Toxocariasis is a human infection which is caused by ingestion of the roundworm parasites typically found in cats, dogs, and foxes. This disease is much more common among children, who are at higher risk of touching grass or soil which has been contaminated with parasites due to exposure to feces from infected animals. Children may play in such areas and then put their hands in their mouth, hence contracting the parasite. Adults and teens can also contract this infection, however it is less common and cannot be passed or spread from person to person.
In most instances, Toxocariasis causing parasites will die within several months of ingestion and cause no major symptoms. However, in more extreme cases there can be several, quite severe symptoms, which must be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Your physician can perform a simple blood test to confirm a Toxocariasis diagnosis, which can be treated with a course of medication called an anthelminthic, which kills the infection causing larvae. If you suspect that either yourself or a family member to be suffering from this infection, you should contact your doctor immediately. The most commonly seen symptoms of this infection are detailed below.
1. Fatigue
The initial symptom to be aware of is that of fatigue. Fatigue is often categorized by tiredness, reduced energy, physical or mental exhaustion, or persistent lack of motivation, but is usually a markedly different feeling than the general drowsiness that typically comes before falling asleep or the psychological feeling of apathy. If you or your child is experiencing general weakness and lingering fatigue, this can be a potential warning sign of this infection. In children, who are typically much more more active and energetic, this distinction may be much more readily seen than in older adults or even teens.
Any ongoing display of extreme lethargy, exhaustion, or general continued lack of energy is certainly cause for concern and could signal a Toxocariasis infection is at work. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of any infection, as your body begins to work overtime to rid itself of these invading parasites and return your body back to its proper functioning state. Otherwise unexplained fatigue, exhaustion or overall feelings of weakness are one of the leading symptoms of this infection, so you’ll want to inform your doctor if you notice this symptom occurring.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Loss Of Appetite
Another symptom to be on the lookout for is loss of appetite. Fatigue and reduction in appetite can often work hand in hand. Loss of appetite typically means you have less of a desire to eat than is normal for you, which can mean many different things based on your typical amount of food consumption. Whether it displays as simply not wanting to eat, not feeling hungry for extended periods of time, the feeling that eating will make you physically ill or even unintentional weight loss, it’s a symptom that you should certainly take very seriously.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Skin Rashes
With a Toxocariasis infection, skin rashes are a highly common occurrence or in certain instances the only symptom displayed. Skin rashes can manifest themselves in a variety of ways including the most commonly seen manifestation called urticaria, which is categorized as either persistent flesh colored areas of swollen skin (weal) surrounded by redness. It can also present as varying types of eczema including dyshidrosis and atopic dermatitis and in rare cases as inflammation of the subcutaneous fat (panniculitis), inflamed blood vessels (vasculitis), eosinophilic folliculitis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Reiter syndrome, and Wells syndrome. The skin rash may or may not itch , depending on how it presents.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Wheezing Or Breathing Difficulties
This type of infection may also cause respiratory issues like wheezing or difficulty in breathing. If you hear a high-pitched whistling or rattling sound in the chest while breathing in (inspiration)or breathing out (expiration), this should be cause for contacting your physician. In children, this can be an especially nerve wracking symptom, as they are more likely to experience feelings of panic, due to the sensation of not being able to properly draw a breath. Keep you child as calm as possible during this time and try to explain what’s happening, so they aren’t so fearful.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Seizure
Another symptom of Toxocariasis is seizures. Seizures are characterized as a disorder in which the nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing violent shaking if the body. If seizures are occurring, you should actively monitor them at all times to keep the person safe from injury, like falling or biting the tongue. Seizures can also cause confusion, loss of consciousness, rapid eye movements, and drooling or frothing at the mouth. Anyone experiencing seizures should be seen by a medical professional immediately.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Blurred Or Cloudy Vision
People infected with Toxocariasis can also experience blurred or cloudy vision, which should be of particular concern, as vision loss scan become permanent. In most cases, where ocular symptoms are present, only one eye is affected. Luckily this specific form of Toxocariasis, commonly called Ocular Toxocariasis, is very rare. However, this can often be misdiagnosed, due to its rarity, so pay special attention to the potential of this symptoms, if you suspect a loved one may be suffering from Toxocariasis. Again, seek medical treatment immediately if this symptom presents itself or progresses.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. A Very Red Painful Eye
One of the final symptoms that may present in those infected with Toxocariasis is a very red painful eye. This symptom can also manifest, along with the blurred or cloudy vision, which has been mentioned above. Similar to that symptom, this can also be a precursor to vision imparement or vision loss. The pain and redness experienced is caused by inflammation, which is treatable if caught early. Thankfully, this is also a somewhat rare symptom. If your physician suspects you are suffering from this infection, he or she may also refer you to a vision specialist for further tests or to ensure no long term damage has been incurred.
