A Rare Case of Congenitally Acquired Ocular Toxocariasis in A Five-Week-Old Infant

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report a case of strabismus in a five-week-old infant, likely secondary to a rare occurrence of congenitally acquired ocular toxocariasis.

Methods

Retrospective case report.

Results

A five-week-old male infant with left exotropia was referred to pediatric ophthalmology and to a vitreoretinal specialist. Fundoscopic examination revealed a granuloma with associated retinal folds and tractional retinal detachment typical for ocular toxocariasis. Serology revealed positivity for Toxocara antibodies, consistent with the clinical diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis.

Conclusion

Ocular toxocariasis is typically thought to be secondary to acquired Toxocara infection secondary to fecal-oral transmission. In this case of early-onset strabismus secondary to ocular toxocariasis, it is hypothesized that this is a presentation of congenitally acquired toxocariasis.

KEYWORDS:

• Ocular toxocariasis
• pediatric
• infant
• congenital
• maternal-fetal transmission
• vertical transmission

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.