Living with Dirofilariasis
An infection from Dirofilaria roundworms, passed by mosquito bites, that can cause skin nodules or lung nodules.
Understanding Dirofilariasis
The natural hosts of the roundworms are dogs, wild canids like wolves and foxes, and raccoons. Signs generally include nodules under the skin or small lung nodules (granulomas), which may cause no symptoms. GARD lists onset any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD's summary lists these:
- Nodules under the skin
- Lung nodules (granulomas)
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Fever and chills
- Wheezing
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by Dirofilaria roundworms. Humans are infected with larvae through mosquito bites.
Also known as: dirofilaria caused disease or disorder; dirofilaria disease or disorder; dirofilaria infectious disease; dirofilariosis; infection by dirofilaria; infection caused by dirofilaria
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Dirofilariasis.
Explore research for Dirofilariasis
Explore actively recruiting Dirofilariasis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Dirofilariasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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