Subconjunctival Dirofilariasis presenting as orbital cellulitis

Dirofilariasis is an emerging zoonosis in India. Most of the cases from India have been reported from the states of Kerala, coastal Karnataka and Maharashtra, and a few from the North India, Orissa and Assam. Dogs, cats, foxes and other wild animals are definitive hosts for dirofilaria. Human ocular parasitosis is prevalent in geographical areas where environmental factors and poor sanitary conditions favor parasitism between humans and animals. However, in recent years, migrating population have facilitated the spread of certain parasitic diseases from endemic to non-endemic areas. We report a case of subconjunctival dirofilariasis in a 91-year-old man, who presented with features of orbital cellulitis. An intact live worm, measuring 13.5 cm, was extracted from the subconjunctival space, following which there was prompt resolution of symptoms.

Given the increase in the frequency of dirofilariasis in humans in recent years, medical practitioners should bear in mind the possibility of ocular dirofilariasis when a patient presents with an ocular or orbital inflammatory lesion.

This video illustrates various presentations of ocular dirofilaria and surgical extraction of a live worm from the subconjunctival space.

Lifecycle and human ocular manifestations of dirofilaria ared elucidated. Rare presentation of subconjunctival dirofilariasis as orbital cellulitis and its resolution following removal of the live worm has been demonstrated.

https://youtu.be/Nj8unz0S85M.