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Migratory Soft-Tissue Swelling Owing to Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis
Chudapa Sereeaphinan1, Suchanan Hanamornroongruang2, Panitta Sitthinamsuwan2
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|April 15, 2025
Summary
Dirofilariasis, a zoonotic infection, can present with unusual migratory skin nodules. Molecular diagnostics confirmed Dirofilaria repens, leading to effective albendazole treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Dirofilariasis is an emerging zoonotic infection caused by Dirofilaria nematodes.
- Transmission typically occurs via mosquito bites, but subcutaneous presentations are uncommon.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old Thai female presented with migratory subcutaneous nodules, initially misdiagnosed as cellulitis.
- The lesions showed partial improvement with antibiotics but new nodules developed.
Findings:
- Skin biopsy revealed nematode segments.
- Molecular identification confirmed Dirofilaria repens using PCR of mitochondrial DNA.
- A 3-week course of oral albendazole led to complete resolution.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of molecular diagnostics for challenging morphological identifications in dirofilariasis.
- Accurate species identification is crucial for effective disease management and treatment optimization.
- Recognizing unusual presentations of dirofilariasis is essential for timely diagnosis and intervention.
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