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Toxocariasis is a rare and underdiagnosed disease, and data concerning epidemiological aspects of toxocariasis in Israel are lacking. We describe the epidemiology of toxocariasis in Israel. Epidemiological data of all serology tests between 2005 and 2019 were retrieved and compared with detailed demographics. Overall, 464 positive cases from a total of 10,896 tests conducted were identified, reflecting a mean positivity rate of 4.4% (yearly range, 2–22%). Over the years, a significant increase in yearly tests was noted, without a parallel change in the positivity rate. The greatest positivity was noted among males and children (< 18 years). No differences were noted when comparing urban/rural and Jewish/non-Jewish sub-groups. A significant correlation between toxocariasis incidence and dog ownership rate was observed in major cities (r[8] = 0.82, P < 0.005). Our study shows that, in Israel, toxocariasis is not restricted to specific populations or locations. The risk factor of dog contacts was reiterated by nationwide dog registration data. There is need for a seroprevalence survey to understand the disease situation more fully.

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a parasitic nematode of rodents, rarely infecting humans. An asymptomatic Israeli adult male with extensive travel history was diagnosed with a liver mass on routine post-thymectomy follow-up. Imaging and computer tomography (CT) guided biopsy were inconclusive. Surgical excision revealed an eosinophilic granuloma with fragments of a nematode suspected to be C. hepatica. Molecular methods verified the diagnosis, and the patient was treated empirically. This is the first case of hepatic capillariasis described in Israel, and the first to be diagnosed using molecular methods.

Acute epiglottitis/supraglottitis is an acute disease with potential life-threatening complications such as airway obstruction. We present the case of an 85 year old woman hospitalized due to pain in her neck, odynophagia and unclear speech. Bacteraemia with Neisseria meningitidis type Y was detected. The patient was treated with Ceftriaxone and corticosteroids with resolution of symptoms. In a literature review we found only 21 additional cases of epiglottitis and bacteraemia due to Neisseria meningitidis, 52% of which were caused by serogroup Y. All the patients with supraglottitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis were bacteremic, and 69% of them suffered from airway compromise. Routine drawing of blood culture in supraglottitis patients can lead to higher detection rates of Neisseria meningitidis cases.