Toxocariasis

Question 1

What parasite causes the disease?

Answer 1

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati

Question 2

Transmission cycle

Answer 2

1) infected dog or cat defecate into environment containing Toxocara canis/cati
2) Ingest dog or cat feces
2) Once the eggs are ingested, the larvae hatch and enter the bloodstream into organs and other tissues

Question 3

Toxocariasis

Answer 3

2 Forms:

1) Ocular Toxocariasis
- results from movement of the parasite into the eye
- causes visual impairment that can be permanent, including blindness
2) Visceral Toxocariasis
- results from the movement of the parasite through organs or tissues
- can lead to severe damage to the liver and other organs

Question 4

Transmission

Answer 4

1) accidentally ingest dirt containing toxocara eggs

2) rare- eating undercooked or raw meat from an infected animal

Question 5

Who are at the highest risk for being infected with Toxocariasis

Answer 5

Children are the highest risk

• dog owners
• under the age of 20 due to more contact with soil
• People who live in hot humid regions where the roundworm eggs remain alive in the soil for log periods of time

Question 6

Symptoms

Answer 6

Fever and coughing
Severe illness
inflammation of liver
blindness