Resolution of childhood recurrent corneal phlyctenulosis following eradication of an intestinal parasite

Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis is a nodular foreign antigen delayed hypersensitivity reaction typically due to staphylococcal protein (but potentially secondary to antigen from a variety of different organisms, eg, mycobacteria and intestinal worms).(1-4) Conjunctival phlyctens are usually mild and transient, but corneal phlyctens can be severe and recurrent.(3,4) The subject of this report is a severe recurrent unilateral corneal case in a child whose stool was positive for Hymenolepsis nana. Following treatment for the intestinal parasite, the child no longer suffered from recurrent ocular surface inflammation.