Subcutaneous dirofliariosis is caused by the filarial nematode Dirofilaria repens, a close relative of Dirofilaria immitis, the so called heartworm. Like D. immitis, D. repens is transmitted though a mosquito bite.

• Pathogen
• Distribution
• Pathogenesis and Transmission
• Diagnosis
• Clinical signs
• Treatment

Dirofilaria repens is an emergent zoonotic pathogen, although infection is not transferred directly from dog to man but by mosquito vectors. Infection in humans usually results in a subcutaneous nodule in the upper part of the body, close to the eyes as well as under the conjunctiva. Less often inner organs can be affected including the lungs. Human cases are reported from more than 30 countries. In Europe the highest numbers of cases are reported from Italy, France, Greece and the Ukraine.