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Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) encephalitis: case report and field investigation
S Y Park1, C Glaser, W J Murray
1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143-0136, USA. sypark@itsa.ucsf.edu
Pediatrics
|October 4, 2000
Summary
Severe encephalitis in a child was caused by Baylisascaris procyonis, a raccoon roundworm. High raccoon populations increase the risk of this dangerous zoonotic infection, highlighting the need for public awareness and pediatric vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Baylisascaris procyonis (B. procyonis) is a prevalent raccoon parasite in North America.
- Increasing raccoon populations elevate the risk of human B. procyonis infections.
- Zoonotic transmission poses significant public health challenges.
Observation:
- A case of severe B. procyonis encephalitis in a young child is presented.
- Diagnostic methods included serologic testing of patient samples (serum and cerebrospinal fluid).
- Environmental investigation revealed high raccoon density and widespread B. procyonis egg contamination near the patient's residence.
Findings:
- The patient demonstrated serologic conversion, confirming B. procyonis infection.
- Field surveys confirmed an unusually high raccoon population and extensive environmental contamination with B. procyonis eggs.
- The study illustrates the clinical, diagnostic, and public health aspects of B. procyonis encephalitis.
Implications:
- B. procyonis infection can cause severe central nervous system disease, particularly in children.
- Pediatricians require awareness of B. procyonis encephalitis for timely diagnosis and management.
- Public education on raccoon-associated hazards is crucial for preventing zoonotic infections.