Toxocariasis is considered as a rare form of infection brought about by roundworm parasites. It can be acquired by humans after handling soil or sand that has been contaminated by infected animal feces.
The roundworm parasites are typically found in dogs, cats and even foxes and generally affect young children. The reason for this is that children are susceptible to be exposed to contaminated soil when playing outdoors where they might put their hands into their mouths.
What are the signs?
In most cases, an infection caused by the roundworm larvae will not trigger any symptoms and the parasites eventually die in a few months.
Nevertheless, some might have minor symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Cough
- Stomach pain
- Fever of 38 degrees or higher
In rare instances, the roundworm larvae can infect the organs such as the lungs, eyes, liver or the brain and result to serious symptoms.
In rare instances, the roundworm larvae can infect the organs such as the lungs, eyes, liver or the brain and result to serious symptoms such as:
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Weight loss or appetite loss
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Painful and reddened eyes
- Cloudy or blurry vision, usually in one eye
Management of toxocariasis
If there are no symptoms or they are only mild, treatment is not typically required. Nevertheless, drugs are needed for a severe infection that affects the organs. An anthelmintic is the drug given to eliminate the parasite larvae.
Albendazole is often given while mebendazole can be used as an alternative. These drugs do not typically trigger any side effects, but some might experience stomach pain or headaches.
Aside from anthelmintics, steroids are often used to lessen any inflammation brought about by a severe infection.
In case the eye is affected, steroids are given instead of anthelmintics. Surgical intervention might also be an option in case retinal detachment develops.
Most can fully recover without any lasting complications. Nevertheless, there is always the risk for lasting vision loss if one of the eyes are affected.