clinical manifestations of Dirofilaria repens in the human population.

Implications:

  • This finding suggests a broader geographical distribution and varied clinical presentations of human dirofilariasis in India.
  • Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are necessary for this zoonotic disease in non-endemic areas.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Dirofilaria repens in India.

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