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Intravitreous Injection for Establishing Ocular Diseases Model
Published on: October 1, 2007
Human Ocular Dirofilariasis in Hong Kong
Rachel Pui Wai Kwok1, Prudence Po Chee Chow, Jasmine Kee Ming Lam
1*MRCSEd †FRCSEd ‡MD §FRCS Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China (RPWK, PPCC, VJ, ALY); Prince of Wales Hospital and Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong, China (RPWK, PPCC, VJ, ALY); and Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Hong Kong, China (JKML, AC-tF, VJ, VWYW).
Human dirofilariasis, a parasitic worm infection, can affect the eye. This report details two cases of subconjunctival dirofilariasis in Chinese adults, highlighting the importance of recognizing this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Human dirofilariasis is caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria.
- Ophthalmic involvement, specifically subconjunctival dirofilariasis, is a rare manifestation of this zoonotic disease.
Observation:
- Two adult Chinese patients presented with subconjunctival parasitic masses in the eye.
- One case involved Dirofilaria repens (120 mm), and the other Dirofilaria hongkongensis (50 mm).
- Symptoms included eye redness and foreign body sensation, with one patient experiencing a migratory sensation.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the live nematodes was successfully performed in both cases.
- Post-operative recovery was uneventful, with patients remaining symptom-free.
- Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the species of Dirofilaria.
Implications:
- Ophthalmic dirofilariasis requires prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention for successful treatment.
- Increased clinical awareness is crucial for identifying and managing this uncommon parasitic infestation.
- Understanding the pathogenesis and clinical presentation aids in timely patient management.
