A probable case of ocular angiostrongyliasis in New Britain, Papua New Guinea

Unilateral iritis, keratitis and episcleritis presented in a 45-year-old female Melanesian from New Britain, Papua New Guinea. A motile nematode was seen in the anterior vitreous but was not recovered. Inflammation resolved with topical corticosteroid and antibiotic treatment, but visual impairment persisted. She failed to return for repeat serology after discharge, and measurement of serum antibody levels to Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the single specimen obtained, using the direct and indirect immunofluorescent tests, showed a titre of 1:128. Ocular angiostrongyliasis is briefly reviewed and the differential diagnosis of intra-ocular nematode infestation is presented.