A moving snake-like lesion screams “parasite!” — which was confirmed by the excised 11 cm Dirofilaria repens on pathology. Clinicians should know D. repens is a mosquito-borne filarial nematode predominantly found in Europe, Asia, and Africa that primarily infects dogs. Humans are incidental hosts and can develop subcutaneous, or ocular dirofilariasis if infected with D. repens. Increasing rates of D. repens transmission are thought to be due to climate change and more pet travel. Take this as a warning that, unfortunately, man’s best friend can share more than just unconditional love.
Comment
A moving snake-like lesion screams “parasite!” — which was confirmed by the excised 11 cm Dirofilaria repens on pathology. Clinicians should know D. repens is a mosquito-borne filarial nematode predominantly found in Europe, Asia, and Africa that primarily infects dogs. Humans are incidental hosts and can develop subcutaneous, or ocular dirofilariasis if infected with D. repens. Increasing rates of D. repens transmission are thought to be due to climate change and more pet travel. Take this as a warning that, unfortunately, man’s best friend can share more than just unconditional love.