[Autochthonous filaria in south-west France caused by Dirofilaria repens].

BACKGROUND

Dirofilariasis is an autochthonous disease caused by Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens, a subcutaneous parasite of dogs and other carnivorous animals. Human infection leads to a self-limiting disease that generally presents clinically as a subcutaneous nodule. We describe a case occurring outside the classical endemic Mediterranean region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 38-year-old woman presented with a scalp nodule present for six months. Surgery revealed a thread-like parasite identified as a female Dirofilaria repens without microfilariae.

DISCUSSION

This case points to the spread of this disease to temperate areas beyond the regions classically affected.