Ocular Gnathostomiasis in Brazil: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Ophthalmology
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Gnathostomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by nematode larvae of the genus Gnathostoma.
• The parasite commonly uses freshwater fish as intermediate hosts, infecting animals and humans through raw fish consumption.
• Ocular and dermatological manifestations of gnathostomiasis have been documented globally, with Brazil reporting its first dermatological case in 2009.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the first ophthalmic case of gnathostomiasis in Brazil.
• To identify the parasite species responsible for the ocular complication.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 30-year-old male patient in Amazonas, Brazil.
• Surgical excision of a fistulized tumor in the lower eyelid.
• Anatomical and histopathological examination of the excised parasite.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a 30-day evolution of a fistulized tumor in the inner corner of the lower eyelid.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of a Gnathostoma species distinct from previously identified genera.
• This represents the first reported ophthalmic case of gnathostomiasis in Brazil.

Conclusions:

• This case highlights the potential for gnathostomiasis to cause ocular complications in Brazil.
• The identification of a novel parasite species underscores the importance of continued surveillance and research into Gnathostoma infections.
• Accurate diagnosis and species identification are crucial for understanding the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of gnathostomiasis.