DirofilariasisB74.8
Synonym(s)
heartworm disease
HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.
De Magalhaes, 1887
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Nematode disease of the skin caused by Dirofilaria repens with formation of coarse solitary subcutaneous, hardly pressure-marked nodules and possibly allergic concomitant symptoms in the form of lid oedema and swelling. These nodules contain the living, approximately 14 cm long whitish worm.
Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Systemic infestation (lungs, heart).
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Excision of the nodular skin foci and post-treatment with diethylcarbamazine (e.g. Hetrazan Tbl.) 3 times/day 2 mg/kg bw p.o. (creeping in, initially 50 mg/day) over 4 weeks to kill further worms if necessary. Exclusion of ocular involvement. If necessary, cooperation with institutes of tropical medicine.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Akst LM et al (2004) Dirofilarial infection presenting as a facial mass: Case report of an emerging zoonosis. Am J Otolaryngol 25: 134-137
- Bergner T et al (1990) Subcutaneous dirofilariasis: infection with Dirofilaria repens. dermatologist 41: 265-269
- Dashiell GF (1961) A case of dirofilariasis involving the lung. At J Top Med Hyg 10: 37-38
- De Magalhaes PS (1887) Descricao de uma especie de filarias encontradas no corac¸ao humano, precedida de uma contribuic¸ ao para o estudo de filariose de usurers e do respectivo parasito adulto, a Filaria bancrofti (Cobbold) on Filaria sanguis hominis (Lewis). Rev dos Cursos Praticos e Teoricos da Faculd Medicina do Rio de Janeiro 3:4193
- Mac Dougall LT et al (1992) Dirofilaria repens manifesting as a breast nodule. Diagnostic problems and epidemiological considerations. At J Clin Pathol 97: 625-630
- Walther M et al (2003) Diagnosis of human filariases (except onchocerciasis). Adv Parasitol 53: 149-193