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INTRODUCTION Toxocariasis is the helminthic infestation in humans by Toxocara. Its definitive hosts are domestic dogs (Toxocara canis) and cats (T. cati). Females produce ≥200 x 10³ eggs/day. The eggs are excreted in the feces of infected animals, then continue to develop for 14 to 21 days and can remain infectious for years. In humans, Toxocara’s life cycle is atypical: the eggs hatch after being ingested, but the larvae do not mature. They penetrate the walls of the small intestine, reaching portal circulation. Some reachsystemic circulation and travel in the bloodstream to the lungs, muscles, central nervous system (visceral larva migrans) and eyes (ocular larva migrans), where they encapsulate and cause a local inflammatory reaction. Visceral larva migrans behaves like an allergy, accompanied by general symptoms or symptoms specific to the affected organ. Ocular larva migrans affects vision and causes endophtalmitis and retinal lesions. Some reports have suggested a seroprevalence of Toxocara of around 60% among asmathic patients. Nevertheless, clinicians in charge of these patients seldom consider this aetiology. Human toxocariasis is diagnosed by detection of IgG antibodies (78% sensitivity and 92% specificity). Coprological exams are ineffective because the parasite’s life cycle in humans does not include an intestinal phase.

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2014-11-06   |   448 visitas   |   6 valoraciones

Vol. 64 Núm.3. Mayo-Junio 2012 Pags. 207-208 Rev Invest Clin 2012; 64(3-ENGLISH)