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Informative Article | Ophthalmology | India | Volume 13 Issue 7, July 2024 | Popularity: 4.7 / 10

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Eye to Eye with Loa Loa: A Rare Subconjunctival Encounter in a Non-Endemic Region

Dr. Simran, Dr. Varshav Gore, Megha Ramkumar Bairagi Madhudevi, Dr. Anahita Bhesania Hodiwala

Abstract: We report an unusual case of adult Loa loa infection found in the subconjunctival space of an 80 - year - old female from Navi Mumbai. She complained of foreign body sensation, itching, watering and redness in her left eye, with no history of travel to endemic areas and absence of microfilariae in her blood. Upon slit lamp examination, an indistinct, coiled, motile structure was observed near the lateral canthus, which was surgically removed through a nick in the conjunctiva. Subsequent identification confirmed it as a live female Loa loa. Although Loiasis is endemic to African countries, sporadic cases affecting the Indian population have been reported over a span of 36 years. Among these, five cases have emerged in the last decade, with four of them originating from Maharashtra. Given the recent increase in cases, understanding the evolving epidemiology of the parasite is crucial.

Keywords: Loa loa, Loiasis, Eye worm, Microfilaria, Subconjunctival space

Edition: Volume 13 Issue 7, July 2024

Pages: 133 - 137

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/MR24702231907

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