Ophthalmic Parasitosis: A Review Article

Abstract

Ocular parasitosis in human is more prevalent in geographical areas where environmental factors and poor sanitary conditions favor the parasitism between man and animals. Lesions in the eye can be due to damage directly caused by the infectious pathogen, indirect pathology caused by toxic products, or the immune response incited by infections or ectopic parasitism. The epidemiology of parasitic ocular diseases reflects the habitat of the causative parasites as well as the habits and health status of the patient. An ocular examination may provide clues to the underlying disease/infection, and an awareness of the possibilities of travel-related pathology may shed light on an ocular presentation. This paper is a comprehensive review of the parasitic diseases of the eye. The majority of the clinically important species of parasites involved in eye infection are reviewed in this paper. Parasites are discussed by the disease or infection they cause.

Parasitic Eye Disease in India and the World- A Major Review

“…1,2 Eye damage can occur directly by the parasite or indirectly due to toxic products, immune responses or ectopic parasitism by the pre-adult or adult stages of the parasite.…”

“…Severe intraocular inflammation and infection and even endophthalmitis have been known to occur. 1,2 Thus, a proper diagnosis can save the eyes and the life of a patient by instituting appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. The ocular microbiologist can give useful information by following appropriate algorithms, 83 to the ophthalmologist, about the diagnosis of the ocular parasite in the laboratory.…”

“…The common species are P. vivax and P. falciparum. 1 The ocular complications occur in about 10 to 20 percent of patients. 21 The commonest complications in the acute phase are conjunctival hyperaemia and subconjunctival haemorrhage.…”

A new worm infiltrating the human cornea: A report of three cases

“…Ocular parasites—including protozoa, nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes—are well-documented, and ocular parasitosis has been found to be significantly more common in regions with favorable environmental factors and poor sanitary conditions 1, 2, 3. In these regions, ocular parasitosis can be endemic in the canine and feline populations, as well as in a range of wildlife species including other mammals or birds, providing a breeding ground from which arthropod vectors can transmit parasites to humans 2 .…”

“…Nematode parasites do not usually proliferate within their definitive hosts, but rather grow, molt, mature as dioecious adults in specific anatomical sites, mate, and then produce eggs, larvae or microfilariae 4 . During this life cycle, worms can migrate to different locations within the body, including the eye1, 2, 3, 4; migration takes place via blood borne carriage or through tissue to the eye or adjacent structures 1, 2, 3, 5 , 5 . The eye's immune privilege may allow further growth and development relative to other tissues,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and helminth parasites can infect the conjunctiva, eyelid, and intraocular cavities 1, 2, 3.…”