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$Title{Toxocariasis}
$Subject{Toxocariasis Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) }
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Copyright (C) 1988, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

538:
Toxocariasis

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of the article (Toxocariasis) is not
the name you expected.  Please check the synonym list to find the alternate
names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.

Synonyms

     Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM)

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.

Toxocariasis is an infectious disorder caused by a worm parasite.  It
principally affects people in close contact with dogs or cats that carry
these ascarid worm eggs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Toxocariasis may include fever, nodular skin eruptions, coughing,
wheezing and weight loss.  Loss of appetite (anorexia), abdominal pain,
seizures, cranial nerve palsies, blindness, liver and spleen enlargement and
difficulty breathing may also occur.

Causes

Toxocariasis is caused by contact with the larvae of the toxocara worm which
infects dogs and cats.  Humans become infected when the larvae are ingested
and travel through the circulatory system.  These parasites invade the liver,
lungs, brain and eyes.  The dying larvae cause worsening inflammation which
may result in complications, especially in the eyes.  This may sometimes
require the surgical removal of the gelatinous substance behind the eyeball
(Pars plana vitrectomy).

Affected Population

Toxocariasis affects males and females in equal numbers.  It is most common in
young children from the south central or southeastern U.S.A. who play with
infected pets.

Therapies:  Standard

Toxocariasis infection is treated with the drugs Mintezol which is useful for
reducing respiratory symptoms and corticosteroids which decreases the
inflammation.  Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.  The deworming
of puppies, limiting exposure to nursing dogs, washing of hands after
handling pets and preventing the eating of dirt by children is important in
reducing the chance of Toxocara infection.

Therapies:  Investigational

The ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test is proving to be a
sensitive and specific test for diagnosis of Toxocariasis infection.  This
procedure is being used on an experimental basis but may become a standard
test in the future.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through
October 1989.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep
every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.
Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most
current information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Toxocariasis, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases
     Office of Public Information
     9000 Rockville Pike
     Bethesda, MD 20892

     Centers for Disease Control
     Office of Public Inquiries
     1600 Clifton Road NE
     Atlanta, GA 30333
     (404) 639-3534

References


SEROLOGIC AND INTRADERMAL TEST FOR PARASITIC INFECTIONS.  D. A. Bruckner,
Pediatr Clin North Am (August, 1985; issue 32 (4)).  Pp. 1063-1075.

HUMAN TOXOCARIASIS.  REVIEW WITH REPORT OF A PROBABLE CASE.  P. D. Morris,
et al.; Postgrad Med (January, 1987; issue 81 (1)).  Pp. 263-267.

INTERNAL MEDICINE, 2nd Ed.:  Jay H. Stein, ed.-in-chief;  Little, Brown
and Co., 1987.  Pp. 1801-1802.