infection⚑ High burden in India

Toxocariasis

is an illness of humans caused by the dog roundworm and, less frequently, the cat roundworm. These are the most common of dogs, coyotes, wolves and foxes and domestic cats, respectively. Humans are among the many "accidental" or paratenic hosts of these roundworms.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

·fever, enlarged nodes, cough, bronchospasm, , pain, headaches, shortness of breath, visual impairment

Causes — why it happens

·dog roundworm (Toxocara canis), cat roundworm (Toxocara cati)

How it's found

·serologic testing ( total IgE, ELISA to detect specific anti-Toxocara IgE)

Prevention

·control of in domestic dogs and cats, proper disposal of pet feces, proper handling of food, hand hygiene

Treatment

·anthelmintic medications

Complications

· failure, , , epileptic , , blindness

Test yourself

0/4 answered

4 quick questions on Toxocariasis. Tap an answer to check it.

1. Toxocariasis is caused by roundworms that normally live in which animals?

2. What role do humans play in the life of these roundworms?

3. Which of these is a way to prevent toxocariasis?

4. Which of these can be a serious complication of toxocariasis?

More in Intestines

Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel disease Colorectal cancer Coeliac disease Typhoid fever Appendicitis Haemorrhoids Intestinal worms Amoebiasis Constipation Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease

See all of Intestines →

Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.