Dirofilariasis

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Disease Overview

Dirofilariasis refers to infections caused by Dirofilaria roundworms. Although the natural hosts of these roundworms are dogs, wild canids (such as wolves and foxes) and raccoons, humans can be infected with Dirofilaria larvae through mosquito bites. Signs and symptoms of dirofilariasis generally include nodules under the skin or lung granulomas (small nodules formed by an inflammatory reaction) which may be asymptomatic. Some people with dirofilariasis of the lungs may also experience cough, chest pain, fever, wheezing, chills, and pleural effusion (excess fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and the chest cavity). Dirofilariasis is treated with surgical removal of lung granulomas and skin nodules.[11370][11371]



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National Organization for Rare Disorders