Atypical ocular toxocariasis.

Abstract

The case presented emphasizes that Toxocara Canis can involve the anterior segment of the eye as an isolated disease process. Most cases of ocular Toxocara Canis are not associated with the other features of the visceral larva migrans syndrome but certainly represents a spectrum of the same parasitic disease. At present, an eosinophil count and isohemagglutinin titers against A and B blood groups appear the easiest hematologic studies to perform and are fairly reliable indicators of active Toxocara infestation. The VLM syndrome is usually a benign, self-limited disease but occasionally severe ocular, pulmonary or CNS involvement may result. The diagnosis should be considered in any child with a unilateral ocular inflammatory disease, especially if there is a history of geophagia or exposure to dogs. Treatment must take into account the severity of the disease, the organ involved, and the tendency to produce an inflammatory process upon the death of the organism. Elimination of the disease requires surveillance of dogs, especially puppies, and avoidance of geophagia.