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Intravitreal live Gnathostoma spinigerum.
Samar K Basak1, Tushar K Sinha, Debasish Bhattacharya
1Disha Eye Hospitals and Research Centre, Barrackpore, West Bengal, India. disha@cal2.vsnl.net.in
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 11, 2004
Summary
A rare intraocular infestation by the Gnathostoma spinigerum parasite was successfully treated. The live worm was fully removed from the patient's eye using pars plana vitrectomy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Gnathostoma spinigerum infections typically occur in Southeast Asia.
- Intraocular involvement is an uncommon manifestation of human gnathostomiasis.
- Ocular parasitic infections pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- A case of a live Gnathostoma spinigerum worm found within the vitreous cavity of a human eye.
- The patient presented with symptoms indicative of intraocular parasitic infestation.
Findings:
- Successful surgical removal of the intact, live Gnathostoma spinigerum worm from the vitreous.
- Pars plana vitrectomy was the chosen surgical intervention for worm extraction.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare parasitic causes of intraocular inflammation and vision loss.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy in managing intraocular gnathostomiasis.
- Emphasizes the need for increased awareness of Gnathostoma spinigerum in endemic and non-endemic regions presenting with ocular symptoms.