title: Subcutaneous human dirofilariasis.
abstract: Subcutaneous human dirofilariasis is caused by the zoonotic filariae Dirofilaria repens. The frequency of reports is increasing in literature during the last few years and is considered by some authors as an emerging zoonosis. Here we report 21 cases of subcutaneous dirofilariasis, which were encountered over a period of 8 years. None of these cases were associated with peripheral eosinophilia. Since these lesions can mimic benign and malignant tumors, it is important to consider this as a differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules especially in an endemic area. In this report we would like to emphasize the importance of studying multiple deeper levels in suspected cases of parasitic granuloma to demonstrate the parasite.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery, Ernakulam District, Kerala 682 311 India  ; Department of Pathology, Al Sabah Hospital, Post Box 4078, Safat, 13041 Kuwait.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Matthai
authors.forename: Latha K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: Sunitha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas