TITLE:
Human Toxocariasis Presenting with Fever and Colestatic Hepatitis: An Underestimated but Current Zoonosis
AUTHORS:
Vera Sicbaldi, Andrea Bellodi, Valerio Del Bono, Eleonora Arboscello, Riccardo Ghio
KEYWORDS:
Toxocariasis; Visceral Larva Migrans; Ocular Larva Migrans; Parasitosis; Cholestatic Hepatitis; Eosinophilia
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.3 No.7,
December
31,
2012
ABSTRACT: Human toxocariasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by
ingestion of Toxocara canis or catis larvae or eggs. Parasitic diseases
are uncommon in industrialized countries, yet this problem has not disappeared.
Parasitic diseases can cause different syndrome (visceral larva migrans, ocular
larva migrans) and the clinical features can be confusing. Severe organ
involvement affecting the liver, lungs, nervous central system and eyes can
lead to serious damage. We present a case of toxocariasis presenting with
fever, desaturation and cholestatic hepatitis. Only the subsequent appearance
of eosinophilia helped us to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis
allowed specific therapy avoiding permanent complications.