Dirofilariasis: A Report on Emerging Zoonosis in South India

Background : Dirofilaria is a filarial nematode worm transmitted by mosquitoes which rarely causes human infection. Case Report : A twelve year old girl who was otherwise asymptomatic, presented with a small swelling of around 1 cm diameter over the anterior chest wall. Ultrasonography showed a small cystic swelling with a linear echogenic structure in persistent twirling motion suggestive of a live worm. She underwent surgical removal of the swelling which showed two live Dirofilaria repens . Conclusion : Dirofilariasis should be considered as an emerging zoonosis of Kerala. Mosquito control is the best preventive strategy.