Toxocara is a genus of parasitic roundworms that can infest dogs and cats, with the worm larvae or eggs being passed in their feces. Toxocariasis is an infection of humans caused by toxocara.
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Toxocara Can Be Transmitted to Humans
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Humans may contract infections through direct contact with infected dog or cat feces, usually by chance ingestion of contaminated soil, sand or plant life. Because children play on the ground with dirt that may be contaminated and are more likely to put dirty objects into their mouths, they are more at risk. Flies that feed on feces can spread the eggs to surfaces or foods.
Reactions
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In the human, the worms' eggs and larvae spread throughout the body rather than infecting the respiratory and digestive tracts as in their usual life cycle in the dog or cat. As they spread, the worms cause an immune reaction similar to an allergic reaction. Tissues swell around the foreign bodies and the eggs may encyst or become calcified and trapped.
Larva Migrans
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When the eggs and larvae are trapped in organs, it is called visceral larva migrans. This is relatively rare. Entrapment in the nervous system is even rarer but extremely dangerous.
Dangers
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When larva migrans affects the cerebrospinal fluid, spinal cord and brain, cysts, inflammation and infection occur. This can cause meningitis and encephalitis.
Treatment
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Proper disposal of dog and cat feces is important. Treatment for visceral larva migrans includes antibiotics and antivirals for secondary infections, steroids and antihistamines for swelling and allergy-like symptoms and anthelmintics (worm-killers) to combat parasite infestation.
Prevention
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Have dogs or cats dewormed at an early age and keep them on a preventive drug program to control the worms. Avoid areas of possibly contaminated soil and objects and teach children to do the same. Keep the areas around your home free of animal waste.
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