skip banner - Return to original view
site viewing options
 
Parents|Medical Information|Professionals|In your area|Campaigns

Toxocariasis

Background

Human toxocariasis is an infection with the larval stage of the dog roundworm, Toxocara canis, a parasitic worm. The extent of involvement in human disease of the cat roundworm, Toxocara cati, is unknown. The disease is caught by swallowing the microscopic Toxocara egg which is spread in infected dog or cat faeces.

Up to two per cent of the 'normal' population may be seropositive for Toxocara antibodies. The ocular form of the disease occurs mainly in children between the ages of six and twelve. It is rare in the UK. Visceral larval migrans usually self-resolves, but is treatable with anthelminthic drugs.

What are the symptoms? View What are the symptoms?

Medical text written May 1996 by Community Hygiene Concern. Approved May 1996 by Dr P Chiodini. Last updated August 2006 by Professor P Chiodini, Hospital for Tropical diseases, London, UK.

 

Tell us what you think of this information...

Print whole article Print whole article

 

This Web Site © Copyright, Contact a Family 2008
Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN
Tel: (020) 7608 8700

Registered Charity No. 284912. Charity registered in Scotland No. SC039169
Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 1633333.
HM Revenue & Customs charity tax reference No. XN54769. VAT Reg. No. GB 749 3846 82