Токсокароза - непозната паразитоза в детската възраст

Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonosis most commonly caused by roundworm larvae of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. The disease is prevalent in countries where the regular antihelminth prophylaxis of dogs and cats and the control of their population are limited. Children are usually more vulnerable due to a combination of several risk factors: underdeveloped hygiene habits, frequent contact with animals, playing in sandboxes, playgrounds and parks contaminated with animal excrements. Children in rural areas and with lower socio-economic status are at higher risk. Geophagy, which can be observed in various conditions in childhood, is also an important predisposing factor. The clinical symptoms of toxocariasis are extremely diverse - from severe involvement of the visceral organs: lungs, liver, pancreas, heart, kidneys, eyes and CNS to subclinical or an asymptomatic infection. Routine diagnostics includes ELISA for the presence of specific IgG antibodies against the excretory-secretory antigens of Toxocara spp. Since cross-reactions with other helminth agents are not rarely observed, a confirmatory test such as Western blot is usually required. Conformation of the diagnosis leads to the appropriate etiologic treatment, which assures the swiftly cure of the patients with toxocariasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]