Two case reports of toxocariasis mimicking endophthalmitis in immunosuppresed adults

Immunocompromised individuals are at high risk of opportunistic infections to ocular structures. A number of organisms are capable of causing infection in these patients. Albeit parasites such as Toxocara, have been rarely reported. This case report pertained to 2 patients seen in our hospital. The first was a 23-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus. The second is a 51-year-old female who underwent renal transplantation for end stage renal failure. Both of the patients were being treated with high dose oral steroids for a prolonged period of time. Subsequently, they were found to develop Toxocara ocular infection which was confirmed serologically. This case report is being presented for the rarity of such case reports in published literature. This article also emphasized the importance of public education and awareness of hygiene among immunocompromised individuals in Toxocara endemic areas. These measures may help to reduce the infection of these parasites which can lead to irreversible progression of the disease. Intensive anti-parasitic treatment should also be instituted to prevent the reactivation of these larvae in tissues[1]. 2. Case report