Toxocariasis: Know About Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment of this Parasitic Infection

Toxocariasis

roundworms- Get from dogs )and cats)- Diagnostic stage, larva in tissue- Egg is very round with fine ridges- Infective stage, embryonated eggs in feces of dog- Humans are accidental hosts- Diagnosis: Serology (blood antibodies)- OLM (ocular visceral migrans) and VLM (visceral larvae migrans)

Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by larvae of the Toxocara roundworms. These parasites usually infect dogs and cats and their eggs are found in their feces. Humans can become infected by accidentally ingesting these eggs, which can be found in soil, sand, and contaminated food. The disease is more common in children as they are more likely to play on the ground and put things into their mouth.

Symptoms of toxocariasis can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Mild infections may not cause any symptoms, while severe infections can lead to fever, cough, wheezing, abdominal pain, and even vision loss or seizures if the larvae migrate to the eye or brain.

Prevention of toxocariasis can be done by promoting good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly, not allowing children to play in areas with animal feces, and ensuring that pets are dewormed regularly.

Treatment for toxocariasis usually involves medication to kill the parasites and alleviate symptoms. Patients with severe cases may require hospitalization and additional treatments to manage complications.

Overall, it is important to take precautions to prevent infection with toxocariasis and seek medical attention if you suspect that you or your child has been infected.

More Answers: