Toxocara canis
Toxocara canis
Toxocara canis (pronunciation: /tɒksəˈkærə ˈkeɪnɪs/) is a worldwide-distributed helminth parasite of dogs and other canids. The term is derived from the Greek words "toxon" meaning bow and "kara" meaning head, referring to the shape of the worm's anterior end, and "canis", the Latin word for dog.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Toxocara canis involves the ingestion of eggs by a suitable host, typically a dog or puppy. The eggs hatch in the intestine, releasing larvae that migrate through the tissues of the host. The larvae eventually return to the intestine to mature into adult worms. In some cases, the larvae can migrate to other tissues, causing a condition known as visceral larva migrans.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Infection with Toxocara canis can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including weight loss, diarrhea, and a pot-bellied appearance. In humans, the symptoms can be more severe and include fever, cough, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis is typically made through the identification of eggs in a stool sample.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for Toxocara canis infection typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs, such as fenbendazole or pyrantel pamoate. Prevention strategies include regular deworming of dogs and puppies, as well as good hygiene practices to prevent accidental ingestion of eggs.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Toxocara canis
- Wikipedia's article - Toxocara canis
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski