Syn:
Larva Migrans Visceralis, Ocular
Larva Migrans, Toxocariasis.
Visceral larva
migrans, also known as toxocariasis, is an infection of deep organs by
helminthic larvae migrating in the host. Visit:
Cutaneous larva
migrans
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Toxocarias is a sporadic
disease, primarily of young children, that is often found in areas where
there are overcrowded dwellings, dogs and cats.
Toxocara species are the
most common cause of visceral larva migrans (Toxocara
canis and Toxocara cati are common roundworms of dogs and cats)
, but other parasites, such as
Ancylostoma,
Strongyloides stercoralis , Baylisascaris (Nematode), Spirometra (Crestoda),
and Alaria (Trematoda), can also cause the disease.
Hookworm Infection
Typical patient
is a child with hypereosinophilia, pneumonitis, hypergammaglobulinemia.
Ocular visceral larva migrans is a distinct entity. The chief complaint is
decreased vision in one or both eyes, and failure to treat ocular lesions
may lead to retinal detachment.
Generally, as with all forms of the
disease, the infection is self-limited and symptoms disappear within a
year.
A presumptive diagnosis can be made serologically.
Both diethylcarbamazine and thiabendazole are used to treat visceral larva
migrans.
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