Loiasis. approach to a form of ocular parasitosis

• Published in: Acta ophthalmologica (Oxford, England) Vol. 89; no. s248
• Main Authors: CABEZON, L, CASAS, P, RAMIRO, P, JIMENEZ, B, MINGUEZ, E, IBANEZ, J, PEIRO, C, CRISTOBAL, JA
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-09-2011; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Conjunctiva; Infectious diseases; Parasitic diseases
• ISSN: 1755-375X; 1755-3768
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.430.x

Purpose We report the case of a 37 year old male from Guinea referring foreign body sensation in his right eye intermittently for 5 years. The slit lamp examination revealed a creeping worm under the conjunctiva. The microbiological analysis after surgical removal confirmed that it was an adult form of Loa‐Loa.
Methods The anterior segment examination demonstrates the existence of a structure cordoned mobile moves creeping under the superior bulbar conjunctiva of his right eye. Given the findings are applicable to the surgical removal under local anesthesia of a worm 6 cm in length.
Results Microbiological study confirms the diagnosis of Loa Loa in their adult form (female).
Conclusion : Loiasis is a parasitic disease endemic in Africa. Recognition of the condition must be due to increased African migration to Spain. Surgical removal of adult Loa loa worms from the subconjunctival space only the ocular Improves Symptoms. An interdisciplinary approach (ophthalmology, infectious disease and parasitology) for a systemic work‐up and treatment is usually required.