Dirofilaria et dirofilarioses

If the Dirofilaria are poorly known filariasis of the general public, biologists and general practitioners, they are a real public health problem in canines and felines, with an important morbidity and mortality. In humans, their frequency and severity are anecdotal. Nevertheless, the cutaneous and ocular locations are more frequent nowadays and such a disease is found in France. This is due to the multiplication of the mosquitoes in the lagoon areas and the increase of contact between the man and his pet with the vectors. Several explanations are possible : a best knowledge of this pathology with a more accurate diagnosis, the global warming and the European decisions to now prohibit the use of some insecticides as organo-phosphorus derivates. Preventive and curative treatment with a hopeful macrolide, ivermectin, was less effective than expected. Species in the world and their impacts are described in this paper, with an updated list of different cases published.