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Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2024; 241(04): 429-431
DOI: 10.1055/a-2206-1496
Kasuistik

Descending Accidental Human Parasitism by Oestrus ovis Larvae after Ophthalmomyiasis

Deszendierender akzidenteller humaner Parasitimus durch Larven von Oestrus ovis nach Ophthalmomyiasis
Heinrich Gerding
1   Dept. of Ophthalmology, Pallas Kliniken AG, Olten, Switzerland
2   Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Abstract

Background Ophthalmomyiasis can inadvertently occur when larvae of the sheep botfly are deposited on the anterior segment or conjunctiva of the human eye. This report highlights two cases where the conventional symptoms of ophthalmomyiasis were succeeded by rhinitis and nasal appearance of stage II larvae. Methods This report describes the clinical findings and subsequent outcomes of two patients. Results A 36-year-old patient exhibited characteristic signs of ophthalmomyiasis 10 days after a fly struck her left eye (OS) while she was on the Canary Islands. She presented with mild conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and lacrimal stenosis on the left side. Following irrigation of the descending lacrimal pathways, stage I and II larvae were discovered in her nasal discharge. In another case, a 24-year-old patient was examined 4 weeks after a fly attacked his right eye on the southern coast of Spain. Initially, he experienced inflammation of the anterior segment, followed by rhinitis. Later, he discovered several larvae in his handkerchief after blowing his nose. The last specimen, produced 21 days after the fly attack, was identified as a stage II larva of Oestrus ovis. In both cases, all symptoms disappeared completely after the last larva was produced. Conclusion The presented clinical observations and sequence of events suggest that primary ophthalmomyiasis in these cases was succeeded by a downward infestation of larvae through the lacrimal pathways, culminating in further maturation to stage II.



Publication History

Received: 24 September 2023

Accepted: 01 November 2023

Article published online:
23 April 2024

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