Visceral larva migrans

Visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a human infection with certain parasites found in the intestines of dogs and cats.

Causes

VLM is caused by roundworms (parasites) that are found in the intestines of dogs and cats.

Eggs produced by these worms are in the feces of the infected animals. The feces mix with soil. Humans can get sick if they accidentally eat soil that has the eggs in it. This can happen by eating fruit or vegetables that were in contact with infected soil and were not washed thoroughly before eating. People can also become infected by eating raw liver from a chicken, lamb, or cow.

Young children with pica are at high risk of getting VLM. Pica is a disorder involving eating inedible things such as dirt and paint. Most infections in the United States occur in children who play in areas, such as sandboxes, which contain soil contaminated by dog or cat feces.

After the worm eggs are swallowed, they break open in the intestine. The worms travel throughout the body to various organs, such as the lungs, liver, and eyes. They may also travel to the brain and heart.

Symptoms

Mild infections may not cause symptoms.

Serious infections may cause these symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Cough , wheezing

  Cough

  Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...

  

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  Wheezing

  Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.

  

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• Fever
• Irritability
• Itchy skin (hives)
• Shortness of breath

If the eyes are infected, loss of vision and crossed eyes can occur.

Exams and Tests

Usually, people with VLM seek medical care if they have cough, fever, wheezing, and other symptoms. They may also have a swollen liver since it’s the organ most affected.

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms. If VLM is suspected tests that may be done include:

• Complete blood count

  Complete blood count

  A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The tota...

  

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• Blood tests to detect antibodies to toxocara

Treatment

This infection usually goes away on its own and may not require treatment. Some people need to take anti-parasitic drugs.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Severe infections involving the brain or heart can result in death, but this is rare.

Possible Complications

These complications may occur from the infection:

• Blindness

  Blindness

  Blindness is a lack of vision. It may also refer to a loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Partial blindness mean...

  

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• Worsened eyesight
• Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
• Heart rhythm problems
• Difficulty breathing

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you develop any of these symptoms:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Eye problems
• Fever
• Rash

A full medical exam is needed to rule out VLM. Many conditions cause similar symptoms.

Prevention

Prevention includes deworming dogs and cats and preventing them from defecating in public areas. Children should be kept away from areas where dogs and cats may defecate.

It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching soil or after touching cats or dogs. Teach your children to wash their hands thoroughly after being outdoors or after touching cats or dogs.

DO NOT eat raw liver from a chicken, lamb, or cow.