Periorbital dirofilariasis

Abstract

Dear Editor, The recent report of periorbital dirofilariasia is very interesting.[1] In a study by Gopinath et al. reported a case and discussed on the diagnostic procedure. A similar case was recently reported by Kotigadde et al.[2] Indeed, dirofilariasis is an accidental parasitosis in human beings. It can be seen as a soft tissue infection at any site. Focusing on periorbital filariasis, it usually presented as soft, cystic swelling lesion with associated tenderness.[2] Garaffini et al. noted that “residence in endemic areas (ex-USSR, Italy, Sri Lanka, Southeastern United States) should always be suspected in patients with this type of symptomatology.”[3] The confirmation is usually due to the histological examination.[4] In fact, there are also other parasites that can cause periorbital pathology. The good example is the sparganosis.[5] The topic for further studies on periorbital dirofilariasis include (a) the diagnostic biomarker for help diagnosis, (b) host interaction to parasite and underlying contributing factors to infestation, (c) proper treatment and prevention of re-infestation.[5]