title: Thirty cases of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis reported in Rostov-on-Don (Southwestern Russian Federation).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Different species of the genus Dirofilaria, mainly D. immitis and D. repens, are responsible for emergent vector borne transmitted zoonotic diseases in the Old World. Human D. repens infections are characterized by the appearance of benign subcutaneous nodules that mimic skin malignant tumors or due to live worms in the ocular area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients presenting superficial or deep nodules were treated at the Rostov Regional Diagnostic Center (Southwestern Russian Federation). Anatomical characteristics of the nodules were studied by non-invasive ultrasound and color and power Doppler techniques. Worms were surgically removed from every nodule and their DNA analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-four out of the 30 nodules were located in the hypodermis, two in a retro-ocular location and four in scrotal location. Image techniques allowed the identification of the helminthic origin of all nodules, based on their oval and regular shape, peripheral vasculature, and the existence of internal linear winding hyperechoic structures with or without movements, indicating the presence of live or dead worms, respectively. Specific adscription to D. repens was achieved by the PCR analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The series described in the present paper confirms the increasing risk of infection by D. repens in humans living in endemic areas of Eastern Europe. The use of non-invasive ultrasounds and Doppler techniques can contribute to an appropriate management of human dirofilariasis. Moreover, awareness of the medical community in the endemic areas influences the report of cases, and consequently the current epidemiological picture of human dirofilariasis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Rostov Oblast Diagnostic Centre, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia.
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ilyasov
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia.
authors.forename: Vladimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kartashev
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital of the North Caucasus Branch of the Russian Railway, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia.
authors.forename: Nikolay
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bastrikov
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Hospital of the North Caucasus Branch of the Russian Railway, Rostov-na-Donu, Russia.
authors.forename: Liudmila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Madjugina
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: González-Miguel
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Morchón
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. Electronic address: fersimon@usal.es.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Simón
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D060348:Dirofilaria repens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012426:Russia / Q000453:epidemiology; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D015047:Zoonoses
keywords: Dirofilaria repens; Dirofilariosis subcutánea/ocular; Doppler; Polymerase chain reaction; Reacción en cadena de la polimerasa; Subcutaneous/ocular dirofilariasis; Ultrasonidos; Ultrasound