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)