Subconjuctival Loa loa with Calabar swelling
Hee-Yoon Cho1, Yoon-Jung Lee, Sun-Young Shin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|August 30, 2008
Summary
A rare case of Loa loa filariasis, a parasitic eye worm infection, was diagnosed in Korea. The study details the first documented instance of subconjunctival loiasis and Calabar swelling in the region.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Loa loa is a filarial nematode causing human loiasis, characterized by subcutaneous or subconjunctival migration of adult worms.
- Subconjunctival loiasis, while rare, presents a unique diagnostic challenge, particularly in non-endemic regions.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old African female student in Korea presented with acute eyelid swelling and a sensation of movement in the left eye.
- Examination revealed a visible threadlike worm under the conjunctiva and painless swelling of the forearm (Calabar swelling).
Findings:
- Surgical extraction confirmed a female adult Loa loa.
- Blood smear analysis showed characteristic microfilariae, and the patient exhibited significant eosinophilia (37%).
- Treatment with a single dose of ivermectin resulted in mild, transient fever and chills.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of subconjunctival loiasis with Calabar swelling in Korea.
- Highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in individuals with relevant travel history, even in non-endemic areas.
- Underscores the diagnostic and clinical significance of Loa loa migration in human hosts.
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