Filariasis in Furcifer viridis

Filariasis in Malagasy chameleons is caused by nematodes of the family Filarioidea, most notably species of the genus Foleyella. These parasites have an indirect life cycle that requires an arthropod vector, typically mosquitoes or other biting insects. Microfilariae circulate in the blood of the reptile host and are ingested by the insect during feeding. Inside the vector, the larvae develop to an infective stage and are transmitted back to a new reptile host during subsequent bites.

In Furcifer viridis, filarial worms have been documented in wild populations, including individuals from western Madagascar such as the Morondava region. Adult worms are found in subcutaneous tissues and in the intraperitoneal cavity. Subcutaneous infections may present as visible swellings or nodules, with the gular region(throat area) being a notable site of localization on the pictures. Intraperitoneal infections are less obvious externally as can be detected during necropsy only or by blood investigations.

The pathology varies depending on worm burden and localization. Some infections cause only mild irritation, while others lead to inflammation and tissue damage. The presence of worms in the gular subcutaneous tissue is a well‑documented example, highlighting how filariasis can manifest visibly in chameleons.