Dirofilarial worms inside cutaneous nodules: a report with review of literature

Authors

  • Meer M. Chisthi Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2794-0062
  • Aravind Reghukumar Department of Infectious Diseases, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20160354

Keywords:

Cutaneous nodule, Dirofilaria, Microfilaria, Zoonosis

Abstract

Dirofilaria is a filarial worm which affects humans as a zoonosis. The infection is carried by mosquito bite. In humans, the worm fails to achieve its full cycle and hence microfilaremia is absent. Apart from subcutaneous and subconjunctival locations, there are visceral and other presentations for the worm. Surgical removal and antihelminthic medications are the best options for treatment. We present a case of subcutaneous dirofilaria infection in a 13 year old boy from rural south India who presented with fever and a painless swelling on the leg. Detailed literature review is also enclosed.

Author Biographies

Meer M. Chisthi, Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery

Aravind Reghukumar, Department of Infectious Diseases, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

Assistant Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala.

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Published

2015-12-25