Human Dirofilariasis in Bulgaria Between 2009 and 2018

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Human and Animal Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Autochthonous Dirofilaria repens infections are prevalent in European carnivores.
• Human dirofilariasis cases are increasingly reported across Europe.
• Bulgaria shows a continuing trend of rising Dirofilaria repens incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and analyze 18 autochthonous human cases of Dirofilaria repens infection.
• To describe the clinical presentation, age, and sex distribution of human dirofilariasis in Bulgaria.
• To compare findings with other European countries.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of 18 patients treated between 2009-2018.
• Utilized morphological examination, serology, and Knott's method for diagnosis.
• Data collected from a specialized hospital for infectious and parasitic diseases.

Main Results:

• 18 human cases of Dirofilaria repens infection were identified.
• Patients ranged from 11 to 74 years old (12 female, 6 male).
• Subcutaneous nodules and localization in the face, eyelid, or eyes were most common.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of human Dirofilaria repens infection is increasing in Bulgaria.
• Clinical presentation and demographics align with European trends.
• Continued surveillance and diagnosis are crucial for managing this parasitic zoonosis.