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Disease Profile

Dirofilariasis

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

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331

US Estimated

514

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

All ages

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ICD-10

B74.8

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Categories

Parasitic diseases

Summary

Dirofilariasis refers to infections caused by Dirofilaria roundworms. Although the natural hosts of these roundworms are dogs, wild canids (such as wolves and foxes) and raccoons, humans can be infected with Dirofilaria larvae through mosquito bites. Signs and symptoms of dirofilariasis generally include nodules under the skin or lung granulomas (small nodules formed by an inflammatory reaction) which may be asymptomatic. Some people with dirofilariasis of the lungs may also experience cough, chest pain, fever, wheezing, chills, and pleural effusion (excess fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and the chest cavity). Dirofilariasis is treated with surgical removal of lung granulomas and skin nodules.[1][2]

Learn more

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • You can obtain information on this topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Dirofilariasis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

References

  1. Dirofilariasis FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 2012; https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/dirofilariasis/faqs.html.
  2. Alena Klochko, MD. Dirofilariasis. Medscape Reference. October 2015; https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/236698-overview.