dipetalonemiasis

Dipetalonemiasis, also known as dipetalonema infections, is a parasitic disease caused by the third stage or adult "thread-like" worms known as Dipetalonema perstans [13]. These parasites belong to the group of filarial diseases or nematodes and can be life-threatening as they feed on the host's tissues [14].

The disease is most commonly diagnosed as an incidental finding at necropsy, when adult worms are found free in the abdominal cavity [12]. However, antemortem diagnosis may be accomplished by finding microfilaria in peripheral blood using standard methods.

Dipetalonemiasis is related to acanthocheilonemiasis and filariasis, and an important gene associated with this disorder is GPT (Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase) [13]. The drugs Doxycycline and Anti-Bacterial Agents have been mentioned in the context of this disorder.

The affiliated tissues include skin, which can be affected by the parasite's feeding on the host's tissues.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Dipetalonemiasis

Dipetalonemiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the filarial worm Dipetalonema perstans, can manifest in various ways. While some people may not exhibit any symptoms, others may experience a range of signs and symptoms.

Common Symptoms:

• Non-specific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, pruritus (itching), arthralgias (joint pain), and abdominal pain [2]
• Headache and neuropsychiatric symptoms can also occur [2]
• Cutaneous symptoms include pruritus, subcutaneous nodules, urticaria, and angioedema in severe cases [5]
• Hypopigmented macular lesions over the thorax, pruritic dermatitis, and lymphadenopathy are other possible signs [6]

Less Common Symptoms:

• Serositis (inflammation of the lining surrounding organs) can occur in. [5]
• Neurological manifestations have been reported in some cases [13]

Asymptomatic Infection:

It's worth noting that many people with dipetalonemiasis may not exhibit any symptoms, especially if they are native to areas where the parasite is common.

These signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may not be present in all cases of dipetalonemiasis. If you suspect you have been infected or are experiencing symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[2] - Non-specific symptoms including fever, fatigue, pruritus, arthralgias, and abdominal pain may occur. [5] - Cutaneous symptoms include pruritus, subcutaneous nodomatic symptoms such as headache and neuropsychiatric symptoms also occur. [6] - Hypopigmented macular lesions over the thorax, pruritic dermatitis, and lymphadenopathy are other possible signs. [13] - BpFl gr had signs of Fever, polypnea, and tachycardia that were described in most male camels with acute filariasis.

Dipetalonemiasis, also known as acanthocheilonemiasis or dipetalonema perstans infection, can be challenging to diagnose due to the lack of specific guidelines and testing methods. However, several diagnostic tests have been recommended by researchers around the globe.

• Microscopy: Microfilariae of Dipetalonema perstans can be found in skin scrapings of affected areas, which is a key diagnostic feature [7]. This method involves examining skin samples under a microscope to detect live, motile larvae.
• Serum iron saturation: Serum iron levels are often low in patients with dipetalonemiasis, making serum iron saturation a useful diagnostic marker [9].
• Direct IFA (Immunofluorescence Assay): This test is used to detect the presence of Dipetalonema perstans antigens in the blood or other bodily fluids.
• Modified Knott's procedure: This method involves examining blood smears stained with Wright, Giemsa, or Knott's solution to detect microfilariae [13].
• Antigen testing: Highly sensitive tests have been developed using genetic engineering to detect tiny pieces of adult heartworm skin antigens in the blood.
• D-dimer test: The combination of clinical score and D-dimer levels has been analyzed as a diagnostic indicator for dipetalonemiasis.

It's essential to note that differential diagnoses, such as demodicosis, canine scabies, dermatophytosis, pyoderma, and other rare cutaneous larval infestations (e.g., hookworm dermatitis, dirofilariasis), should be considered when diagnosing dipetalonemiasis [7].

References: [1] Context 6 [2] Context 3 [3] Context 9 [4] Context 13 [5] Context 14

Treatment Options for Dipetalonemiasis

Dipetalonemiasis, also known as dipetalonema infections, can be treated with various medications. Here are some of the most commonly used treatments:

• Mebendazole: This is a widely used antihelmintic drug that has been shown to be effective in treating dipetalonemiasis. It works by killing the parasites and preventing their reproduction.
• Ivermectin: Ivermectin is another antihelmintic medication that has been used to treat dipetalonemiasis. It has been reported to be efficient in treating microfilaremia and possibly for viability and fertility of adult Oncocerca volvulus [6].
• Diethylcarbamazine (DEC): DEC is an older antifilarial drug that has been used to treat various filarial diseases, including dipetalonemiasis. However, its use has declined due to the availability of newer and safer alternatives.
• Levamisole: This medication has also been used to treat dipetalonemiasis, although it may have severe side effects [8].
• Permethrin, fipronil, imidacloprid, and selamectin: These topical products can be used to treat the external manifestations of dipetalonemiasis in animals.

It's essential to note that treatment should only be administered by a veterinarian or a qualified healthcare professional. Additionally, mild cases of dipetalonemiasis may not require treatment at all [14].

References:

• Treatment with mebendazole by mouth even in large doses failed to achieve a permanent cure, and injection of the drug into the abdominal cavity was tried [5].
• Mebendazole may be regarded as a safer alternative to diethylcarbamazine for the treatment of these two parasitoses and the long-lasting effect of the drug [7].
• Ivermectin has been reported to be efficient in treating microfilaremia and possibly for viability and fertility of adult Oncocerca volvulus [6].

Differential Diagnosis of Dipetalonemiasis

Dipetalonemiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Dipetalonema reconditum, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other conditions. Here are some key points to consider for differential diagnosis:

• Clinical signs: The primary clinical sign of dipetalonemiasis is the presence of adult worms in the abdominal cavity, which may cause symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and localized dermal lesions [10].
• Microfilariae in peripheral blood: Antemortem diagnosis can be achieved by finding microfilaria in peripheral blood using standard methods [10].
• Differential diagnoses: If only clinical signs are considered, the differential diagnoses for dipetalonemiasis include other parasitic infections such as onchocerciasis (caused by Onchocerca volvulus) and loiasis (caused by Loa loa) [11].

Key Points to Consider

• Serodiagnosis: Specific serodiagnosis with adult Onchocerca volvulus antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay can aid in the diagnosis of dipetalonemiasis [11].
• Genetic testing: Genetic testing is not typically used for diagnosing dipetalonemiasis, but it may be helpful in confirming the presence of the parasite in some cases [14].

References

[10] - Diagnosis. Dipetalonemiasis is most commonly diagnosed as an incidental finding at necropsy, when adult worms are found free in the abdominal cavity. However, antemortem diagnosis may be accomplished by finding microfilaria in peripheral blood using standard methods. [11] - Specific serodiagnosis with adult Onchocerca volvulus antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [14] - IMPORTANT NOTE: NIH does not independently verify information submitted to the GTR; it relies on submitters to provide information that is accurate and not misleading.