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Subcutaneous dirofilariasis in Collier County, Florida, USA
A J Herzberg1, P R Boyd, Y Gutierrez
1Department of Pathology, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, MD 21801, USA.
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Dirofilaria infections are often misdiagnosed by pathologists due to unfamiliarity with nematode parasites. Improved diagnostic skills could clarify the prevalence of this zoonosis in the southeastern United States.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Dirofilaria infections, caused by nematode parasites, represent a significant zoonotic concern.
- Accurate diagnosis of Dirofilaria infections is crucial for understanding their prevalence and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review surgical pathology files for Dirofilaria infections.
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Dirofilaria identification by pathologists.
Main Methods:
- A 10-year retrospective review of surgical pathology files from Naples Community Hospital.
- Inclusion criteria focused on lesions where a worm was identified by pathologists.
Main Results:
- Eleven cases of Dirofilaria infection were identified (10 Dirofilaria tenuis, 1 Dirofilaria ursi).
- One case initially diagnosed as Dirofilaria was reclassified as a sparganum larva upon review.
- Nine of eleven cases were correctly identified as Dirofilaria or Dirofilaria tenuis initially.
Conclusions:
- Pathologist unfamiliarity with Dirofilaria parasites leads to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis.
- Enhanced training in identifying these nematode parasites is necessary for accurate prevalence assessment.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy is essential for determining the medical cost of Dirofilaria zoonosis in the southeastern U.S.