Lesion on the right testicle of 21-year-old patient

• Published in: One health 2024-12, Vol.19, p.100863, Article 100863
• Main Authors: Kuna, Anna, Poblocki, Pawel, Baranowicz, Karolina, Grzybek, Maciej
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dirofilaria spp; Dirofilariasis; Short Communication; Subcutaneous nodule; Vector-borne disease; Zoonotic disease
• ISSN: 2352-7714; 2352-7714
• DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100863

Human dirofilariasis is an emerging disease that is rising and driven by increasing travel of both humans and their companion animals and climate change. We report a case of Dirofilaria repens in the scrotum of a 21-year-old patient, who experienced right testicular pain. Ultrasonography revealed a tubular, worm-like lesion extracted successfully and confirmed as an immature D. repens through parasitological and molecular analyses. Post-surgery, the patient underwent anthelmintic treatment and was discharged. Increased awareness of this parasitosis among healthcare professionals is crucial, given the expected rise in dirofilariasis cases. Climate change in Poland, characterized not so much by record high temperatures but by a systematic increase in the number of warm days, affects many aspects of life. Due to the presence of disease vectors, the introduction and reintroduction of exotic and parasitic disease, previously rare or absent in temperate climate zones, is possible. •Human dirofilariasis is rising due to increased travel and climate change.•A 21-year-old with testicular pain had Dirofilaria repens removed.•Surgery and anthelmintic treatment led to patient recovery.•Increased awareness among healthcare professionals is vital as Dirofilaria cases rise