Dirofilaria repens Nematode Infection with Microfilaremia in Traveler Returning to Belgium from Senegal

Emerg Infect Dis. 2018 Sep;24(9):1761-1763. doi: 10.3201/eid2409.180462.

Abstract

We report human infection with a Dirofilaria repens nematode likely acquired in Senegal. An adult worm was extracted from the right conjunctiva of the case-patient, and blood microfilariae were detected, which led to an initial misdiagnosis of loiasis. We also observed the complete life cycle of a D. repens nematode in this patient.

Keywords: Belgium; Dirofilaria repens; Senegal; blood; conjunctiva; eye worm; filariasis; human infection; microfilaremia; microfilariae; nematode; ocular infection; parasites; traveler; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antiparasitic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Belgium
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dirofilaria repens / isolation & purification*
  • Dirofilariasis / diagnosis*
  • Dirofilariasis / drug therapy
  • Dirofilariasis / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Senegal
  • Travel*

Substances

  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Ivermectin