Unilateral acute conjunctivitis caused by Oestrus ovis larva: A rare case report from Western India

Abstract

External ophthalmomyiasis is a relatively rare condition caused by infestation of ocular tissue by the larva of Oestrus ovis (sheep botfly) which is a parasite of sheep and goats. We present a case of ophthalmomyiasis caused by O. ovis, from Western India. The patient presented with left eye acute conjunctivitis associated with conjunctival chemosis and watering. The larvae of O. ovis were seen in the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva. Prompt removal of the larvae was done from the conjunctiva which helped in relieving the symptoms. It is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of ophthalmomyiasis, as this is often misdiagnosed as acute conjunctivitis.

Keywords

• conjunctivitis
• oestrus ovis
• ophthalmomyiasis
• sheep botfly
• western india