ABSTRACT
Human dirofilariasis is a rare, nonlife-threatening zoonotic disease found throughout the world where Dirofilaria sp. is common. Dirofilariasis should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients who develop a solitary pulmonary nodule 3 cm or less in diameter in any lobe of the lung and who are asymptomatic or have an associated, mild respiratory illness. Three parasites are important causes of infection in man — D. repens, D. tenuis, and D. ursi. The main features of ocular dirofilariasis are pain, swelling, edema, hyperemia of the conjunctiva, and itching and pruritus. Diagnosis is dependent upon identification of the worm either in tissue section or after the intact worm has been removed surgically. The only treatment available is surgical removal of the nodule or the worm from the conjunctiva. A patient will normally consult a medical practitioner with dirofilariasis when nonspecific symptoms occur resulting from the death of the worm.
