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Zoonotic intravitreal Onchocerca in Hungary
Ferenc Sallo1, Mark L Eberhard, Eva Fok
11st Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Ophthalmology
|March 5, 2005
Summary
A rare case of eye infection by a live nematode (worm) was reported in Hungary. Surgical removal of the immature filaria, likely Onchocerca, restored the patient's vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Human ocular infections by zoonotic nematodes are exceptionally rare.
- Previous cases of Onchocerca eye infections involved the subconjunctiva or cornea.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male presented with progressive peripheral visual field loss and a sensation of a moving object in his central visual field.
- A live nematode was visualized in the anterior vitreous cavity.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the nematode via pars plana vitrectomy was successful.
- The nematode was identified as an immature filaria, likely of the genus Onchocerca.
Implications:
- Ocular onchocerciasis, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of eye conditions, even in temperate regions.
- This case highlights the importance of considering zoonotic parasitic infections in ophthalmology.