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Ocular dirofilariasis

Reema Nath1, Rajen Gogoi, Narayan Bordoloi

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, India.

Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|January 22, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Ocular dirofilariasis, a zoonotic infection, is emerging in Assam, India. Three cases of Dirofilaria repens causing eye cysts highlight this growing concern.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary parasitology
  • Human and animal health
  • Zoonotic diseases

Background:

  • Dirofilaria parasites, typically found in animals, can be transmitted to humans.
  • Increasing reports of dirofilariasis in Mediterranean regions and occasional cases in India.
  • Ocular dirofilariasis is a rare but significant zoonotic infection.

Observation:

  • Three cases of ocular dirofilariasis were identified in Assam, India.
  • Patients presented with periorbital and subconjunctival cysts.
  • The causative parasite was identified as Dirofilaria repens.

Findings:

  • Dirofilaria repens confirmed as the cause of ocular cysts in the reported cases.
  • Highlights the presence and potential spread of this zoonotic parasite in Northeast India.
  • Documents a specific geographical focus for ocular dirofilariasis in Assam.

Implications:

  • Raises awareness of dirofilariasis as an emerging zoonotic threat in Assam.
  • Suggests the need for increased surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for ocular dirofilariasis in the region.
  • Emphasizes the importance of understanding parasite transmission cycles between animals and humans.

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