The First Human Case of Hepatic Dirofilariasis

Abstract

Most of human dirofilariasis are pulmonary or subcutaneous infections, but there have been a few reports of human dirofilariasis in unusual sites, such as large vessels, mesentery, peritoneal cavity, and spermatic cord. We present the first case of human hepatic dirofilariasis, which was surgically diagnosed. A 39-year-old man without any evidence of systemic symptom was found incidentally to have a hepatic nodule during routine physical check-up. The histologic findings of the resected lesion showed a granulomatous lesion with central necrosis containing up to 35 transverse sections of a nematode, ranging 30-80 micro m in diameter. Thin (1.5-5 micro m) cuticle with transverse striations surrounded polymyarian and muscle bundles occupied a sixth of both sides of outer body cavity. Central portion of the body cavity was occupied with an intestine-like tubular structure and a larger reproductive tube. These microscopic findings were consistent with degenerated Dirofilaria immitis. Antibody test by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for patient serum reacted positively against adult D. immitis antigen.

A serological survey of Dirofilaria immitis infection in pet dogs of Busan, Korea, and effects of chemoprophylaxis

“…Cases of human pulmonary dirofilariasis have been increasingly reported worldwide (Darrow and Lack, 1981;Echeverri et al, 1999;Foroulis et al, 2005). The first Korean case of human pulmonary and hepatic dirofilariasis was recently reported (Lee et al 2000;Kim et al, 2002).…”

Capillaria hepatica in man—an overview of hepatic capillariosis and spurious infections

“…A low-density area with unclear margin was observed by Kohatsu et al (1995). Kim et al (2002) described a round nodule with peripheral enhancement on hepatic arterial phase (CTHA) and a well-demarcated nodule with homogenous low density on aortoportogram phase (CTAP).…”

Human dirofilariasis: an emerging zoonosis in India

“…There are two forms of the disease-(a) pulmonary dirofilariasis caused primarily by Dirofilaria immitis (the dog heartworm), and (b) subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused primarily by Dirofilaria tenuis and Dirofilaria repens, parasites of the raccoon and of dogs and cats respectively. In rare instances the parasite has also been recovered from deeper locations of peritoneal cavity, omentum, ligaments, breast and liver (Padmaja et al 2005;Orihel and Eberhard 1998;Mrad et al 1999;Kim et al 2002).…”