Although well known as the heartworm of dogs, Dirofilaria immitis can also be transmitted to humans, leading to a larva migrans syndrome. It should be stressed, however, that dogs are not a direct zoonotic threat, since transmission to people, like dogs, occurs via the bite of an infected mosquito. Nonetheless, the presence of a heartworm (+) dog in the immediate environment may increase the chances for human contact with infected mosquitoes.

Disease in humans:

In humans, infection is clinically inapparent in 50% of cases, but may induce inactive coin-sized lesions that are evident on thoracic radiographs. When present, clinical disease may include coughing, chest pain and hemoptysis. Eosinophilia occurs in less than 15% of cases.

• Humans can also be infected with filariids of other species, such as raccoons, bears and porcupines. These infections induce inflammatory subcutaneous nodules.

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