Role of polymerase chain reaction from aqueous humor in a suspected case of ocular toxocariasis – A report of a case

Abstract

An 8-year-old girl presented with unilateral panuveitis with a retinochoroidal lesion superior to disc with overlying vitritis. Laboratory workup was done, and a clinical diagnosis of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis was considered. Based on this initial diagnosis of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis empirically the patient was started on tablet clindamycin along with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim and oral steroids. On subsequent follow up, patient developed worsening of lesion. Intraocular fluid was collected from anterior chamber and sample revealed a positive polymerase chain reaction for toxocara canis. The diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis was made. This case highlights the use of aqueous fluid from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose ocular toxocariasis.