dirofilariasis

Etiology

infection caused by the dog heartworm Dirofilaria immitis

Epidemiology

• endemic to eastern & southeastern U.S.
  • Mississippi River valley
  • Gulf coast
• transmitted to humans by mosquitoes
• exposure to dogs

Clinical manifestations

• pulmonary symptoms most common presentation
• hepatic involvement in 40%

Laboratory

• eosinophilia (15%)
• serology

Radiology

• chest X-ray
  • round or oval cystic or solid lesions
  • generally 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter
  • solitary or multiple

Complications

• rupture of pulmonary cysts
  • anaphylactic shock
  • hypersensitivity reaction
  • seeding of adjacent areas

More general terms

• helminth infection

Additional terms

• Dirofilaria immitis (dog heartworm)