Toxocariasis Fact Sheet
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
What is toxocariasis?
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic (animal to human) infection caused
by the parasitic roundworms commonly found in the intestine of
dogs (Toxocara canis) and cats (T. cati). In the United States,
an estimated 10,000 cases of Toxocara infections occur yearly in
humans.
What are the symptoms of toxocariasis?
There are two major forms of toxocariasis:
1) Ocular larva migrans (OLM):
Toxocara infections can cause OLM, an eye disease that can
cause blindness. OLM occurs when a microscopic worm enters
the eye; it may cause inflammation and formation of a scar on
the retina. Each year more than 700 people infected with
Toxocara experience permanent partial loss of vision.
2) Visceral larva migrans (VLM):
Heavier, or repeated Toxocara infections, while rare, can
cause VLM, a disease that causes swelling of the body’s
organs or central nervous system. Symptoms of VLM, which are
caused by the movement of the worms through the body, include
fever, coughing, asthma, or pneumonia.
How serious is infection with Toxocara?
In most cases, Toxocara infections are not serious, and many
people, especially adults infected by a small number of larvae
(immature worms), may not notice any symptoms. The most severe
cases are rare, but are more likely to occur in young children,
who often play in dirt, or eat dirt (pica) contaminated by dog or
cat stool.
How is toxocariasis spread?
The most common Toxocara parasite of concern to humans is T.
canis, which puppies usually contract from the mother before
birth or from her milk. The larvae mature rapidly in the
puppy’s intestines; when the pup is 3 or 4 weeks old, they
begin to produce large numbers of eggs that contaminate the
environment through the animal’s stool. The eggs soon
develop into infective larvae.
How can I get toxocariasis?
You or your children can become infected after accidentally
ingesting (swallowing) infective Toxocara eggs from larvae in
soil or other contaminated surfaces.
What should I do if I think I have toxocariasis?
See your health care provider to discuss the possibility of
infection and, if necessary, to be examined. A blood test is
available for diagnosis.
What is the treatment for toxocariasis?
VLM is treated with antiparasitic drugs, usually in
combination with anti-inflammatory medications. Treatment of OLM
is more difficult and usually consists of measures to prevent
progressive damage to the eye.
Who is at risk for toxocariasis?
Young children; owners of dogs and cats.
How can you prevent toxocariasis?
- Have your veterinarian treat your dogs and cats,
especially young animals, regularly for worms.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water after playing
with your pets and after outdoor activities, especially
before you eat. Teach children to always wash their hands
after playing with dogs and cats and after playing
outdoors.
- Do not allow children to play in areas that are soiled
with pet or other animal stool.
- Clean your pet’s living area at least once a week.
Feces should be either buried or bagged and disposed of
in the trash.
- Teach children that it is dangerous to eat dirt or soil.
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