Ophthalmomyiasis Externa due to Sheep Botfly in Eastern Uttar Pradesh: An Intriguing Case Report with Literature Review.
Sweta Singh, Shrinkhal, Ruchi Shukla et al.
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Case in brief
A 20-year-old woman presented with sudden redness, tearing, and a foreign-body sensation in her left eye. Slit-lamp examination showed conjunctival congestion and several translucent, motile larvae in the conjunctival fornices, with photophobic and burrowing activity. Five larvae were mechanically removed under topical anesthesia; microbiological examination identified them as first-stage Oestrus ovis larvae. After topical moxifloxacin and dexamethasone, her symptoms had completely resolved within three days.
What made this case unusual
The larvae were visibly motile in the conjunctival fornices and showed photophobic and burrowing behavior; microbiology confirmed the sheep botfly species and first larval stage.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In a patient with acute ocular irritation, direct slit-lamp inspection of the conjunctival fornices can reveal motile larvae and enable prompt mechanical removal.
Why it matters
The report highlights ophthalmomyiasis externa as a diagnostic consideration in endemic rural settings.