About Toxocariasis
Toxocariasis is a disease caused by roundworms found in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats may pass the eggs of these worms in their feces. The main way humans get infected is by consuming the eggs of these worms. This may occur by eating food contaminated with the eggs or not washing hands after handling contaminated dirt or animal feces.
Risk Factors for Toxocariasis include:
- Age: Young children are at higher risk due to playing in dirt that may contain pet droppings.
- Having a dog or cat.
- Hygiene habits: Poor personal hygiene, such as not washing hands properly, can increase the risk of infection.
- Ingestion of undercooked meat: Eating undercooked meat from infected animals (such as lamb) can be a source of infection.
- Food preparation: Improper food preparation can increase the risk.
Prevention measures for toxocariasis include:
- Taking individual preventive measures, such as practicing good personal hygiene and frequent handwashing.
- Deworming dogs and cats regularly.
- Removing contaminated soil or restricting access to areas where small children may come into contact with it.
Many people with toxocariasis do not have symptoms.
For people who get symptoms, there are two types of toxocariasis: Visceral toxocariasis and ocular toxocariasis.
Visceral toxocariasis is the result of the Toxocara larva travelling in the bloodstream to organs such as the liver, lungs, and central nervous system. Symptoms of visceral toxocariasis include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Belly (abdominal) pain
- Enlarged liver
- Enlarged spleen
- Wheezing
- Chest discomfort
- Neurotoxocariasis: In rare cases, larva enter the central nervous system. In this case, symptoms may include headache, confusion, and seizures.
Ocular toxocariasis is the result of Toxocara larva travel in the bloodstream to the eyes.In the eyes, toxocariasis can cause eye inflammation, retina damage, and vision loss. Symptoms of ocular toxocariasis include:
- Redness of the eye
- Eye pain
- Seeing spots or light flashes
- Vision problems, including loss of vision (usually only one eye)
It's important to note that not everyone infected with Toxocara will experience symptoms. Additionally, symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the number of larvae involved and the affected organs.
To diagnose Toxocariasis, several examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed. These include:
- Physical examination: The healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and when they started. They will ask about pets or possible exposure to contaminated dirt. They look for signs and symptoms that are consistent with visceral or ocular toxocariasis, such as tender or enlarged organs or eye problems.
- Lab tests: A sample of blood may be taken and sent to the laboratory to look for signs of Toxocara infection. They will look for antibodies against Toxocara as a sign of an infection.
Other examinations, tests, or procedures may be performed depending on the part of the body that may be affected. These include:
- X-rays: A chest X-ray is often performed to assess any abnormalities in the lungs that may be associated with Toxocara infection.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound examination of the abdomen may be conducted to check for any abnormalities in the abdominal organs caused by Toxocara larvae.
- Ophthalmological examinations: An in-depth eye exam may be performed to check for ocular toxocariasis.
People who do not have symptoms may not need treatment. If infection usually resolves on its own.
For people with symptoms, the goals of treatment for Toxocariasis are to effectively combat the parasite, prevent progressive damage to the eye, and reduce the transmission of infection. Treatment options include:
Medication:
- Albendazole or Mebendazole: These antiparasitic drugs are used to treat visceral toxocariasis. They work by killing the parasites in the body, helping to eliminate the infection.
Therapeutic Procedures:
- Ocular Toxocariasis: Treatment for ocular toxocariasis is focused on preventing progressive damage to the eye. Steroid eye drops may be used to help with the eye pain or irritation. An opthalmologist (eye specialist) may need to perform procedures on the eye.
Health Behavior Changes:
- Prevention of Transmission: This includes practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after contact with soil or animals.
It's important to note that treatment options may vary depending on individual cases and should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Medication side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.
The natural progression of Toxocariasis can vary from person to person. In some cases, the infection may resolve on its own without causing any symptoms or complications. However, in other cases, Toxocara larvae can migrate to different organs in the body and cause various complications over time.
Complications of Toxocariasis commonly occur in the central nervous system and the eyes.
- In the central nervous system, complications can include convulsions (seizures)
- In the eyes, a condition called Ocular Larva Migrans (OLM) can develop. OLM can cause reduced visual acuity, strabismus (eye misalignment), and even blindness in one or both eyes due to granulomatous lesions in the retina.
It's important to note that not all individuals with Toxocariasis will experience complications. Treatment for Toxocariasis can help cure the infection, slow down its progression, and reduce complications.
If you suspect you or your child has toxocariasis or are experiencing any symptoms related to this infection, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options tailored to your needs.