Open AccessHuman Dirofilariasis in Latvia - the First Case in Surgical Practice
Author(s) -
Inga Melbārde-Gorkuša,
Arnis Āboliņš,
Ilze Štrumfa,
A. Martinsons,
Jānis Gardovskis
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
latvijas k̦irurðigijas žurnāls/acta chirurgica latviensis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2199-5737
pISSN - 1407-981X
DOI - 10.2478/v10163-012-0037-1
Subject(s) - medicine , dirofilariasis , general surgery , surgery , pathology
Human Dirofilariasis in Latvia - the First Case in Surgical Practice Though dirofilariasis in humans occurs rarely, the number of cases due to Dirofilaria repens has been increasing worldwide over the last decade. Climatic changes and animal migration extend geographic area of human dirofilariasis, now including Latvia. The diagnosis is based on histopathological features. Surgical excision is the only curative treatment. Practitioners should bear in mind the possibility of human dirofilariasis in residents of Latvia.