[Cutaneous dirofilariasis from Dirofilaria repens. A case contracted in Gironde]

Cutaneous dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens is a parasitic disease in dogs and cats. It is exceedingly rare in man who is an occasional host. The parasite fails to reach maturity. The true incidence of dirofilariasis is probably greater than recognized. This can be explained by the apparent benign nature of the lesions that may not warrant excision.

A 12-year-old girl presented a cutaneous nodular lesion involving the forehead. Surgical excision allowed diagnosis: cutaneous dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens. The child had always stayed in mainland France. Histopathological examination showed the worm trial with inflammatory granulomatous reaction of the deep dermis. The parasite extraction allowed successful treatment.

This new case of cutaneous dirofilariasis emphasizes that this parasitic disease is present in mainland France. The infection is more common in Southern France. The present report describes a pediatric case in Gironde, where it is exceedingly rare. Microscopic examination identified, and it was unusual, a male worm.