Ophthalmomyiasis in Kuwait: first report of infections due to the larvae of Oestrus ovis before and after the Gulf conflict

Abstract

We report for the first time four cases of ophthalmomyiasis due to the larvae of Oestrus ovis in Kuwait, before and after Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The larvae were easily removed under local anaesthetic. The symptom complex of acute foreign body sensation, irritation, redness, lacrimation and photophobia resolved rapidly. Ophthalmic antibiotic and corticosteroid drops were also instilled and recovery was uneventful. The ophthalmomyiasis may not always be associated with contact with sheep-rearing per se. Medical personnel should therefore be aware that in cases of what might appear initially as acute, non-specific catarrhal conjunctivitis, patients with the persistent symptom complex should be re-examined to exclude ophthalmomyiasis due to the larvae of O. ovis in endemic areas.