What is toxocariasis of the eye?

What is toxocariasis of the eye?

Ocular toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by roundworms, Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. It was first recognized to be associated with dogs in the 1940s. It typically affects children and can lead to profound monocular loss of vision despite known medical and surgical therapies.

What two human diseases are caused by Toxocara?

Some people may get sick from the infection and may develop the following:

• Ocular toxocariasis: Ocular toxocariasis occurs when Toxocara larvae migrate to the eye.
• Visceral toxocariasis: Visceral toxocariasis occurs when Toxocara larvae migrate to various body organs, such as the liver or central nervous system.

Can ocular toxocariasis be cured?

In conclusion, based on our experience and also on other reports, the combination therapy of oral albendazole and steroids is a simple and effective treatment for ocular toxocariasis.

What is the treatment for ocular toxocariasis?

Current standard treatment for ocular toxocariasis is corticosteroid administration in patients with active intraocular inflammation. Topical and systemic corticosteroids are useful in managing intraocular inflammation and may reduce vitreous opacification and membrane formation [9, 24, 39, 41, 42].

How do you get rid of parasites in your eye?

If you have an eye worm, the worm can be surgically removed to provide immediate relief while your health care provider determines if it is safe to treat you with medication to kill the parasite. Removing the worm from your eye does not cure the infection, as the parasite is often found in other parts of your body.

What are the symptoms of visceral larva migrans?

Symptoms of visceral larva migrans are the result of the number of migrating larvae and the associated immune response. Light infections are often asymptomatic. Symptoms include fever, cough, wheezing, and seizures. Physical findings may include hepatomegaly, crackles, rash, and lymphadenopathy.

How common is ocular toxocariasis?

Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, the overall prevalence of Toxocara infection of the eye was relatively low at 1 percent of a general uveitis population. 1 Nevertheless, ocular toxocariasis remains an important cause of uveitis, especially in children and young adults.