Telasiosis is one of the types of helminthiases that occur in humans. The causative agent is the nematode from the order Thelazia Callipaeda. In the common people it is called an eye worm. Such a definition indicates the habitat of parasites of this species. Telesias affect the lacrimal glands of animals( dogs, cats, livestock).From there they easily penetrate into the conjunctival sac, which is why a pronounced inflammatory reaction of the eyes appears.
Telasiosis is also found in humans. Larvae of helminths are carried by flies from the family Muscidae. If she manages to sit on her eyes, the symptoms of helminthiasis will appear in a day or two. The clinical picture is very characteristic. This is a pronounced conjunctivitis, the presence of helminth in the mucosa. The parasite is seen not with an armed gaze. Toxigenic properties of the telasiosis are high, therefore there are always risks of the appearance of severe iridocyclitis, which will be accompanied by pronounced eye irritation.
It is difficult to diagnose the disease in the first stages. But a blood test helps to determine the general changes characteristic of helminthiases of any kind. When the veal grows to a mature state, they become visible. This symptom, coupled with an epidemiological history and allows you to identify a parasitic disease. Only after this it is possible to begin treatment.
Treatment of Telasiosis
Treatment is radical. It begins with the intake of Atropine drops. They allow to expand the pupils and prepare the eyes for further therapeutic activities. When using Atropine it is important to understand that long courses of therapy can lead to the development of a strong inflammatory reaction, therefore treatment of telasiosis should occur strictly under the supervision of a doctor.
Further treatment for telasiosis occurs with the use of surgical techniques. They are justified when the parasite is in the conjunctivitis sac or lacrimal gland, in the cornea itself or in the anterior chamber of the eye. The doctor removes the parasite from the eye with surgical instruments. After the operation, a sick person should take an antihelminthic drug Diethylcarbamazine within two weeks. This tool helps to eliminate all forms of filariasis and prevent re-infection.
There are two more types of roundworms that can cause complicated eye pathology. One - the nematode F. Habronema - parasitizes in the eyes of horses. When such a helminthiosis develops, the eyelids turn into a characteristic blue color. The other is the roundworm Oxyuris Vermicularis - likes to climb into a conjunctive bag, so for him, too, the appearance of permanent ocular inflammation. There are cases when such parasites infected a person, therefore, dealing with infected animals, it is necessary to be extremely cautious.