Toxocariasis: An unusual cause of pleural effusion

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015 Oct;50(10):E35-6. doi: 10.1002/ppul.23192. Epub 2015 Apr 2.

Abstract

Toxocara canis, one of the most frequent parasites worldwide, rarely triggers respiratory symptoms. We report the case of a 5-year-old girl hospitalized for a unilateral eosinophilic pleural effusion due to Toxocara canis. Besides the fact that she was living in a squat, no other medical condition was reported. There was no other site of infection caused by the parasite and she was successfully treated with albendazole. This case report is obviously unique as very few cases of pleural effusion due to Toxocara canis are reported in literature, all in adult patients.

Keywords: eosinophil; pleural effusion; pneumonia; toxocariasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pleural Effusion / parasitology*
  • Toxocariasis / diagnosis*
  • Toxocariasis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Albendazole