Toxocariasis

An infestation of humans, usually children, with the larvae of: a small, threadlike worm that lives in the intestines of dogs. Children who play with an infested dog or soil contaminated with dog faeces, and who then put their fingers in their mouths, may swallow some of the worm eggs. The eggs hatch in the intestines, and the released larvae migrate to organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, and eyes. Usually, infestation causes mild fever and malaise, which soon clears up; but heavy infestation may lead to pneumonia and seizures. Loss of vision may occur if larvae enter the eye and die there. A diagnosis is made from sputum analysis, and by a liver biopsy. Severe cases require treatment in hospital with tiabendazole and an anticonvulsant drug.