[Toxocariasis in children--difficult clinical problem]

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Toxocariasis is a human zoonotic disease caused by the migration of Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati larvae.
• The review focuses on the pathology, clinical presentation, and recent cases in children within central Poland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide foundational knowledge on toxocariasis in children.
• To present recent case findings in central Poland.
• To highlight the association between soil contamination and infection risk.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on toxocariasis.
• Analysis of laboratory results from incidentally diagnosed cases.
• Assessment of soil contamination in patient households.

Main Results:

• Cases were often diagnosed incidentally via laboratory findings such as eosinophilia, elevated IgE, or anemia.
• High rates of soil contamination were observed in patient households, indicating increased infection risk.
• Both rural and urban environments pose a risk for Toxocara infection and reinfection.

Conclusions:

• Educational programs are crucial for preventing Toxocara infections in children.
• Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are needed for this neglected zoonosis.
• Environmental factors, particularly soil contamination, play a significant role in disease transmission.