[Report of two cases of human ocular dirofilariasis in Sicily]

Two human cases of subconjunctival dirofilariasis, observed in Mazara del Vallo (Trapani) area, are described. A survey carried out in the same area revealed the presence of D. repens in 15 of the 46 dogs examined. The worms surgically removed, were found to be immature females with characters in agreement with the description of D. conjunctivae (Addario, 1885) Desportes 1939-40. When compared with females of D. repens obtained by experimental infection of the cat, a host not entirely suitable for this parasite, no taxonomically significant differences were discovered.