[Update on cutaneous dirofilariasis]

Abstract

Dirofilariasis is a worldwide zoonotic infection that rarely affects humans and is caused by filarial nematodes of the genus Diroflaria transmitted by mosquitoes. Cutaneous dirofilariasis, due to D. repens, presents as inflammatory lesions that develop into subcutaneous nodules. These clinical symptoms may be consistent with Wells' cellulitis. Diagnosis of dirofilariasis involves demonstration of the presence of the nematode during skin biopsy and identification of the worm through macroscopic, histological and PCR analysis. Surgical resection of the nodule remains the gold standard treatment. The number of cases of human cutaneous dirofilariasis has increased in the recent years and the disease must not be misdiagnosed.

Keywords: Cellulite de Wells; Cutaneous dirofilariasis; Dirofilaria repens; Dirofilariose cutanée; Global warming; Parasitose; Parasitosis; Réchauffement climatique; Wells’ cellulitis.