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Visceral larva migrans caused by Trichuris vulpis
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|August 1, 1980
Summary
Two brothers with visceral larva migrans caused by Trichuris vulpis, a parasitic infection, were diagnosed due to eosinophilia. Treatment with thiabendazole led to symptom resolution and decreased IgE levels.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Parasitology
- Human and animal health
Background:
- Visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a helminth infection that can affect humans.
- Trichuris vulpis, a canine whipworm, is a potential causative agent of VLM in humans.
- Eosinophilia is a common indicator of parasitic infections.
Observation:
- Two brothers presented with unexplained eosinophilia.
- Clinical presentation was largely asymptomatic.
- Diagnosis of VLM was established using immunoelectrophoretic studies, avoiding invasive liver biopsy.
Findings:
- Successful treatment of Trichuris vulpis-induced VLM was achieved using thiabendazole.
- Post-treatment, patients showed a gradual decrease in eosinophil counts and serum total IgE levels.
- Patients experienced sustained clinical improvement following treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering zoonotic parasitic infections like Trichuris vulpis VLM in cases of unexplained eosinophilia.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of thiabendazole in treating VLM.
- Suggests immunoelectrophoretic studies as a valuable diagnostic tool for VLM, potentially obviating the need for liver biopsy.