Update on Baylisascariasis, a Highly Pathogenic Zoonotic Infection

Area of Science:

• Zoonotic diseases
• Parasitology
• Neurology

Background:

• Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) is a significant zoonotic pathogen.
• It causes severe neural larva migrans (NLM), ocular larva migrans (OLM), and visceral larva migrans (VLM) in humans.
• Human baylisascariasis is increasingly recognized, necessitating clinical awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of baylisascariasis, focusing on clinical relevance and diagnosis.
• To summarize human cases of neural larva migrans (NLM) and visceral larva migrans (VLM).
• To emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical cases of human baylisascariasis.
• Summary of diagnostic advancements, including recombinant antigen-based serodiagnostic assays.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes and recommendations.

Main Results:

• Most diagnosed human baylisascariasis patients are young children, but older cases are increasing.
• Recombinant antigen assays facilitate earlier diagnosis.
• Improved patient recovery with fewer sequelae has been observed with early intervention.

Conclusions:

• Early suspicion, diagnosis, and treatment with albendazole and corticosteroids are crucial for baylisascariasis.
• Increased public and medical awareness are vital for prevention and timely management of this zoonotic disease.