Analysis of the Epidemiological Situation of Human Dirofilariasis in the Russian Federation in 2013–2023

Relevance. There are three zones of potential infection with dirofilariasis on the territory of the Russian Federation, the moderate–risk zone includes 18 subjects, and the high-risk zone includes 11 subjects. More than half of the cases of dirofilariasis in the Russian Federation occur in the Central Federal District (415 cases; 33.0 %) and the Volga Federal District (351 cases; 28.0 %).
Goal. To study the long-term dynamics and clinical and epidemiological features of the incidence of dirofilariasis in the population of the Russian Federation. 
Materials and methods. The report forms of Rospotrebnadzor «Information on infectious and parasitic diseases» for 2013–2023 and maps of the epidemiological survey of cases of dirofilariasis for 2019–2022 were used in the work. Epidemiological analytical and statistical research methods were used in the work. To describe the clinical data, a descriptive retrospective continuous study of the data from the epidemiological survey of dirofilariasis cases was conducted. 
Results. During the analyzed period (from 2013 to 2023), 1,248 cases of dirofilariasis were registered in the Russian Federation. The cumulative incidence of dirofilariasis was 0.078 0/0000, including 0.092 0/0000 among the adult population, which is significantly higher than 0.021 0/0000 among children. The long term dynamics was characterized by an uneven distribution over the years and ranged from 0.12–0.07 0/0000 with an average annual decrease rate of -3.1 %. The minimum incidence rates were recorded in 2020–2021 and amounted to 0.04 0/0000. The incidence rate of the adult population living in cities is 2 times higher than that of rural residents (0.089 0/0000 and 0.044 0/0000, respectively). Urban residents accounted for 86.0 % or 1,067 cases of diseases. 5 cases (3.8 %) were recorded in children aged 0-17 years. The incidence in children aged 0–17 years in 2023 was 0.020 0/0000 and remained stable compared to 2013–2022 (0.021 0/0000). A significant decrease in morbidity was recorded in adults 18 years and older (2020–2022 – 0.045 0/0000 versus 2013–2019, 2022–2023 (0.102 0/0000). The analysis of epidemiological examination maps of persons infected with Dirofilaria has been carried out. The average age of the infected was 42 years. The main group of patients with dirofilariasis is 30–39 years old and 40–49 years old (22.4 % and 20.7 %, respectively), to a lesser extent, young people aged 18-29 years (15.5 %). The proportion of children aged 0 to 17 years was 6.9 %. The structure of patients with dirofilariasis was dominated by women (65.0 %). The invasion is more often registered among urban residents (83.8 %). The largest number of cases of dirofilariasis was registered among unemployed people – 23.1 % and pensioners – 21.4 %. The proportion of cases among the working population was 36.8 %. The visual organs (upper and lower eyelids, eyeball, conjunctiva) were affected in 23.9 % of cases. In 36.8 % of patients, the parasite was localized in the head and neck, in 17.9 % – in the extremities, in 11.1 % – in the trunk and 6.0 % – in the genitals, 3.4 % – in the mammary glands. Communication with dogs is noted in 75.0 % of cases. Mosquito bites were not denied in 76.0 % of cases. When analyzing the epidemiological examination maps of individuals infected with Dirofilaria, infection was considered local in 70.0 % of cases. Imported cases were registered after visiting other countries: Kazakhstan, Cuba, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Abkhazia. 
Conclusion. Despite the fact that the incidence of dirofilariasis in the Russian Federation is characterized by a moderate downward trend, a number of factors contribute to maintaining the circulation of pathogens of this parasitosis and the emergence of new cases of infection

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