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[Human dirofilariasis: a new French case of Dirofilaria repens]

H de Boysson1, C Duhamel, L Heuzé-Lecornu

  • 1Service de maladies infectieuses, CHU Côte-de-Nacre, avenue de la Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex 9, France. hubertdeboysson@yahoo.fr

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|April 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Dirofilariosis, a parasitic disease uncommon in France, is spreading due to climate change. This report details a rare subcutaneous Dirofilaria repens infection in a French patient, successfully treated with surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Medical Entomology

Background:

  • Dirofilariosis is a filarial parasitic disease endemic to the Mediterranean basin, with increasing incidence and geographic spread linked to global warming.
  • While typically affecting dogs and cats, accidental human infections can occur.
  • The disease is historically unfamiliar in France, making reported cases significant.

Observation:

  • A case of dirofilariosis presented as a subcutaneous abdominal nodule in a patient from Camargue, South France.
  • Ultrasound imaging was crucial, revealing a mobile linear structure within a fibrocystic formation.
  • This finding strongly suggested a parasitic etiology.

Findings:

  • The 91st reported case of dirofilariosis in France involved Dirofilaria repens.
  • Surgical excision was performed for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria repens.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the expanding range of Dirofilaria repens and its potential for zoonotic transmission in non-endemic areas like France.
  • Early diagnosis through imaging techniques like ultrasound is vital for managing subcutaneous parasitic infections.
  • Surgical removal remains the definitive treatment for dirofilariosis, preventing further complications.

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