DIROFILARIA-A RARE PARASITIC INFESTATION

Dr. Shreyanshu Sahay*

ABSTRACT

Dirofilaria is a genus of nematodes or roundworms, in the family Onchocercidae.[1] It includes various species that are natural parasites of dogs, cats, foxes, and wild mammals. Dirofilariasis is a zoonotic infection which can be found world-wide. It is caused by D. repens, D. immitis, D. tenuis and D. ursi. D. repens is commonly encountered in the subcutaneous tissue of dogs, foxes, and cats, while D. immitis in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery of the dogs and cats. Human dirofilariasis due to D. repens has not been widely recognized in India, but there is probably a focus of infection in Kerala. The disease is relatively common in Sri Lanka which is geographically close to southern India.[2] Here we present a case of dirofilaria in 40yr old female.

Keywords: Dirofilaria repens, zoonotic infection, swelling.