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Toxocariasis
ToxocariasisWhat Happens When People Have Toxocariasis? How Can Toxocariasis Be Prevented? Toxocariasis (TOK-so-ka-RY-a-sis) is an infection in people caused by parasitic roundworms found in the intestines of cats and dogs. It most commonly affects young children who come in contact with contaminated dirt. KEYWORDS for searching the Internet and other reference sources Infestation Parasites Roundworms Toxocara canis Toxocara catis Many cats and dogs, especially kittens and puppies, have intestinal worms called Toxocara canis (in dogs) or Toxocara cati (in cats). Eggs from Toxocara pass with the stools from infected cats and dogs and then contaminate the soil. When children play in contaminated areas, the eggs can stick to their hands or toys and then be swallowed. When the eggs enter the digestive system, they hatch. The larvae* burrow through the intestinal wall and move to the liver, lung, and sometimes to other sites, including the central nervous system, eye, kidney, and heart. The larvae may stay alive for many months and cause damage to tissues or organs. Because the larvae are cat or dog parasites, they do not complete their life cycle in humans.
What Happens When People Have Toxocariasis?SymptomsMost people with toxocariasis have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include fever, cough or wheezing, and seizures. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, enlarged liver or spleen, loss of appetite, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes*. Toxocariasis can also affect the eyes and cause decreased vision, swelling around the eyes, and a cross-eyed appearance.
Diagnosis and TreatmentToxocariasis is diagnosed through a blood test. For most cases, no treatment is necessary. Certain medications that are effective against toxocariasis may be used to eliminate the infection. How Can Toxocariasis Be Prevented?As with other infections, good hygiene and frequent handwashing are essential. Important safety measures include:
Pets should be checked for parasites periodically by veterinarians and treated if they are found to be infected. See also ResourceThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 100 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta, GA 30333. CDC s Division of Parasitic Diseases posts a fact sheet about toxocariasis at its website. Telephone 404-639-3534 http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/toxocar.htm |
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Cite this article
"Toxocariasis." Complete Human Diseases and Conditions. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Toxocariasis." Complete Human Diseases and Conditions. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3497700400.html "Toxocariasis." Complete Human Diseases and Conditions. 2008. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3497700400.html |
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trichuriasis
trichuriasis (trik-yoor-I-ă-sis) n. an infestation of the large intestine by the whipworm, Trichuris trichiura. Symptoms, including bloody diarrhoea, anaemia, weakness, and abdominal pain, are evident only in heavy infestations. Trichuriasis can be treated with various anthelmintics, including tiabendazole and piperazine salts.
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"trichuriasis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "trichuriasis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-trichuriasis.html "trichuriasis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-trichuriasis.html |
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toxocariasis
toxocariasis (visceral larva migrans) (toks-oh-kair-I-ă-sis) n. an infestation with the larvae of the dog and cat roundworms, Toxocara canis and T. cati. It is characterized by enlargement of the liver, pneumonitis, fever, joint and muscle pains, vomiting, an irritating rash, and convulsions.
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Cite this article
"toxocariasis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "toxocariasis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-toxocariasis.html "toxocariasis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-toxocariasis.html |
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roundworms
roundworms See Nematoda.
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Cite this article
"roundworms." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "roundworms." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-roundworms.html "roundworms." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-roundworms.html |
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roundworms
roundworms See NEMATODA.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "roundworms." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "roundworms." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-roundworms.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "roundworms." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-roundworms.html |
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