Toxocariasis; Ocular larva migrans; Larva migrans visceralis

This infection usually goes away on its own and may not require treatment. However, some people may need anti-parasitic drugs such as albendazole.

Mild infections may go away without treatment. Severe infections involving the brain or heart can result in death, but this is rare.

• Blindness
• Decreased visual acuity (worsened eyesight)
• Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
• Heart arrhythmias
• Respiratory distress

Contact your health care provider if you develop any of the following symptoms:

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

A full medical exam is needed to rule out visceral larva migrans. There are many conditions that cause similar symptoms.

Images

Digestive system organs

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Visceral larva migrans Symptoms

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Visceral larva migrans Prevention

Review Date: 12/10/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)