Toxocariasis is a fairly common parasitic disease. Moreover, according to statistics, children are most susceptible to this disease. That is why many parents are interested in questions about why toxocariasis occurs, what it is and what its main symptoms are. Indeed, some forms of the disease can lead to very dangerous complications and even damage to the nervous system.
Toxocariasis: what is it and what are its causes?
The causative agent of the disease is the toxocara parasite - a representative of helminths, which in appearance resembles human roundworm. To date, two species of worms of this group have been studied, which parasitize on representatives of the canine and cat family.
Animals secrete parasite eggs along with feces. It is worth noting that in most cases, infection occurs precisely during contact with dogs and cats. But it is impossible to catch the pathogen from a sick person, because his body is not a typical habitat for this variety of worms - they cannot reach puberty.
The risk group includes mainly children, since it is they who most often ignore the rules of hygiene, do not wash their hands after playing in the yard or contact with animals. Sometimes infection occurs through breast milk.
Toxocariasis: what is it and what are its symptoms
The clinical picture depends on the human immune system, the number of parasites, as well as the form of the disease:
- For example, with skin toxocariasis, allergic reactions are observed, in particular redness, skin itching, swelling of the tissues, the appearance of eczema, etc.
- If a large number of parasites have accumulated in the body, then they can also damage internal organs - in this case we are talking about the visceral form of the disease. This condition can be accompanied by various symptoms, in particular fever, enlargement of the liver and lymph nodes. Some patients complain of severe abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. If the larvae hit the respiratory system, shortness of breath, coughing and other disorders appear.
- Sometimes parasites affect the human eyes, which is accompanied by keratitis, inflammation of the optic nerve, abscess of the vitreous body and other injuries.
- There is also the so-called neurotic toxocariasis. What it is? A similar pathology develops if parasites enter the human nervous system. In this case, there are problems with concentration, hyperactivity, as well as convulsive seizures, partial paresis.
Toxocariasis: diagnosis and treatment
Of course, with such symptoms, you must consult a doctor. As a rule, feces and blood tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Toxocariasis is characterized by an increase in ESR, leukocytosis and eosinophilia.
There is an opinion that there is no need to treat such a disease, because parasites lack the ability to multiply in the human body, and therefore, sooner or later they will disappear anyway. Yes, in the end, the body will cleanse itself of worms on its own, but during this time the helminths will have time to cause serious harm to health. For example, damage to the nervous system can no longer be reversed.
So how to cure toxocariasis? In most cases, it will be sufficient to take anthelmintic drugs, such as Medamine and Tiabendazole. If the larvae hit the eyes, then small doses of the Depo-Medrol drug are administered under the conjunctiva. If the body contains foci of a large accumulation of parasites, it is possible to remove them surgically.