Human Dirofilaria repens infection in dacryology: insights from a retrospective analysis of canine cases in Latvia

Dirofilariasis, a vector-borne disease caused by nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria , is a growing concern in both veterinary and human medicine. While historically endemic to Mediterranean regions, Dirofilaria repens has expanded to southern and eastern Europe, including the Baltic states, likely due to global warming and the movement of infected dogs. This study presents the first officially recorded case of D. repens infection in a Latvian patient with no history of international travel. A subcutaneous pseudocyst located near the lacrimal sac was surgically removed, and histological examination confirmed the presence of D. repens . The clinical case highlights diagnostic challenges, including nonspecific symptoms, ineffective empirical treatments, and the necessity for surgical intervention to confirm the diagnosis. Despite the zoonotic and emerging impact of D. repens , it remains underresearched compared with Dirofilaria immitis . The lack of centralized data collection and interdisciplinary collaboration complicates diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological monitoring. Greater awareness and preventive measures targeting human and canine populations are essential to mitigate the increasing incidence and spread of this neglected parasitic disease.