Intravitreal live adult Brugian filariasis

Abstract

Human ocular infestation by live filarial worm is a rare occurrence and has been reported mostly form South-East Asia. It involves the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber and uvea. No case of intravitreal Brugian microfilaria / adult worm has been found by Medline search. Here we report a case of live intravitreal adult Brugian filaria, where the parasite was successfully removed by pars plana vitrectomy. Identification of the worm was done by light microscopy and confirmed by immuno chromatographic test.

Ocular filariasis

“…[1] Lymphatic filariasis caused by Brugia malayi occurs in southwest India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Philippines, and Vietnam. [2] Brugian filariasis is mainly a rural disease and transmitted by mosquitoes of the genera Mansonia, Anopheles, and Aedes.…”

Wandering intravitreal worm of Brugia malayi from Central India

“…Rao et al . [ 5 ] in 2008 reported the first intravitreal live adult Brugian filariasis from Orissa. If removed on time prognosis is usually good.…”

Intravitreal Filariasis

“…[1][2][3][4] Until recently, it was limited to residents of these countries, but increased tourism and emigration have extended its impact in Europe. An estimated 30% of long-term visitors are infected by this parasite.…”

“…1 The parasite's route of entry into the vitreous cavity is unknown, From the 1st Department of Ophthalmology, "G. Gennimatas" Hospital of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.…”