Recently recognized cases of ophthalmofilariasis in Hungary

Abstract

Purpose: To report four cases of zoonotic ophthalmodirofilariasis infection caused by Dirofilaria repens in Hungary.

Methods: Four cases of ophthalmofilariasis have been treated at our department during the last 14 months. A subconjunctival moving worm was observed by slit lamp biomicroscopy in two cases. In one of these a living filaria was surgically removed, but the other disappeared. Red eye and migrating edema were the presenting signs in two cases. A biopsy taken from the subcutaneous masses disclosed D repens.

Results: Histopathologic or parasitologic examination identified a female D repens in every case. Laboratory alterations were not found. Symptoms subsided after treatment.

Conclusion: The clinical presentation of filariasis is not always straightforward, and a high index of suspicion is necessary in cases presenting with orbital or periorbital inflammation. During the past 10 years the identification of locally acquired infections by D repens has increased in Hungary.