NEMATODE ENDOPHTHALMITIS DUE TO TOXOCARA

Abstract

CASES of endophthalmitis due to invasion of the eye by migrating larvae of Toxocara canis, the common round worm of the dog, have been reported by Irvine and Irvine (1959), Harris (1961), and Duguid (1961a, b), while five of the 46 cases reported by Wilder (1950) as nematode endophthalmitis were later identified by Nichols (1956) as being caused by Toxocara. Ashton (1960) described four cases of retinal granuloma due to Toxocara canis. A further example of this disease occurring in the remote island of Mauritius is here reported. Case Report A Chinese boy aged 8 years, from Reunion Island, complained of loss of vision of the right eye over a period of one year, and another oculist had already advised enucleation. Examination.-In February, 1961, there was no perception of light in the right eye. The tension was digitally raised, but the eye itself was not tender on palpation. The conjunctiva appeared healthy whilst the cornea was bright. The pupil was inactive and the iris normal in appearance. After dilatation of the pupil with homatropine, a white mass with a pinkish area on its surface was seen in the vitreous through a clear lens. The coloration seemed to be due to new vessel formation. Transillumination was generally poor, but especially defective nasally. The left eye with a visual acuity of 6/5 and Jaegar 1, appeared healthy in all respects. Treatment.-Since retinoblastoma could not be excluded, the eye was enucleated and