Author/Editor     Kern, Th; Ginter, G; Zenahlik, P; Schuller-Petrović, S
Title     Human dirofilariasis
Type     članek
Source     Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannon Adriat
Vol. and No.     Letnik 7, št. 3-4
Publication year     1998
Volume     str. 179-82
Language     eng
Abstract     Human infections with zoonotic filariae are frequently observed throughout the world. Filarial worms of the genus dirofilaria are well known nematodes of carnivorous mammals and can be found in Asia and Africa as well as in the United States and in Europe. Human dirofilariasis is an infection caused by filarial nematodes of the genus dirofilaria. Man is only occasionally infected. The parasite's cycle involves uptake of microfilariae from the peripheral blood circulation of infected dogs or cats by mosquitos (Anopheles, Culex, Aedes). Dirofilariasis is transmitted by haematophagous arthropods to man, in whom the nematodes usually die before reaching sexual maturity. Identification of dirofilariae from tissue sections is difficult, but knowledge of the parasite's geographic distribution and patients travel history may be helpful.
Descriptors     DIROFILARIASIS
DIROFILARIA
HOST-PARASITE RELATIONS