VPA 211: General Veterinary Parasitology and Helminthology (3+1)

Visceral larva migrans

VISCERAL LARVAL MIGRANS [VLM]

• It is a condition which occurs in unnatural host (in human being especially children) caused by larvae of T.canis, T.cati, Toxascaris leonina, Capillaria hepatica and Lagochilascaris major.
• Commonly occurs in one to 5 years age group children. Because of the habit of dirt eating.
• The soil may be contaminated with eggs of T.c anis. Following accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs hatch in the intestine, the liberated L₂ penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate to various visceral organs like liver, lungs, kidney, brain and eye.

Pathogenesis

• Hepatomegaly, eosinophilic granulomatous lesions in the liver, intermittent fever, persistent coughing, eosinophil may reach upto 50%, pulmonary infiltration and loss of appetite. The eye lesion may resemble retino blastoma.

Diagnosis

• Based on clinical signs.
• Hepatomegaly.
• Leucocytosis.
• Immuno diagnosis.
• Demonstration of larvae in biopsy.