TOXOCARIASIS

 a zoonotic (animal-to-human) disease

 caused by infection of the parasitic
nematodes (roundworms)
 Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati.
 These parasites flourish in the lumen of
the small intestine of dogs and cats and
the eggs are excreted into the
environment
PARASITE
CHARACTERISTICS
 Vector
None
 Hosts
cat, dog, mouse, fox and other mammals
 Transmission
◦ usually transmitted through ingestion of an
infective egg in the soil
◦ recent reports suggest that it may also be
transmitted through ingestion of raw meat from
an infected animals
Morphology
 Nematodes are distinguished by their
cylindrical shape and impressive length
 adult Toxocara worms measure 10 cm for
males and 18 cm for females
 The egg  roughly circular in shape, light
brown, with a thick, pitted protein
 The eggs of T. canis measure
approximately 75µm by 85µm
 T. cati measure approximately 65µm by
70µm
EPIDEMIOLOGY

 Toxocariasis is found worldwide

 Most cases are reported from the
Southeastern United States, Mexico,
Hawaii, East and Western Europe,
Australia, the Philippines, and South Africa.
 The prevalence of Toxocara in humans
remains relatively low
LIFE CYCLE
 ZOONOTIC TRANSMISSION (Life Cycle in Dogs)

 DIRECTLY TRANSMITTED ZOONOSIS (life

cycle in dogs and humans)
CLINICAL SYMTOMPS
 Most Toxocariasis infections are not
serious and do not cause overt
symptoms.
 Visceral Larva Migrans is caused by
chronic or heavy infections
Common Less Common

gastrointestinal and myalgia (muscle pain)

intraabdominal dysfunction seizures
headache urticaria (hives)
weakness hepatatomegaly (enlarged liver)
lethargy
fever
coughing
asthma
pneumonia
eosinophilia
Ocular Larva Migrans
the inflammation of ocular tissues;
 usually occurs unilaterally
 occurs bilaterally in approximately 3% of
patients.
 harder to treat  the side effects of
antiparasitic drugs could be devastating to
the eye, and may cause strabismus,
iridocyclitis, glaucoma, papillitis, or visual loss.
DIAGNOSIS
 nonspecific and mild symtopms  quite
difficult
 Chronic eosinophilia,
 hepatomegaly
 chronic pulmonary disease, or
 a history of exposure to puppies or
contact with feces-contaminated soil are
common indicators of infection.
 Serologic tests may also be used to detect
L2 larval antigens

 Ocular Larva Migrans can additionally be

recognized by the presence of a
granuloma or inflammation of the
eye tissues,
TREATMENT

 Visceral Larva Migrans is primarily treated

through antihelmintic drugs :
◦ Albendazole (400 mg BID for 5 days) or
Mebendazole (100-200 mg BID for 5 days.)
◦ Other drugs such as Febantel, Fenbendazole,
Ivermectin, Milbemycin oxime, Piperazine, and
Pyrantel Pamoate may also be used
 There is no successful treatment of
Ocular Larva
 Oral steroids are sometimes used to
decrease the effects of inflammation.
 Laser photocoagulation and
cryoretinopexy may also be used to treat
severe cases.
PREVENTION

 relatively easy to do
 To prevent contamination of the
environment :
◦ Deworm household pets frequently and from
a young age
◦ Give prophylactic anthelmintic drugs puppies,
kittens, or pregnant bitches
◦ Immediately collect and dispose of pet feces,
To prevent human infection with T. canis or T. cati:

 Wash hands after touching or playing with

pets, or after exposure to potentially
contaminated sites
 Educate children about basic hygienic
precautions,
 Regularly clean children's play areas
 Avoid dogs and cats