Subconjunctival infestation with Setaria

Most cases of human subconjunctival infestations with nematodes described in the literature belong to the genus Dirofilaria. This is a report of subconjunctival setariasis in a 65 years old man, diagnosed 2 years after a travel to Singapore. The parasite was removed immediately from the subconjunctival space and the patient was administered topical antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. The complete remission of symptoms and signs was noted. The parasite was identified on optical microscopy as belonging to the genus Setaria. The life cycle of the parasite and the accidental human contamination are described. The presence of a moving worm under the human conjunctiva is a rare condition that requires urgent action, in order to prevent its migration into less accessible locations. Since the human subject is a dead-end host who does not allow the multiplication of the parasite, its surgical removal is the only cure.