World Health Organization , 2023. Lymphatic Filariasis. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lymphatic-filariasis. Accessed January 16, 2024.
Orihel TC , Eberhard ML , 1998. Zoonotic filariasis. Clin Microbiol Rev 11: 366–381.
Naing C , Whittaker MA , Tung WS , Aung H , Mak JW , 2024. Prevalence of zoonotic (brugian) filariasis in Asia: A proportional meta-analysis. Acta Trop 249: 107049.
Kanjanopas K , Choochote W , Jitpakdi A , Suvannadabba S , Loymak S , Chungpivat S , Nithiuthai S , 2001. Brugia malayi in a naturally infected cat from Narathiwat Province, southern Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 32: 585–587.
Wongkamchai S , Nochote H , Foongladda S , Dekumyoy P , Thammapalo S , Boitano JJ , Choochote W , 2014. A high resolution melting real time PCR for mapping of filaria infection in domestic cats living in brugian filariosis–endemic areas. Vet Parasitol 201: 120–127.
Kamyingkird K et al., 2017. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs and cats in Songkhla and Satun provinces, Thailand. Agric Nat Resour (Bangk) 51: 299–302.
Satjawongvanit H , Phumee A , Tiawsirisup S , Sungpradit S , Brownell N , Siriyasatien P , Preativatanyou K , 2019. Molecular analysis of canine filaria and its Wolbachia endosymbionts in domestic dogs collected from two animal university hospitals in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand. Pathogens 8: 114.
Rawangchue T , Sripirom N , Sungpradit S , 2022. Surveillance of zoonotic Brugia pahangi in monastery cats, Samphran district, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thai J Vet Med 52: 117–125.
Simón F , Siles-Lucas M , Morchón R , González-Miguel J , Mellado I , Carretón E , Montoya-Alonso JA , 2012. Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev 25: 507–544.
Pampiglione S , Canestri Trotti G , Rivasi F , 1995. Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens: A review of world literature. Parassitologia 37: 149–193.
Nunthanid P , Roongruanchai K , Wongkamchai S , Sarasombath PT , 2020. Case report: Periorbital filariasis caused by Brugia malayi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 103: 2336–2338.
Agarwal K , Gaur K , Khasim N , 2021. Filariasis presenting with bicytopenia, progressive splenomegaly and acute renal failure: An unusual case report. Trop Doct 51: 588–590.
Thongpiya J , Sa-Nguanraksa D , Samarnthai N , Sarasombath PT , 2021. Filariasis of the breast caused by Brugia pahangi: A concomitant finding with invasive ductal carcinoma. Parasitol Int 80: 102203.
Tantipat C , Wongkamchai M , Zaelai K , Amesombun A , Wongkamchai S , 2022. A rare case of ocular filariasis caused by Brugia malayi. Parasitol Int 90: 102606.
Bhaibulaya M , Yoolek A , Kobkijcharoen M , 2004. Parafilaria bovicola Tubangui 1934 from a human eye in Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 35: 817–819.
Pradatsundarasar A , 1955. Dirofilaria infection in man: Report of a case. J Med Assoc Thai 38: 378–379.
Sukudom P , Phumee A , Siriyasatien P , 2018. First report on subconjunctival dirofilariasis in Thailand caused by a Dirofilaria sp. closely related to D. hongkongensis. Acad J Sci Res 6: 114–116.
Somsap Y , Boonroumkaew P , Somsap A , Rodpai R , Sadaow L , Sanpool O , Maleewong W , Intapan PM , 2021. Ocular dirofilariasis case in Thailand confirmed by molecular analysis to be caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 106: 204–207.
Gutierrez Y , 2000. Diagnostic Pathology of Parasitic Infections with Clinical Correlations. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 284–300.
Casiraghi M , Anderson TJ , Bandi C , Bazzocchi C , Genchi C , 2001. A phylogenetic analysis of filarial nematodes: Comparison with the phylogeny of Wolbachia endosymbionts. Parasitology 122: 93–103.
Tan LH , Fong MY , Mahmud R , Muslim A , Lau YL , Kamarulzaman A , 2011. Zoonotic Brugia pahangi filariasis in a suburbia of Kuala Lumpur City, Malaysia. Parasitol Int 60: 111–113.
Buckley JJ , Edeson JF , 1956. On the adult morphology of Wuchereria sp. (malayi?) from a monkey (Macaca irus) and from cats in Malaya, and on Wuchereria pahangi n.sp. from a dog and a cat. J Helminthol 30: 1–20.
Edeson JF , Wilson T , Wharton RH , Laing AB , 1960. Experimental transmission of Brugia malayi and B. pahangi to man. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 54: 229–234.
Yokmek S , Warunyuwong W , Rojanapanus S , Jiraamornimit C , Boitano JJ , Wongkamchai S , 2013. A case report of Brugian filariasis outside an endemic area in Thailand. J Helminthol 87: 510–514.
Muslim A , Fong MY , Mahmud R , Sivanandam S , 2013. Vector and reservoir host of a case of human Brugia pahangi infection in Selangor, peninsular Malaysia. Trop Biomed 30: 727–730.
Intarapuk A , Bhumiratana A , 2021. Investigation of Armigeres subalbatus, a vector of zoonotic Brugia pahangi filariasis in plantation areas in Suratthani, southern Thailand. One Health 13: 100261.
Schacher JF , 1962. Morphology of the microfilaria of Brugia pahangi and of the larval stages in the mosquito. J Parasitol 48: 679–692.
Bhumiratana A , Nunthawarasilp P , Intarapuk A , Pimnon S , Ritthison W , 2023. Emergence of zoonotic Brugia pahangi parasite in Thailand. Vet World 16: 752–765.
Redington BC , Montgomery CA , Jervis HR , Hockmeyer WT , 1975. Histochemical differentiation of the microfilariae of Brugia pahangi and sub-periodic Brugia malayi. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 69: 489–492.
Vincent AL , Portaro JK , Ash LR , 1975. A comparison of the body wall ultrastructure of Brugia pahangi with that of Brugia malayi. J Parasitol 63: 567–570.
Lammie PJ , Weil G , Noordin R , Kaliraj P , Steel C , Goodman D , Lakshmikanthan VB , Ottesen E , 2004. Recombinant antigen-based antibody assays for the diagnosis and surveillance of lymphatic filariasis—a multicenter trial. Filaria J 3: 9.
Stewart JM , Cubillan LD , Cunningham ET Jr , 2005. Prevalence, clinical features, and causes of vision loss among patients with ocular toxocariasis. Retina 25: 1005–1013.
Chen J , Liu Q , Liu GH , Zheng WB , Hong SJ , Sugiyama H , Zhu XQ , Elsheikha HM , 2018. Toxocariasis: A silent threat with a progressive public health impact. Infect Dis Poverty 7: 59.
Phasuk N , Punsawad C , 2020. Seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection and associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural southern Thailand. Trop Med Health 48: 23.
Teekhasaenee C , Ritch R , Kanchanaranya C , 1986. Ocular parasitic infection in Thailand. Rev Infect Dis 8: 350–356.
Thai Ministry of Public Health , 2020. Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention in Lymphatic Filariasis. Nonthaburi, Thailand: MOPH.
WHO , 2017. Guideline: Alternative Mass Drug Administration Regimens to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.
Kerkenezov N , 1962. Intra-ocular filariasis in Australia. Br J Ophthalmol 46: 607–615.
Stevenson W , Prospero Ponce CM , Agarwal DR , Gelman R , Christoforidis JB , 2016. Epiretinal membrane: Optical coherence tomography-based diagnosis and classification. Clin Ophthalmol 10: 527–534.
Kaikuntod M , Arjkumpa O , Kladkempetch D , Fukumoto S , Thongkorn K , Boonyapakorn C , Punyapornwithaya V , Tiwananthagorn S , 2020. Geographic spatial distribution patterns of Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia pahangi infection in community dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Animals (Basel) 11: 33.
Siriyasatien P , Intayot P , Sawaswong V , Preativatanyou K , Wacharapluesadee S , Boonserm R , Sor-Suwan S , Ayuyoe P , Cantos-Barreda A , Phumee A , 2023. Description of potential vectors of zoonotic filarial nematodes, Brugia pahangi, Setaria digitata, and Setaria labiatopapillosa in Thai mosquitoes. Heliyon 9: e13255.
Sukkanon C , Suwonkerd W , Thanispong K , Saeung M , Jhaiaun P , Pimnon S , Thongkhao K , Manguin S , Chareonviriyaphap T , 2023. Distribution of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand: A dataset. GigaByte 2023: gigabyte90.
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Abstract Views | 1910 | 1525 | 24 |
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Extralymphatic filariasis caused by filaria of zoonotic origins has been frequently reported in Thailand over recent years. Here, we report the first case of ocular filariasis in a 7.5-year-old Thai boy who initially presented with progressive conjunctival redness and blurred vision in his right eye. A small, slender, coiled worm was found and surgically removed from the right anterior chamber. Histopathological examination illustrated predominant eosinophilic inflammation surrounding the parasite, which showed smooth and thin cuticle, prominent lateral chords, flat and broad muscle cells, one intestine, and two reproductive tubes with unsegmented ova, typically characteristic of a female adult Brugia filarial nematode. The parasite was also molecularly identified as B. pahangi, based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence analysis. The patient was then empirically prescribed albendazole, systemic prednisolone, and topical methylprednisolone. Unfortunately, his vision did not recover after 2 months due to severe maculopathy, most likely resulting from parasitic infestation and subsequent vitreous inflammation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of ocular infestation by B. pahangi with visual complications that occurred outside a filariasis-endemic area of Thailand. Furthermore, this report provides clinical data on preceding cases of B. pahangi filariasis formally reported in southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Malaysia, which facilitate a better understanding of the epidemiology of this sporadic zoonotic infection for effective disease elimination.
Financial support: This study was funded by the
Authors’ addresses: Narut Suphap and Watsamon Jantarabenjakul, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, and Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, E-mails: game.mvsk@gmail.com and watsamon.j@chula.ac.th. Thanapong Somkijrungroj and Wijak Kongwattananon, Center of Excellence in Retina, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand, E-mails: thanapongmd@gmail.com and joejer6124@gmail.com. Wajamon Supawatjariyakul and Wasee Tulvatana, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand, E-mails: quinnkw119@gmail.com and wasee.t@chula.ac.th. Thanapat Pataradool, Kanyarat Kraivichian, and Kanok Preativatanyou, Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, and Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, E-mails: thanapat.p@chula.ac.th, iamteaw@yahoo.com, and kanok.pr@chula.ac.th.
World Health Organization , 2023. Lymphatic Filariasis. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lymphatic-filariasis. Accessed January 16, 2024.
Orihel TC , Eberhard ML , 1998. Zoonotic filariasis. Clin Microbiol Rev 11: 366–381.
Naing C , Whittaker MA , Tung WS , Aung H , Mak JW , 2024. Prevalence of zoonotic (brugian) filariasis in Asia: A proportional meta-analysis. Acta Trop 249: 107049.
Kanjanopas K , Choochote W , Jitpakdi A , Suvannadabba S , Loymak S , Chungpivat S , Nithiuthai S , 2001. Brugia malayi in a naturally infected cat from Narathiwat Province, southern Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 32: 585–587.
Wongkamchai S , Nochote H , Foongladda S , Dekumyoy P , Thammapalo S , Boitano JJ , Choochote W , 2014. A high resolution melting real time PCR for mapping of filaria infection in domestic cats living in brugian filariosis–endemic areas. Vet Parasitol 201: 120–127.
Kamyingkird K et al., 2017. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs and cats in Songkhla and Satun provinces, Thailand. Agric Nat Resour (Bangk) 51: 299–302.
Satjawongvanit H , Phumee A , Tiawsirisup S , Sungpradit S , Brownell N , Siriyasatien P , Preativatanyou K , 2019. Molecular analysis of canine filaria and its Wolbachia endosymbionts in domestic dogs collected from two animal university hospitals in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand. Pathogens 8: 114.
Rawangchue T , Sripirom N , Sungpradit S , 2022. Surveillance of zoonotic Brugia pahangi in monastery cats, Samphran district, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Thai J Vet Med 52: 117–125.
Simón F , Siles-Lucas M , Morchón R , González-Miguel J , Mellado I , Carretón E , Montoya-Alonso JA , 2012. Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev 25: 507–544.
Pampiglione S , Canestri Trotti G , Rivasi F , 1995. Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens: A review of world literature. Parassitologia 37: 149–193.
Nunthanid P , Roongruanchai K , Wongkamchai S , Sarasombath PT , 2020. Case report: Periorbital filariasis caused by Brugia malayi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 103: 2336–2338.
Agarwal K , Gaur K , Khasim N , 2021. Filariasis presenting with bicytopenia, progressive splenomegaly and acute renal failure: An unusual case report. Trop Doct 51: 588–590.
Thongpiya J , Sa-Nguanraksa D , Samarnthai N , Sarasombath PT , 2021. Filariasis of the breast caused by Brugia pahangi: A concomitant finding with invasive ductal carcinoma. Parasitol Int 80: 102203.
Tantipat C , Wongkamchai M , Zaelai K , Amesombun A , Wongkamchai S , 2022. A rare case of ocular filariasis caused by Brugia malayi. Parasitol Int 90: 102606.
Bhaibulaya M , Yoolek A , Kobkijcharoen M , 2004. Parafilaria bovicola Tubangui 1934 from a human eye in Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 35: 817–819.
Pradatsundarasar A , 1955. Dirofilaria infection in man: Report of a case. J Med Assoc Thai 38: 378–379.
Sukudom P , Phumee A , Siriyasatien P , 2018. First report on subconjunctival dirofilariasis in Thailand caused by a Dirofilaria sp. closely related to D. hongkongensis. Acad J Sci Res 6: 114–116.
Somsap Y , Boonroumkaew P , Somsap A , Rodpai R , Sadaow L , Sanpool O , Maleewong W , Intapan PM , 2021. Ocular dirofilariasis case in Thailand confirmed by molecular analysis to be caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 106: 204–207.
Gutierrez Y , 2000. Diagnostic Pathology of Parasitic Infections with Clinical Correlations. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 284–300.
Casiraghi M , Anderson TJ , Bandi C , Bazzocchi C , Genchi C , 2001. A phylogenetic analysis of filarial nematodes: Comparison with the phylogeny of Wolbachia endosymbionts. Parasitology 122: 93–103.
Tan LH , Fong MY , Mahmud R , Muslim A , Lau YL , Kamarulzaman A , 2011. Zoonotic Brugia pahangi filariasis in a suburbia of Kuala Lumpur City, Malaysia. Parasitol Int 60: 111–113.
Buckley JJ , Edeson JF , 1956. On the adult morphology of Wuchereria sp. (malayi?) from a monkey (Macaca irus) and from cats in Malaya, and on Wuchereria pahangi n.sp. from a dog and a cat. J Helminthol 30: 1–20.
Edeson JF , Wilson T , Wharton RH , Laing AB , 1960. Experimental transmission of Brugia malayi and B. pahangi to man. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 54: 229–234.
Yokmek S , Warunyuwong W , Rojanapanus S , Jiraamornimit C , Boitano JJ , Wongkamchai S , 2013. A case report of Brugian filariasis outside an endemic area in Thailand. J Helminthol 87: 510–514.
Muslim A , Fong MY , Mahmud R , Sivanandam S , 2013. Vector and reservoir host of a case of human Brugia pahangi infection in Selangor, peninsular Malaysia. Trop Biomed 30: 727–730.
Intarapuk A , Bhumiratana A , 2021. Investigation of Armigeres subalbatus, a vector of zoonotic Brugia pahangi filariasis in plantation areas in Suratthani, southern Thailand. One Health 13: 100261.
Schacher JF , 1962. Morphology of the microfilaria of Brugia pahangi and of the larval stages in the mosquito. J Parasitol 48: 679–692.
Bhumiratana A , Nunthawarasilp P , Intarapuk A , Pimnon S , Ritthison W , 2023. Emergence of zoonotic Brugia pahangi parasite in Thailand. Vet World 16: 752–765.
Redington BC , Montgomery CA , Jervis HR , Hockmeyer WT , 1975. Histochemical differentiation of the microfilariae of Brugia pahangi and sub-periodic Brugia malayi. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 69: 489–492.
Vincent AL , Portaro JK , Ash LR , 1975. A comparison of the body wall ultrastructure of Brugia pahangi with that of Brugia malayi. J Parasitol 63: 567–570.
Lammie PJ , Weil G , Noordin R , Kaliraj P , Steel C , Goodman D , Lakshmikanthan VB , Ottesen E , 2004. Recombinant antigen-based antibody assays for the diagnosis and surveillance of lymphatic filariasis—a multicenter trial. Filaria J 3: 9.
Stewart JM , Cubillan LD , Cunningham ET Jr , 2005. Prevalence, clinical features, and causes of vision loss among patients with ocular toxocariasis. Retina 25: 1005–1013.
Chen J , Liu Q , Liu GH , Zheng WB , Hong SJ , Sugiyama H , Zhu XQ , Elsheikha HM , 2018. Toxocariasis: A silent threat with a progressive public health impact. Infect Dis Poverty 7: 59.
Phasuk N , Punsawad C , 2020. Seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection and associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural southern Thailand. Trop Med Health 48: 23.
Teekhasaenee C , Ritch R , Kanchanaranya C , 1986. Ocular parasitic infection in Thailand. Rev Infect Dis 8: 350–356.
Thai Ministry of Public Health , 2020. Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention in Lymphatic Filariasis. Nonthaburi, Thailand: MOPH.
WHO , 2017. Guideline: Alternative Mass Drug Administration Regimens to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.
Kerkenezov N , 1962. Intra-ocular filariasis in Australia. Br J Ophthalmol 46: 607–615.
Stevenson W , Prospero Ponce CM , Agarwal DR , Gelman R , Christoforidis JB , 2016. Epiretinal membrane: Optical coherence tomography-based diagnosis and classification. Clin Ophthalmol 10: 527–534.
Kaikuntod M , Arjkumpa O , Kladkempetch D , Fukumoto S , Thongkorn K , Boonyapakorn C , Punyapornwithaya V , Tiwananthagorn S , 2020. Geographic spatial distribution patterns of Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia pahangi infection in community dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Animals (Basel) 11: 33.
Siriyasatien P , Intayot P , Sawaswong V , Preativatanyou K , Wacharapluesadee S , Boonserm R , Sor-Suwan S , Ayuyoe P , Cantos-Barreda A , Phumee A , 2023. Description of potential vectors of zoonotic filarial nematodes, Brugia pahangi, Setaria digitata, and Setaria labiatopapillosa in Thai mosquitoes. Heliyon 9: e13255.
Sukkanon C , Suwonkerd W , Thanispong K , Saeung M , Jhaiaun P , Pimnon S , Thongkhao K , Manguin S , Chareonviriyaphap T , 2023. Distribution of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand: A dataset. GigaByte 2023: gigabyte90.
Past two years | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
---|---|---|---|
Abstract Views | 1910 | 1525 | 24 |
Full Text Views | 105 | 86 | 9 |
PDF Downloads | 152 | 115 | 11 |