Toxocariasis
Toxocariasis Causes
Some causes are: living with or raising dogs and cats; eating without hand washing; and infection from contact with soil.
Toxocariasis Definition
Toxocariasis (or Toxocarosis) is a helminth infection of humans caused by the dog or cat roundworm, Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati, respectively. It is an infection that is caused by the accidental ingestion of larvae of the dog roundworm Toxocara canis or the cat roundworm Toxocara cati. The soil of parks and playgrounds is commonly contaminated with the eggs of T canis, and infection may result to human disease in the liver, lung, muscle, eye, and brain.
Toxocariasis Diagnosis
In suspected cases, diagnosis is confirmed by a raise in the anti-Toxocara excretory-secretory antigen IgE level.
Toxocariasis Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of an infection include: weakness, pruritus (or itching), difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and hyper-eosinophilia.
Toxocariasis Treatment
Treatment for the infection includes mebendazole or thiabendazole and specific organ treatment.