The microfilaria of dipetalonema reconditum has a blunt cranial end and a pointed posterior end. Dirofilaria immitis is pointed at both ends. Dipetalonema reconditum is a parasite you will not hear much about since it rarely causes significant disease. Its importance lies in the fact that its immature form (slender larvae called microfilariae) can be easily confused with those of Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm). D. reconditum lives in the body cavity and subcutaneous (just below the skin) tissues of dogs and is found throughout the United States. The adult worms which are ½ to 1-inch long may be found on necropsy or as an incidental finding during surgery for some other reason.
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