Highlights of human toxocariasis

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Human toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the migration of Toxocara species larvae within the human body.
• Infection occurs through ingestion of embryonated eggs from contaminated soil or undercooked food, or larvae from contaminated sources.
• The condition is prevalent globally, with high seroprevalence noted in developed countries, rural areas, and tropical islands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the transmission routes, diagnostic methods, clinical presentations, and therapeutic strategies for human toxocariasis.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management to prevent severe complications.
• To highlight the necessity of public health interventions, including pet deworming and sanitary education, for disease control.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis relies on sensitive immunological techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or western-blot, utilizing Toxocara excretory-secretory antigens.
• Clinical diagnosis is based on recognizing four distinct syndromes: visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, and the adult "common" and pediatric "covert" presentations.
• Treatment approaches vary by syndrome, with corticosteroids for ocular toxocariasis and anthelmintics, notably diethylcarbamazine, for visceral and other forms.

Main Results:

• Seroprevalence studies indicate a significant presence of toxocariasis in various global regions, particularly in developed and tropical areas.
• The disease manifests in distinct clinical forms, affecting different organ systems and age groups.
• Diethylcarbamazine has shown efficacy in treating certain forms of toxocariasis, while corticosteroids are primary for ocular involvement.

Conclusions:

• Human toxocariasis is a significant helminthic zoonosis with diverse clinical manifestations requiring accurate diagnosis through serological methods.
• Effective management strategies include targeted anthelmintic therapy and corticosteroid use depending on the clinical syndrome.
• Prevention is paramount, necessitating measures such as pet deworming and improved public sanitation and hygiene education to reduce transmission.