Thelazia Callipaeda and Eye Infections

Abstract

Summary Eye infections can be caused by metazoans - helminths and for long this parasitosis was believed to spread only in tropical regions of the world. Lately, mostly subconjunctival infections of adults or immature forms of D. repens, which is nematoda- filaria of canids, have been described and the man is just an accidental host. The genus Thelazia (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) comprises a cosmopolitan group of eye worm spirurids responsible for eye infections of domestic and wild animals and humans, carried by different kinds of flies. Nematodes localized in the conjunctival space, lacrimal canals and surrounding ocular tissues of humans can cause symptoms from mild to very serious and severe ones if not treated. The chief aim of this paper was to describe the morphological characteristics, life cycle, prevalence and clinical significance of Thelazia spp. as a parasite of the eye. To ensure the diagnosis of thelasiosis and appropriate treatment, it is necessary to have continuing medical reports and increase the awareness of this infection.

Citation

Copyright

Article metrics