A familial case of visceral toxocariasis due to consumption of raw bovine liver

Parasitol Int. 2008 Dec;57(4):525-9. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2008.08.002. Epub 2008 Aug 16.

Abstract

We present 3 adult cases of visceral toxocariasis from the same family, who each consumed thin slices of raw bovine liver weekly, and developed eosinophilia and multiple small lesions in their livers and lungs. Serological examinations using the larval excretory-secretory product of Toxocara canis strongly indicated infection with Toxocara species larvae. The patients responded well to treatment with albendazole. Ingestion of raw liver from paratenic animals is considered to be a common transmission route of human toxocariasis, especially in adults.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Helminth / blood
  • Cattle
  • Eosinophilia
  • Female
  • Food Parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral / diagnosis*
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral / drug therapy
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral / parasitology
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral / physiopathology
  • Liver / parasitology*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Lung / parasitology
  • Lung / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Toxocara canis* / immunology

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Albendazole