HumanDirofilaria repensInfection in Romania: A Case Report

Abstract

Human dirofilariasis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the filarial nematodes of dogsDirofilaria repensandDirofilaria immitis. Depending on the species involved, human infections usually manifest as one cutaneous or visceral larva migrans that forms a painless nodule in the later course of disease. Dirofilariae are endemic in the Mediterranean, particularly in Italy. They are considered as emerging pathogens currently increasing their geographical range. We present one of the few known cases of human dirofilariasis caused byD. repensin Romania. The patient developed unusual and severe clinical manifestations that mimicked pathological conditions like cellulitis or deep venous thrombosis.