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Case Report: Two Cases of Keratoconjunctivitis Tied to Sargassum Algae Emanations.

Authors :
Merle H
Resière D
Mesnard C
Pierre M
Jean-Charles A
Béral L
Nevière R
Source :
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene [Am J Trop Med Hyg] 2021 Jan; Vol. 104 (1), pp. 403-405.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Since 2011, considerable amounts of Sargassum algae regularly end up on beaches in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and in the French overseas departments. We report observations of two bilateral keratoconjunctivitis associated with important functional symptomatology. There was a conjunctival hyperemia and superficial punctate keratitis. The ocular impairment would repeat at every algae ashore landing. Clinical examination, history, and time line of symptomatology onset allowed us to eliminate the classic etiologies of bilateral keratoconjunctivitis and to suggest an irritant toxic origin tied to hydrogen sulfide. This is the first description of ocular impairment tied to Sargassum algae decomposition. Their decomposition, through H <subscript>2</subscript> S emission, can be at the origin of bilateral keratoconjunctivitis. Ocular impairment is often at the forefront of complaints made by individuals exposed to H <subscript>2</subscript> S.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1476-1645
Volume :
104
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33289473
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.20-0636