McBurney-Lin S, Khorram D, Gee S, Hoberg EP, Klassen-Fischer MK, Neafie RC. A new worm infiltrating the human cornea: A report of three cases.
Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2018;
9:124-130. [PMID:
29577104 PMCID:
PMC5861503 DOI:
10.1016/j.ajoc.2018.01.013]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
To characterize a new species of parasitic nematode that triggers uveitis.
Observations
Three previously healthy, relatively young people each contracted a corneal stromal nematode that, upon surgical removal and examination, did not match any known nematodes. Clinical ocular findings included corneal opacification, visible corneal worms, conjunctival injection, and uveitis.
Conclusions and Importance
The three cases presented here represent a previously undescribed parasitic infection of the cornea by an unidentified nematode. These findings may represent a previously unrecognized zoonotic infection from wildlife sources and potentially a newly documented nematode requiring description. Future clinical findings regarding this newly described nematode are needed to further develop our understanding of the disease.
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