Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis in Africa

Purpose: Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) is well known in endemic areas of the southeastern United States, South America, and the northern Midwestern United States. Two different categories of nematodes, according to their length, are related to endemic areas. We report the first case of DUSN caused by a small nematode in Africa. Methods: We describe the case of a 12-year-old Senegalese girl who presented a long-standing diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis and in whom the worm could be localized. Results: The length of the unidentified worm measured using the software of the fundus camera was approximately 600 mu m. This measurement corresponds to the smaller nematode usually found in patients from the southeastern United States and South America. Conclusion: Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis can also be observed in patients living in Africa.