Humans are accidental hosts who become infected by ingesting infective eggs in contaminated soil or infected transport hosts. After ingestion, the eggs hatch into larvae. 11. The larvae penetrate the intestinal wall and are circulated to various tissues (eg, liver, heart, lungs, brain, muscle, eyes).
How does Toxocara canis spread to humans?
Adults and children can become infected by accidentally swallowing dirt that has been contaminated with dog or cat feces that contain infectious Toxocara eggs. Although it is rare, people can also become infected from eating undercooked meat containing Toxocara larvae.
What is the life cycle of Toxocara canis?
Toxocara canis accomplishes its life cycle in dogs, with humans acquiring the infection as accidental hosts. Unembryonated eggs are shed in the feces of the definitive host (1). Eggs embryonate and become infective in the environment (2).
How is Toxocara canis treated in humans?
Visceral toxocariasis can be treated with antiparasitic drugs such as albendazole or mebendazole. Treatment of ocular toxocariasis is more difficult and usually consists of measures to prevent progressive damage to the eye.
What is human toxocariasis?
Abstract. Human toxocariasis is a helminthozoonosis due to the migration of Toxocara species larvae through human organism. Humans become infected by ingesting either embryonated eggs from soil (geophagia, pica), dirty hands or raw vegetables, or larvae from undercooked giblets.
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How does Toxocara canis spread to humans?What is the life cycle of Toxocara canis?
