Abstract

RIVAROLA C, Marlene E et al. Toxocara Canis in a Rural Pediatric Population. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2009, vol.36, n.2, pp.118-122. ISSN 1683-9803.

Introduction: Parasitosis is a common public health problem worldwide, especially in underdeveloped countries. Toxocara canis is a zoonosis that demonstrates significant morbidity and mortality in humans. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and eosinophilia associated with a diagnosis of Toxocara canis in children from the study population. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study of children in two rural populations. The population studied 68 patients, 32 children randomly selected from the city of Piribebuy, and 36 from Itaugua. Results: Age range of patients was from 8 months to 15 years, with a ratio (1.1:1) of slightly more boys than girls. Al patients included were given physical exams, blood count, and the IgG Toxocara canis antibody test. Of the 68 patients included in the study, 53 (78%) were serum positive for Toxocara canis. Adenomegaly and hepatomegaly were diagnosed by clinical signs in 14/68 (20.5%). Laboratory testing found that only 18% (12/68) were anemic, while 57% (39/68) showed eosinophilia, with severe cases found in 52% of them (20/39). Discussion: The rate of Toxocara canis infection in the study population is high. The clinically asymptomatic form is most common, with a low percentage of anemia being found. Eosinophilia was present in more than half of all cases, with the severe form being more common. The presence of severe eosinophilia should lead to suspicion that Toxocara canis or other parasitoses may be present.

Keywords : Toxocara canis; parasitosis; human; child; Paraguay.

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