Medicine:Dirofilariasis

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Short description: Human disease transmitted by mosquitoes
Dirofilariasis
Parasite140076-fig1 Dirofilaria repens removed from a subcutaneous nodule - Photos.png
Comparison of probable Dirofilaria repens (left) and Dirofilaria immitis (right)

Dirofilariasis is an infection by parasites of the genus Dirofilaria.[1] It is transmitted through a mosquito bite; its main hosts include dogs and wild canids. These can give rise to granulomas in the pulmonary artery. Some common symptoms include cough, fever and pleural effusion. It may also appear on X-rays of the chest.[2]

Causes

It can be caused by:[citation needed]

Diagnosis

Dirofilariasis is often diagnosed by the examination of tissue obtained as part of the diagnostic investigation of coin lesions. Blood tests are not yet helpful in the diagnosis of dirofilariasis in humans.[3]

Treatment

Treatment with tetracycline antibiotics has been reported to damage Dirofilaria immitis, often causing death of adult worms.[4]

References

  1. Dirofilariasis: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology. 2017-02-09. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/236698-overview#a3. 
  2. "Dirofilariasis FAQs". February 8, 2012. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/dirofilariasis/faqs.html. 
  3. Prevention, CDC - Centers for Disease Control and. "CDC - Dirofliariasis - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" (in en-us). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/dirofilariasis/faqs.html. 
  4. Kramer, L.; Grandi, G.; Leoni, M.; Passeri, B.; McCall, J.; Genchi, C.; Mortarino, M.; Bazzocchi, C. (2008-12-10). "Wolbachia and its influence on the pathology and immunology of Dirofilaria immitis infection". Veterinary Parasitology 158 (3): 191–195. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.09.014. ISSN 0304-4017. PMID 18947926. 

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External resources