Subcutaneous nodule: A case of Dirofilaria

Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a rare helminthic infection. It is caused by filarial worms of the Genus Dirofilaria, which is the natural parasites of dogs, cats, foxes, and wild mammals. Zoonotic filariasis caused by Dirofilaria species is rarely seen in the region of Dakshina Kannada. Most of them are seen in patients who are along the border of the district which shares its boundary with the state of Kerala, where dirofilariasis is constantly reported to occur. Here, we report a case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis, presenting as a subcutaneous nodule on the left cheek of a 28-year-old male from Cochin (Ernakulam), Kerala, South India. Two live worms were recovered from the subcutaneous nodular swelling.