What is Toxocara?
Toxocara is a genus of parasitic roundworms, commonly found in the intestines of dogs and cats. The two main species affecting humans are
Toxocara canis (from dogs) and
Toxocara cati (from cats). When humans, particularly children, ingest Toxocara eggs from contaminated soil, water, or other surfaces, they can develop an infection known as toxocariasis.
How is Toxocara transmitted?
Children are at a higher risk of acquiring toxocariasis due to their frequent contact with soil and their tendency to put their hands or objects in their mouths. The eggs of the Toxocara parasite are excreted in the feces of infected animals. These eggs can survive in the environment for months and contaminate soil, sand, and surfaces that children might come into contact with.
Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM): This occurs when larvae migrate to various organs, such as the liver, lungs, or central nervous system. Symptoms may include fever, coughing, wheezing, abdominal pain, and hepatomegaly.
Ocular Larva Migrans (OLM): This occurs when larvae migrate to the eye. Symptoms include decreased vision, eye pain, and in severe cases, permanent vision loss due to retinal damage.
How is Toxocariasis diagnosed?
Diagnosing toxocariasis can be challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms. A clinical diagnosis is often supported by a combination of patient history, physical examination, and specific tests. The most common diagnostic tests include:
Serological tests: Detecting antibodies against Toxocara larvae.
Imaging studies: Such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to identify lesions caused by migrating larvae.
Ophthalmologic examination: To identify larvae in the eye in cases of OLM.
For mild cases of
VLM, the infection may resolve on its own without specific treatment.
For more severe cases, antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole are prescribed.
For
OLM, treatment may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and antiparasitic medications. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the larvae from the eye.
Regular deworming of pets to reduce the shedding of Toxocara eggs.
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after playing outside, before eating, and after handling pets.
Ensuring that children avoid playing in areas that may be contaminated with animal feces, such as sandboxes or soil.
Educating children and caregivers about the importance of
hand hygiene and environmental cleanliness.
Conclusion
Toxocariasis is a significant health concern in pediatrics due to its potential to cause serious illness. Early recognition, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are essential to managing the infection and preventing complications. Preventive measures, particularly good hygiene practices and regular deworming of pets, play a crucial role in reducing the risk of toxocariasis in children.
