Toxocariasis Infection of Toxocara Canis & Toxocara Cati
Toxocariasis is an infection of the roundworms Toxocara Canis and Toxocara Cati, the dog and cat roundworms. Toxocariasis typically infects children, since they are often playing in the dirt, playing with cats and dogs, and often putting their fingers into their mouths. Dogs and Cats pass Toxocara roundworm eggs in stool, which subsequently infects the soil. There are two conditions of Toxocariasis: Ocular Larva Migrans (OLM) and Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM).
Ocular Larva Migrans Ocular Larva Migrans occur when the Toxocara roundworms enter the eye and can cause inflammation and scaring on the retina. Ocular Larva Migrans can cause partial loss of vision and blindness.
Visceral Larva Migrans Visceral Larva Migrans occur when there are multiple infections of Toxocariasis. Visceral Larva Migrans can cause swelling of the organs or central nervous system. Symptoms of Visceral Larva Migrans are: fever, coughing, asthma, and pneumonia. Doctors may treat this form of Toxocariasis with anti-inflammatory medications.
In order to avoid Toxocariasis be sure to take all household pets (cats and dogs) to a veterinarian to be dewormed regularly. "Experts in the United States estimate that about 20 % of dogs pass Toxocara eggs into their stool." (KidsHealth for Parents)
This article was published on Sunday 29 October, 2006.
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