Two case reports of ophthalmomyiasis externa caused by Oestris Ovis larvae

Abstract

Myiasis is the infestation of the body by the larval forms (maggots) of dipterous flies. Ophthalmomyiasis or ocular myiasis refers to the inflammations that involve the eye and ocular adnexa. This may be external, internal, or orbital. Less than 5% of human myiasis cases involve eye. Ophthalmomyiasis varies in severity, ranging from simple irritation to complete destruction of the orbit. The condition is often misdiagnosed as an acute conjunctivitis. Globally, so far, most cases have been reported from rural areas. Here, we present 2 case reports. Both patients belonged to an urban area. The larvae were successfully removed, and both cases are being followed. These cases show that this infection is probably more common in urban areas than reported.

Office-Based Rapid Diagnosis and Management of External Ophthalmomyiasis Via Smartphone-Aided Innovative Tools in an Under-Resourced Setting

“…It usually mimics an allergic or viral conjunctivitis. 2 With the prompt diagnosis and management of these patients without the aid of a slitlamp we have expanded the usage of smartphone as an onsite visualizing system to provide treatment by larvae removal in ophthalmomyiasis. In addition, we have also used the smartphone as a microscope to identify the larvae.…”

“…1 Sheep botfly Oestrus ovis is a common cause of ophthalmomyiasis externa especially seen in rural regions with poor hygienic conditions with history of contact with cattle. 2 Ophthalmomyiasis externa clinically mimics acute catarrhal conjunctivitis with complaints of burning, stinging, itching, and foreign body sensation in the eye and if not treated properly can lead to ophthalmomyiasis interna, which can cause vision loss because of intraocular migration of the larvae. 3 Oestrus ovis is usually diagnosed by imaging it under light microscopy after prompt removal of the larvae from the ocular surface under slitlamp microscopy.…”

Ophthalmomyiasis Externa Presenting As Red Eye

“…4 Numerous factors contribute to the spread of infection like poor hygiene, areas with numerous flies, old age, severe ill health, unsanitary conditions and the presence of exposed, ulcerative and devitalised tissue. 1,5,7 It is also known to occur more commonly in spring and summer seasons. 8 Ophthalmomyiasis constitutes about 5% of myasis.…”

“…10 It has also been reported from various parts of India like North India, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. 5 and some parts of Karnataka like Davangere. 6 Keyt reported ophthalmomyiasis in 1900 and Eliot reported the first case in India in 1910.…”