Subcutaneous Dirofilaria repens dirofilariasis in the Sfax region (Tunisia).

Background. Subcutaneous dirofilariasis is zoonotic infection caused by Dirofilaria repens, the principal reservoir of which is the dog. Clinical expression is usually benign but problems of differential diagnosis are present in some cases. We report the first case of dirofilariasis diagnosed in our area (Sfax, southern Tunisia). Observation. A 21 year-old woman consulted for multiple erythematous and pruriginous papules on the shoulders, limbs and buttocks. She was treated with antihistamines and dermatological topical steroids without improvement. The diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination, which revealed sections of an adult dirofilaria about 200 PM in diameter with a multilayered cuticle. The condition resolved spontaneously with disappearance of lesions after 3 months. Discussion. Subcutaneous dirofilariasis is rare in Tunisia. The prevalence is probably underestimated since clinical signs are non-specific and spontaneous cure is common.