Case Report: Migratory Soft-Tissue Swelling Owing to Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis
3
Issued Date
2025-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00029637
eISSN
14761645
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105007499789
Pubmed ID
40233721
Journal Title
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume
112
Issue
6
Start Page
1231
End Page
1234
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Vol.112 No.6 (2025) , 1231-1234
Suggested Citation
Sereeaphinan C., Hanamornroongruang S., Sitthinamsuwan P., Sarasombath P.T., Rujitharanawong C. Case Report: Migratory Soft-Tissue Swelling Owing to Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Vol.112 No.6 (2025) , 1231-1234. 1234. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.24-0799 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/110696
Title
Case Report: Migratory Soft-Tissue Swelling Owing to Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis
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Abstract
Dirofilariasis is an emerging zoonotic infection caused by filarial nematodes from the Dirofilaria genus, typically transmitted through mosquito bites. This case is unique because of the migratory nature of subcutaneous nodules, a presentation seldom associated with Dirofilaria infections. A 51-year-old Thai female presented with migratory subcutaneous nodules on her left arm. Initially misdiagnosed as cellulitis, she received empirical antibiotics, showing only partial improvement, and subsequently developed new nodules. A skin biopsy revealed nematode segments, and molecular identification confirmed Dirofilaria repens using polymerase chain reaction targeting the filarial mitochondrial 12s ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer 1 genes. Treatment with a 3-week course of 400 mg oral albendazole resulted in complete resolution of the lesions. This case underscores the importance of molecular diagnostics when morphological identification is challenging as it enables accurate species identification, enhances disease management, and supports optimized treatment of unusual presentations of dirofilariasis.