The new cases of thelaziosis on the Balkan Peninsula

Abstract

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), known as oriental eyeworm, is a parasite infesting the eyes of many domestic and wild carnivores which can also cause human infections. Due to the fact that infections by T. callipaeda have been recently spreading through the Balkan Peninsula, the main aims of this mini review are to give a clear and concise overview of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of thelasiosis in animals and humans as well as to update epidemiological data about thelaziosis in this area. Clinical manifestations of thelaziosis can vary from subclinical to severe. In both animals and humans, treatment of thelaziosis can be effectively achieved with the removal of the nematodes from the eye under local anesthesia using a cotton swab or fine forceps. In the treatment of animals, antiparasitic drugs should be used supplementarily to the mechanical removal of parasites, while in humans, the topical use of antibiotics is desirable in order to prevent secondary bacterial infection. The growing number of diagnosed thelasiosis cases in dogs in the Balkan Peninsula, and particularly among owned pets in urban areas of Serbia previously considered free of infection, indicates the spread of zoonotic T. callipaeda in the area and in close proximity to humans. Finally, cooperation between veterinarians and physicians is strongly advocated in favour of the development of effective preventive measures and strategies.