Subcutaneous Sparganosis: A Rare Case Report

Human sparganosis is a rare parasitic disease as a result of infection by plerocercoid larva (sparganum) of Spirometra species. In this case report, a 31-year-old man presented as a subcutaneous nodule in the axilla for 5 months, which was excised. Characteristic plerocercoid larvae accompanied by sinus tract and abscess in the subcutaneous tissue were discovered under microscopic examination of the excised tissue. This report aims to highlight the existence and presentation of sparganum infection which is considered to be rare in Indian subcontinent. Also this case report reveals an atypical picture where the larval forms was not identified on gross examination of the excised tissue and the diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of microscopy.