Visceral Larva Migrans

Many of the nematodes of the family Ascarididae are the causative agents of zoonoses transmitted to humans via contaminated soil. Within the ascarids, Toxocara canis , Toxocara cati and Baylisascaris procyonis are the predominant zoonotic parasites of dogs, cats and raccoons, respectively. These are among the most widespread causes of visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans and neural larva migrans. Toxocariasis causes serious disease in pups and kittens, but adult dogs and cats usually remain asymptomatic. In definitive hosts like dogs and cats, the eggs of the parasite can be detected via faecal examination. In humans, the diagnosis of toxocariasis should rely on clinical, radiographic and laboratory evidence of the disease. A variety of anthelmintic drugs can be used for the treatment of toxocariasis in definitive hosts. The key component of toxocariasis therapy is anthelmintics and anti-inflammatory drugs.