A Case Report of Conjunctival Ophthalmomyiasis by Oestrus ovis with insights into its morphology, life cycle, and clinical presentation

Abstract

Conjunctival ophthalmomyiasis is an infestation of larvae on the conjunctiva. The larvae of sheep botfly (Oestrus ovis) can be the cause of ocular irritation in occupationally predisposed individuals like shepherds. External (conjunctival) ophthalmomyiasis can progress to severe form of internal ophthalmomyiasis. We report the presence of live motile larvae of sheep botfly on the conjunctiva of a patient, shepherd by occupation presenting with irritation in the eye. Diffuse ocular examination was normal until everted lid examination revealed two white larvae with black dots at their head end crawling fast on the tarsal conjunctiva. Removal of the larvae is the only treatment, and treatment of the cattle as well, is essential to prevent recurrence and also to increase the cattle yield.