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[Conjunctival dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens: report of a French case]
T Masseron1, A Sailliol, L Niel
1Service de Biologie, l'Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Robert Picqué, Bordeaux, France.
Abstract:
Dirofilariasis involving Dirofilaria repens is an exceedingly rare event in France. Most cases have involved subcutaneous lesions but ocular and peri-ocular involvement have been observed. The present report describes a case of dirofilariasis involving the conjunctiva in a 61 year-old-man in France. Onset was characterized by the sudden appearance of painful conjunctival cyst. Clinical examination and laboratory tests did not allow diagnosis. Opening the cyst and extracting the parasite allowed diagnosis and treatment. Microscopic examination identified the parasite as a female Dirofilaria repens. This new case of ocular dirofilariasis emphasizes that this parasitic disease is present and probably underestimated in mainland France. Opening of the conjunctival cyst allowed identification of the parasite and successful treatment without sequels.
Insights
Dirofilariasis, a parasitic infection, is rare in France. A case of conjunctival dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens was successfully treated by cyst removal.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria repens, is uncommon in France.
- While typically presenting as subcutaneous lesions, ocular and peri-ocular dirofilariasis have been documented.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old man in France presented with a sudden onset of a painful conjunctival cyst.
- Initial clinical and laboratory assessments did not yield a diagnosis.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the conjunctival cyst led to the diagnosis and treatment.
- Microscopic examination identified the causative agent as a female Dirofilaria repens.
Implications:
- This case highlights the presence and potential underestimation of ocular dirofilariasis in mainland France.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical removal of the conjunctival cyst resulted in successful treatment without complications.