Dirofilaria repens nematode infection with microfilaremia in traveler returning to Belgium from Senegal

We report human infection with a Dirofilaria repens nematode likely acquired in Senegal. An adult worm was extracted from the right conjunctiva of the case-patient, and blood microfilariae were detected, which led to an initial misdiagnosis of loiasis. We also observed the complete life cycle of a D. repens nematode in this patient.

Publication year:2018

Keywords:Belgium, Blood, Conjunctiva, Dirofilaria repens, eye worm, Filariasis, human infection, Microfilaremia, Microfilariae, nematode, ocular infection, Parasites, Senegal, traveler, Zoonoses, Immunology, Paramedicine

Accessibility:Open