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[Isolation of Dirofilaria repens in vitreoretinal findings]
D Vasilková1, D Klisenbauer, T Juhás
1Ocná klinika FNsP, Kosice.
Abstract:
The authors present the case of a 18-year-old patient who reported deteriorated vision and mobile dark shadows on the left eye. Examination revealed in the vitreous body an extremely mobile filiform, worm-like formation, white in colour, of the size of an arteriole, about 9 mm long. In the course of hospitalization the formation was isolated by surgery of the pars plana vitrectomy and subjected to detailed helminthological examination. The worm was identified as Dirofilaria repens (Reillet et Henry 1911) and described in detail. The presented finding is the first finding of this parasite in this country and at the same time the first finding of this parasite in Czechoslovakia.
Insights
A young patient experienced vision loss due to a mobile worm in their eye. Surgical removal identified the worm as Dirofilaria repens, a first-in-country finding.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Parasitology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Ocular dirofilariasis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Dirofilaria species.
- Dirofilaria repens is a zoonotic nematode typically found in dogs and cats.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old patient presented with sudden vision deterioration and mobile dark shadows in the left eye.
- Ocular examination revealed a mobile, filiform, white, worm-like formation approximately 9 mm long within the vitreous body.
Findings:
- Surgical isolation via pars plana vitrectomy allowed for detailed helminthological examination.
- The identified parasite was confirmed as Dirofilaria repens (Railliet et Henry, 1911).
- This case represents the first documented instance of Dirofilaria repens in the country and Czechoslovakia.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in ophthalmology, even in non-endemic regions.
- Emphasizes the zoonotic potential of Dirofilaria repens and the need for veterinary awareness.
- Contributes to the understanding of ocular manifestations of dirofilariasis.