Ocular filariasis in the form of a conjunctival granuloma – A rare case report from non-endemic part of India

Abstract

Filariasis, a predominantly lymphatic disease can rarely have ocular involvement in endemic as well as a few non-endemic zones of the Indian subcontinent. It has also been reported from countries of South East Asia. In India, Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi are the nematodes causing filariais. Ocular involvement can happen in a wide spectrum, involving lacrimal glands, conjunctiva and fornices, cornea, anterior chamber, and vitreous cavity. We report a case of adult filarial worm (B. malayi) inside a conjunctival granuloma in a lady hailing from a rural, non-endemic part of the country. The lady presented with a short history of ocular irritation and redness. Clinical examination revealed a small granuloma-like lesion with surrounding inflammation over the conjunctiva. The rest of the anterior segment as well as the posterior segment was fairly within normal limits. The history as well as clinical examination was not supportive of a parasitic infestation, leading the doctors to treat the lesion as an allergic disease. However, the lesion remained unresolved, and surgical excision was undertaken. On surgical intervention, a live worm was spotted inside the lesion. Parasitological evaluation of the worm was confirmatory of adult filaria (B. malayi). The patient responded to a combination therapy of oral diethylcarbamazine and albendazole.