Dirofilariasis is an infection by parasites of the genus Dirofilaria.
Causes
Dirofilariasis is caused by the bites of
. The adult worms produce microfilariae in the circulation, which are ingested by mosquitoes when they bite an infected animal. Inside the mosquito, the microfilariae develop into infective larvae. When the mosquito bites another animal, these larvae migrate to the bite site and develop into adult heartworms in the heart and pulmonary arteries.
Diagnosis
Dirofilariasis is often diagnosed by the examination of tissue obtained as part of the diagnostic investigation of
Lesion. Blood tests are not yet helpful in the diagnosis of dirofilariasis in humans.
Treatment
Treatment with tetracycline antibiotics has been reported to damage
Dirofilaria immitis, often causing death of adult worms.
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