Human dirofilariasis: a rare disease or a problem of our time?

Abstract

The article presents the current state of the problem of dirofilariasis. Helminth infection caused by nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria is mainly a disease of carnivores from the canine and feline families. Humans are considered occasional hosts in which Dirofilaria spp., more commonly D. repens, rarely reach sexual maturity. The climatic conditions of the territory are one of the determining factors for the spread of vector-borne diseases. Due to the fact that in recent years there has been a tendency to increase average temperatures everywhere, these changes lead to a shift and expansion of the ranges of many organisms, including pathogens and vectors of various diseases. The clinical picture of human dirofilariasis caused by D. repens most often manifests itself in one of two clinical forms -subcutaneous and ocular, although, according to the literature, there are cases of damage to other localizations. Due to the fact that damage to the organs of vision occurs most often in humans, the clinical case presented by us is relevant. The patient, in our clinical case, permanently lived in one of the districts of the Ryazan region. The landscape and natural complex of this region, taking into account the presence of a large number of wetlands, an abundance of water bodies and suitable climatic conditions, creates a favorable environment for the development of insects of the Culicidae family (mosquitoes of the genera Anopheles, Culex, etc.), which are transmissible carriers of various human and animal diseases, including dirofilariasis. The complex cycle of the parasite, the possibility of migration in the body can lead to multiple organ damage. Scientific publications describe cases of finding dirofilaria in the lungs, heart, and genitourinary system. In this regard, the awareness of doctors and patients about this disease is very relevant, and will reduce the likelihood of prolonging the correct diagnosis and treatment.