REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOYIASIS IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO OESTROUS OVIS LARVAL EXTERNAL OPHTHALMOMYIASIS

Abstract

Flies are the most common mechanical carriers of filth causing human infections in rural places of developing countries.  Many of these flies feed on lachrymal and sebaceous secretions and sometimes invade into deeper areas causing a condition called myiasis. Myiasis is the infestation of live human or animal tissues with the dipterous larvae. Oestrus ovis is the nose bot fly of sheep.  Human infections due to this fly and its larvae are rare; it is more common among people living in sheep-raising regions of the world. Recently it has also been reported from urban areas.

In India, O. ovis ophthalmomyiasis is rare. Though there are few case reports from northern Indian states, very few cases are reported in south India. We report first case of external opthalmomyiasis due to first instar larva of O. ovis in an adult male person having no close contact with sheep. Present case report stresses the importance of thorough eye examination in all eye infections and that good personnel hygiene prevents such infestations. The discussion and findings conclude that a first case of Ophthalmomyiasis in this region is reported with Ocularmyiasis more common in North India along with an uncommon infestation in south Indian cities.