Pelecitus is a genus of filaria that is typically seen in birds and mammals. It rarely can infect humans.
Phyllum: Nematoide
Superfamily: Filarioidea
Family: Onchocercidae
Geographic distribution of human cases: South America, Thailand
Transmission: mosquitoes or blood sucking lice
Clinical findings may include:
(1) eye pain
(2) red eye
(3) light sensitivity
(4) vision loss
The nematode may be visualized in the anterior chamber of the eye associated with the iris.
The length of the worm is 4-5 mm.
Diagnosis can be made by morphology of the retrieved worm and/or PCR.
Potential complications of infection are anterior uveitis and glaucoma.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
