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[An unusual case of systemic toxocariasis]
V R de Corral1, J Lozano-García, L E Ramos-Corona
1Departamento de Posgrado e Investigación, Hospital ISSSTECALI, Baja California, México.
Boletin Medico Del Hospital Infantil De Mexico
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Systemic toxocariasis, a parasitic infection, can mimic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis requires identifying severe eosinophilia and high Toxocara canis antibodies, not just typical symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic toxocariasis presents with common symptoms like fever and organ enlargement.
- Accurate diagnosis can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions.
Observation:
- This case report details a patient initially misdiagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- The patient exhibited fever, joint pain, leukocytosis, and positive rheumatoid factor (RF) IgM.
Findings:
- Severe eosinophilia in blood and bone marrow was a key diagnostic indicator.
- High levels of anti-Toxocara canis antibodies confirmed the diagnosis via ELISA.
- The study explores the potential origin of rheumatoid factor in toxocariasis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in differential diagnoses.
- Emphasizes the role of eosinophilia and specific antibody testing for diagnosing systemic toxocariasis.
- Contributes to understanding the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of toxocariasis.