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. 2013 Jan;3(1):75-8.
doi: 10.4103/2229-5070.113920.

Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis in Assam

Reema Nath  1 , Sorbeswar Bhuyan, Himadri Dutta, Lahari Saikia
Affiliations

Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis in Assam

Reema Nath et al. Trop Parasitol. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirofilaria. The parasites are transmitted to man by mosquitoes. We report three cases of human subcutaneous dirofilarias caused by Dirofilaria repens from Dibrugarh, Assam, north east India. The cases presented as subcutaneous nodules, on the chest, cheek and the anterior abdominal wall. Noting the frequency of the cases reported within 6 months, it is emphasized that subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a potentially emerging zoonosis in Assam and should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with subcutaneous nodules in Assam.

Keywords: Dirofilariasis; human; subcutaneous infection.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a-c) Macroscopic view of the worms
Figure 2
Figure 2
Microscopic view of worm showing longitudinal cuticular ridges
Figure 3
Figure 3
Microscopic view of the surface of a worm showing transverse striations
Figure 4
Figure 4
Microscopic view showing the well-developed muscle layer and uteri of the female worm. (C-Multi layered cuticle, M-Musclelayer, U-Uterinecavity)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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