Ocular dirofilariasis : nw mrging isas must b surgr orrelation Between Trypanosoma

brucei and Neurological Features

1
Khanif Muflikhatun and 2Yudha Nurdian
1
Student, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jember, Indonesia
2
Faculty of Medicine, University of Jember, Indonesia.
Corresponding author: Khanif Muflikhatun, khanifmuflikhatun@gmail.com; 152010101100@students.unej.ac.id

Abstract
Background
Dirofilariasis in humans is caused by Dirofilaria roundworms, which are common parasites of
dogs, cats, raccoons, and other nonhuman mammals. Humans are incidental hosts for Dirofilaria
and usually become infected via the bites of contaminated mosquitoes. The clinical forms in
humans are pulmonary, subcutaneous, ocular, and rarely infection of the cerebrum, testicles,
female breast, invariably leading to an incorrect diagnosis of malignant tumor. Six out of 40
species of Dirofilaria are known to cause diseases in human which are: D. immitis, Dirofilaria
repens, Dirofilaria striata, Dirofilaria tenuis, Dirofilaria ursi, and Dirofilaria spectans. D.
immitis is responsible for pulmonary dirofilariasis, whereas D. repens is responsible for
subcutaneous and ocular dirofilariasis. Ocular dirofilariasis is uncommon; however, there have
been few reports from various parts of the world. It may present as periorbital, subconjunctival,
orbital, or intraocular infection. The characteristic feature of Dirofilaria in humans is that the
larvae do not survive after crossing the tissues. Those that manage to survive evolve into adult
helminth which is reproductively inactive and cannot produce microfilariae. Hence, the infected
human will never has filaremia and will always be noncontagious. As Dirofilaria is reproductively
inactive and there is no filaremia as in other filarial worms, anti-helminthic drugs are not indicated.
Surgical removal of the parasite or excision of the encapsulated mass with the parasite within is
the only treatment for ocular dirofilariasis. No postexcision systemic workup or medication is
required.For prevention of allergic reactions, it should be considered that entire of parasite must
be removed.

Conclusion
This research explains anti-helminthic drugs are not indicated because Dirofilaria species are not
reproductively active and have a single location, so surgical removal of the parasite is the only
treatment for ocular dirofilariasis.

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