Dr.VIKAS SHARMA

Dr. ARPIT SRIVASTAVA, Dr.Sqn Ldr (Dr). SRIDHARA REDDY, Dr. (Col) GAURAV KAPOOR

Abstract

Dirofilariasis, a zoonotic infection, is caused by parasites of genus dirofilaria belonging to the family onchocercidae. The infection is found in several domestic and wild animals, canines being the principal reservoir hosts.Humans are accidentally infected by the bite of culex, aedes or anopheles mosquitoes which are the vectors of this disease.The most common Dirofilaria species causing human infections are Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. We report a series of three cases, of which 2 were subconjunctival and 1 was subcutaneous. Surgical intervention was done with utmost care to remove the full living organism to avoid allergic manifestations due to parasite remnants. Microscopic examination was done to identify the species. This case series is unique in describing cases from different part of the country reported to a tertiary care center in New Delhi and highlights the importance of history taking, thorough clinical examination and careful surgical intervention.