Toxocariasis.
Larva Migrans (Dog Roundworm)
What is Toxocariasis?
Toxocariasis is an infection transmitted from animals to humans caused by the parasitic roundworms commonly found in the intestine of dogs and cats
Where and Who does it effect?
Eventhough it is seen throughout the world it mostly happens in people in third world countries due to excessive quantity of animal feces. This happens mostly in people under 20 due to their not quite fully developed immune system.
Symptoms.
Many with Toxocara do not show symptoms nor do they ever get sick. Some might develop Ocular or Visceral toxocariasis
OCULAR
Ocular toxocariasis occurs when Toxocara larvae migrate to the eye. Symptoms and signs of ocular toxocariasis include vision loss, eye inflammation or damage to the retina. Typically, only one eye is affected.
VISCERAL
Visceral toxocariasis occurs when Toxocara larvae migrate to various body organs, such as the liver or central nervous system. Symptoms of visceral toxocariasis include fever, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, or abdominal pain.
THE LIFECYCLE
Lifecycle Explained
The dog is infected and then leaves feces. When the feces is left on the ground the eggs start to develop and then can be picked up by many different carriers.
How to prevent.
- Take your pets to the veterinarian to prevent infection with Toxocara. Your veterinarian can recommend a testing and treatment plan for deworming.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after playing with your pets or other animals, after outdoor activities, and before handling food.
- Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection.
- Do not allow children to play in areas that are soiled with pet or other animal feces.
- Clean your pet's living area at least once a week. Feces should be either buried or bagged and disposed of in the trash. Wash your hands after handling pet waste.
- Teach children that it is dangerous to eat dirt or soil.
How to treat Toxocariasis
Visceral toxocariasis can be treated with antiparasitic drugs such as albendazole or mebendazole. Treatment of ocular toxocariasis is more difficult and usually consists of measures to prevent progressive damage to the eye.
Work cited
"YUDJINA." Toxocariasis. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
"Biology." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
"Worms in the Big Apple: Identifying Patterns of Toxocariasis Infection in New York City - EveryONE." EveryONE. N.p., 15 Sept. 2014. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
"Larva Migrans Infections (Visceral And Cutaneous): Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis And Treatment." HubPages. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
"Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Parasitology - Toxocariasis." Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Parasitology - Toxocariasis. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.