Eyeworm infections in dogs and in a human patient in Serbia: A One Health approach is needed

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2016 Apr:45:20-2. doi: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.01.003. Epub 2016 Jan 23.

Abstract

Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm has been frequently reported parasitizing humans in Asia. In Europe, the parasite is endemic in wild and domestic carnivores and only eight cases have been reported in humans so far. We describe the first case of human thelaziosis in Serbia, along with two cases in dogs from the same area. A One Health approach, based on cooperation amongst veterinarians and physicians, is strongly advised for this emerging infection in order to assess the risk for and prevent of the zoonotic infection.

Keywords: Balkans; Dog; Eyeworm; Human; Thelazia callipaeda; Vector-borne zoonosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / diagnosis
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / parasitology
  • Conjunctivitis / diagnosis*
  • Conjunctivitis / parasitology
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / parasitology
  • Dogs
  • Eye Infections, Parasitic / diagnosis*
  • Eye Infections, Parasitic / veterinary*
  • Global Health*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pets / parasitology
  • Serbia / epidemiology
  • Spirurida Infections / diagnosis*
  • Spirurida Infections / parasitology
  • Spirurida Infections / veterinary*
  • Thelazioidea / genetics
  • Thelazioidea / isolation & purification*
  • Thelazioidea / ultrastructure
  • Zoonoses / prevention & control
  • Zoonoses / transmission