ABSTRACT
We report a human case of ocular filariasis, caused by a species of Breinlia nematode, from Queensland, Australia. Morphological and molecular evidence indicated that the nematode Breinlia (Johnstonema) annulipapillata, or a closely related taxon, likely transmitted from a macropodid marsupial host was involved, which might represent an accidental finding or an emerging zoonosis.
Subject(s)
Filariasis , Filarioidea , Animals , Australia/epidemiology , Filariasis/diagnosis , Filariasis/epidemiology , Filarioidea/genetics , Humans , Queensland , ZoonosesABSTRACT
Extra-lymphatic manifestation of filariasis is uncommon and may usually be clinically misdiagnosed. The extra lymphatic presentation of Brugia malayi may due to the site of entry of the infective larvae, and only a few cases have been proven for the causative species. We report here a 59-year-old woman presented with swollen right conjunctiva and complaint of migratory swelling at her eyelid, which has turned out to be ocular filariasis by B. malayi in Chantaburi province, Thailand. This report highlights the increasing cases of B. malayi as a causative agent of ocular filariasis in human.
Subject(s)
Brugia malayi , Filariasis , Animals , Conjunctiva , Female , Filariasis/diagnosis , Humans , Larva , Middle Aged , ThailandABSTRACT
Purpose: To report a case of ocular dirofilariasis causing extensive chorio-retinal damage.Method: Surgical removal of the worm and identification of the same by microscopic examinationand polymerase chain reaction.Results: The worm was identified as Dirofilaria repens.Conclusion: Ocular dirofilariasis is an arthropod borne parasitic infestation affecting the subconjunctival tissue and anterior chamber. Vitreous involvement in Dirofilaria is very rare. Dirofilaria repens can cause extensive chorio-retinal damage resembling diffuse unilateralsubacute neuroretinitis.
Subject(s)
Choroid Diseases/parasitology , Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification , Dirofilariasis/parasitology , Eye Infections, Parasitic/parasitology , Retinal Diseases/parasitology , Vitreous Body/parasitology , Adult , Animals , Choroid Diseases/physiopathology , Choroid Diseases/surgery , DNA, Protozoan/genetics , Dirofilaria repens/genetics , Dirofilariasis/physiopathology , Dirofilariasis/surgery , Electroretinography , Eye Infections, Parasitic/physiopathology , Eye Infections, Parasitic/surgery , Humans , Male , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Retina/physiopathology , Retinal Diseases/physiopathology , Retinal Diseases/surgery , Visual Acuity/physiology , Visual Fields/physiology , VitrectomyABSTRACT
We report a case of ocular filariasis in a 28-year-old male who presented with a 2-month history of irritated acute red eye. Examination revealed a living and active large worm dancing in the anterior chamber of the left eye causing acute iridocyclitis, leading to drop in vision to 6/36. The worm whose size was approximately 33 mm in length was extracted under local anesthesia in toto using viscoelastics without damaging the ocular structures. Microscopic examination confirmed adult Wuchereria bancrofti.
ABSTRACT
Parasitic infections of the eyes are a major cause of ocular diseases across the globe. The causative agents range from simple organisms such as unicellular protozoans to complex metazoan helminths. The disease spectrum varies depending on the geographic location, prevailing hygiene, living and eating habits of the inhabitants, and the type of animals that surround them. They cause enormous ocular morbidity and mortality not because they are untreatable, but largely due to late or misdiagnosis, often from unfamiliarity with the diseases produced. We provide an up-to-date comprehensive overview of the ophthalmic parasitoses. Each section describes the causative agent, mode of transmission, geographic distribution, ocular pathologies, and their management for common parasites with brief mention of the ones that are rare.
Subject(s)
Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological , Eye Infections, Parasitic , Eye/parasitology , Helminthiasis , Animals , Eye Infections, Parasitic/classification , Eye Infections, Parasitic/diagnosis , Eye Infections, Parasitic/epidemiology , Global Health , Helminthiasis/classification , Helminthiasis/diagnosis , Helminthiasis/epidemiology , Humans , IncidenceABSTRACT
CASE REPORT: We present a case of ocular loiasis with a subconjunctival filaria, 5.5cm long, and a severe microfilaremia, 1 microfilaria/ml, on a previously asymptomatic woman from Equatorial Guinea, with a past medical history of hypereosinophilia of unknown origin. DISCUSSION: Ocular loiasis is an imported infestation with a very low rate in our country. Nevertheless, chronic infestation in immigrants coming from endemic areas of Africa may increase the rate of this disease in our country.