A case of human Thelaziasis

Background: The nematode Thelazia callipaeda (T. callipaeda) is most often identified as a parasite in the conjunctival sac of a dog or cat, but it has been identified in human beings as well. Most reported cases of Thelaziasis in human beings have occurred in southeast Asia. Rarely, a case has been reported in Japan. Most Japanese cases have been reported in the western part of Japan, mainly in Kyushu district. We report a new case from this area. Case Report: The patient was 33-year-old male living in Fukuoka Prefecture. He presented with a foreign-body sensation in one eye. The affected eye was hyperemic and follicles were seen in the palpebral conjunctiva. Slit-lamp examination revealed the presence of 3 worms in the conjunctival sac. On the basis of morphological features, the worms were identified as 2 male and 1 female members of the species T. callipaeda. After extraction of the worms, the foreign-body sensation and signs of conjunctivitis disappeared. Conclusion: Ophthalmologists should have a high index of suspicion for Thelaziasis as a possible cause of conjunctivitis, because this condition can be severe.