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[Toxocariasis in a 5-year-old boy--manifesting as bronchial asthma and behavioral disorder]
1Klinische Abteilung für Pulmonologie, Univ.-Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde Graz.
Insights
A child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive airway disease in children can mimic asthma.
- Behavioral changes like hyperactivity may accompany certain conditions.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old boy presented with obstructive airway disease, behavioral issues, elevated IgE, eosinophilia, and lung infiltrates.
- Initial diagnosis considered bronchial asthma and other chronic lung disorders.
Findings:
- Serological testing revealed high toxocara IgG antibodies, indicating toxocariasis.
- The patient was diagnosed with a "covert form" of toxocariasis and treated with albendazole.
Implications:
- Chronic respiratory symptoms in children may signal parasitic infections.
- Toxocariasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric respiratory and behavioral issues.
Abstract:
We report on a five year old boy who was admitted to hospital because of obstructive airway disease; initially, findings were interpreted to indicate bronchial asthma. In addition, the patient presented with a behavioural abnormality of aggressiveness and hyperactivity. Laboratory examinations showed an elevated IgE level and eosinophilia, chest x-ray revealed infiltrations in both lungs. After excluding a spectrum of chronic lung disorders by relevant investigations, serological testing for parasitosis revealed massively elevated toxocara IgG antibodies. The diagnosis of a "covert form" of toxocarosis was established and an antihelminthic therapy with albendazole was initiated. Chronic respiratory symptoms in childhood can also indicate the presence of a parasitic infestation.