OCULAR TOXOCARIASIS IN AN ADULT PATIENT

Toxocariasis, a parasitic infection caused by the nematode parasite Toxocara, is prevalent worldwide, primarily transmitted to humans through contaminated feces of dogs and cats. While ocular involvement is rare, it mainly affects children. Here, we present a case report of a 38-year-old adult residing in a rural area with prior exposure to cats and dogs, who presented with progressive unilateral visual impairment, esotropia, and a painless white eye. Ophthalmological examination revealed retinal folds and fibrous bands extending from the optic disc to the periphery, indicative of vitreoretinal traction. Laboratory findings showed hypochromic microcytic anemia with hypereosinophilia and strongly positive antibody titers against Toxocara cati in both vitreous and serum. Treatment consisted of Albendazole (800 mg/day) and oral corticosteroids (1 mg/kg/day) with gradual tapering over one month, resulting in significant improvement after three months. This case highlights the importance of considering toxocariasis in adults with ocular symptoms and emphasizes the efficacy of combined antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory therapy in managing ocular toxocariasis.弓首蛔虫病（Toxocariasis）是由弓首线虫属（Toxocara）线虫寄生虫引发的寄生虫感染性疾病，在全球范围内均有流行，主要通过猫狗的污染粪便传播给人类。尽管眼部受累较为罕见，但该病主要累及儿童群体。本文报告1例病例：患者为38岁成年个体，居住于农村地区，有猫狗接触史，表现为进行性单眼视力减退、内斜视以及无痛性白瞳症。眼科检查可见视网膜皱褶及从视神经盘延伸至周边部的纤维条索，提示存在玻璃体视网膜牵拉（vitreoretinal traction）。实验室检查结果显示低色素性小细胞性贫血伴嗜酸性粒细胞增多，且玻璃体与血清中猫弓首线虫（Toxocara cati）抗体滴度均呈强阳性。治疗方案为阿苯达唑（Albendazole）800毫克/日联合口服糖皮质激素1毫克/千克/日，并在1个月内逐渐减量，三个月后患者症状显著改善。本病例提示，对于出现眼部症状的成人患者需考虑弓首蛔虫病的可能，并强调了抗寄生虫与抗炎联合疗法在治疗眼部弓首蛔虫病中的有效性。