A Rare Case Report of Loa Loa Ocular Filariasis

Abstract

Purpose We report a case of ocular worm treated surgically and confirmed by microbiological identification. Methods A 33-year-old Swiss woman presented to the ophthalmic unit, complaining of pain and foreign body sensation in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination disclosed a subconjunctival amber-colored cord in the conjunctival fornix. Presentation, clinical and histopathologic evaluation, and treatment are described. Results At the time of surgery, an alive and still intact worm was extracted through conjunctival incision. Histopathology confirmed the presence of filariasis. Conclusions As the flow of immigrants from endemic areas to Europe increases, ocular manifestation of loiasis is becoming more frequent and ophthalmologists need to be aware of this diagnosis.