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. 2014 Oct 31;4(4):85-7.
doi: 10.5826/dpc.0404a19. eCollection 2014 Oct.

Diagnosis of ophthalmomyiasis externa by dermatoscopy

Sody A Naimer  1 , Kosta Y Mumcuoglu  2
Affiliations

Diagnosis of ophthalmomyiasis externa by dermatoscopy

Sody A Naimer et al. Dermatol Pract Concept. .

Abstract

Ophthalmomyiasis in humans caused by the larvae of the sheep nasal botfly (Oestrus ovis) and is a rare phenomenon in Israel. We describe the utilization of the dermatoscope as a diagnostic tool for the facilitation of early diagnosis of conjunctivitis due to the infestation of the eyes by the sheep nasal botfly in two patients. After the physical removal of the larvae with the help of a cotton swab applicator under a slit lamp examination and the topical use of antibiotics, the clinical symptoms improved within 1-2 days. Undoubtedly the dermatoscope played a crucial role leading to the definitive diagnosis and immediate therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: Oestrus ovis; conjunctivitis; dermatoscopy; ophthalmomyiasis externa.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Solitary horizontal Oestrus ovis larva in the conjunctival fornix of the left eye. Zoom photography from smartphone mounted over a Dermlite 3 (trademark) polarized dermatoscope. (Copyright: ©2014 Naimer et al.)
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Group of larvae gathered in the inner canthus of conjunctiva. Notice the streak of pus accumulated to in the gutter to the left. (Copyright: ©2014 Naimer et al.)
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
First instar larva of the sheep nasal botfly (Oestrus ovis). (Copyright: ©2014 Naimer et al.)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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