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Optic Nerve Transection: A Model of Adult Neuron Apoptosis in the Central Nervous System
Published on: May 12, 2011
Isolated optic neuritis from an identified Gnathostoma spinigerum
W Chuenkongkaew1, N Chirapapaisan, T Hongyok
1Department of Ophthalmology, Siriraj Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. siwck@mahidol.ac.th
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 13, 2007
Summary
A case of optic neuritis was caused by a Gnathostoma spinigerum parasite. Prompt parasite removal is crucial for preventing further damage and complications, even if tissue recovery is not immediate.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Optic neuritis can have various etiologies, including infectious causes.
- Gnathostoma spinigerum is a parasitic nematode known to cause human infections.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old man presented with painful monocular visual loss and eyelid swelling.
- Initial treatments with steroids and albendazole were ineffective.
- The patient self-removed a live parasite from his eyelid, later identified as Gnathostoma spinigerum.
Findings:
- Histopathology and serologic testing confirmed Gnathostoma spinigerum as the cause of optic neuritis.
- Peripheral blood eosinophilia was noted in the patient.
- The identified parasite was Gnathostoma spinigerum.
Implications:
- This case highlights Gnathostoma spinigerum as a rare cause of isolated optic neuritis.
- Early identification and removal of the causative parasite are essential to prevent further ocular tissue destruction.
- Prompt intervention may mitigate future complications associated with parasitic infestations of the optic nerve.
