Risk of human infection with Toxocara canis by contact with infected dogs. Lavrov NA (Based on foreign literature)

Until now it was thought that the development of Toxocara canis eggs to invazionnnyh stages is a prerequisite of their stay in the soil for two to seven weeks. Consequently, eliminates the possibility of infective eggs in the human body with dog hair.
Scientific studies conducted A.Volfom and I.P.Raytom proved the danger of direct human Toxocara canis infection after contact with infected dogs (data Veterinary Report (2003) 152, 419-422).

In the aforementioned study was investigated the degree obsemenёnnosti hair dogs eggs Toxocara. Were selected and analyzed hair samples from 60 dogs. 25% of the samples were contaminated with helminth eggs round in various stages of development, including eggs, larvae comprising the second step (the infective stage).
On the basis of this study, the scientists argue that contact with dogs is a major human infection by invasive stage Toxocara canis.

The larvae of the parasite does not develop in the human body. However, it may be a random host. Contact larvae in the human body can cause serious disorders, especially in children.

If taken into the body of the larvae observed random host migration into tissues and organs. Can be observed:
• Skin migration (with the signs of skin lesions)
• Visceral migration (migration of the larvae in the brain)
• Ocular migration (presence of larvae in the auditorium of the unit)

Theory of scientists about the possibility of human infection from animals confirmed by epidemiological data. For example, there is no relationship between the degree of contamination of the soil and the amount of antibodies to toxocariasis in humans. Urban residents are much lower titer than rural residents, although the extent of soil contamination Toxocara eggs are higher in urban areas.
Particularly convincing evidence of studies conducted on the island of C-Lucia: 86% of the population have antibodies to Toxocara canis, whereas the eggs themselves Toxocara eggs were found in only 20% of the soil samples.
In addition, studies in which participated the British breeders of dogs, showed that the presence of antibodies in the body of dog owners has a direct relationship to the number of dogs contained in the house. Thus, among breeders having up to 5 dogs 10% had antibodies to toxocariasis, while among breeders containing more than 7 antibodies were detected in 28%

Thus, we can say that there is a real risk of human infection with Toxocara canis eggs from dogs.
Minimize the chance of infection is possible by increasing the awareness of dog owners and conduct preventive deworming of animals, which is the primary measure to prevent human infection toxocariasis. Of fundamental importance is the regularity of deworming. In our country it is customary to carry out deworming pets no more than 1 time in 6 months, while the international association of veterinarians recommends the use of anthelmintic drugs every 3 months. This is due to the fact that it was three months — a period during which accumulates in the intestines of animals «critical mass» of worms and there is a danger to the health of the animal and its owner.

Drontal Plus (Bayer) is recommended for safe degelmentizatsii dogs. The active components of the drug (pyrantel and fenbantel) exhibit a unique synergistic effect. Single treatment with this drug dog enough to eliminate the infestation Toxocara canis. Furthermore, Drontal Plus effective against other common helminthiasis dogs. In February 2005, Bayer is on the market a new Drontal Plus — flavored meat. Now deworming procedure becomes even easier and more enjoyable for owners for dogs.