Last update:

   02-Oct-2011
 

Arch Hellen Med, 28(5), September-October 2011, 706-708

SHORT COMMUNICATION

Subconjunctival Dirofilaria repens infection

E.K. Mela,1 G. Blatsios,1 M.N. Marangos2
1Department of Ophthalmology,
2Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Patras, Medical School, Patras, Greece

Filariasis is endemic in most Mediterranean countries, with Italy presenting the highest incidence. Subconjunctival filariasis has been reported occasionally in several countries, but is considered to be rare in Greece. This is a report of a 50 year-old male farmer of Greek origin who presented at the Department of Ophthalmology at University Hospital of Patras complaining of a "live snake" in his left eye. Slitlamp examination showed a grey-white moving helminth in the lower bulbar subconjunctival space. There was no evidence of intraocular or systemic involvement. The parasite was surgically removed and was identified as Dirofilaria repens. The removal of the parasite led to complete resolution of symptoms.

Key words: Dirofilaria repens, Οcular, Parasitic subconjunctival infection.


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