ABSTRACT

Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Toxocara cati and T. canis, which live in the intestinal system of cats (T. cati) and dogs (T. canis). Infective eggs can enter the gastrointestinal system by the oral route via foods contaminated with feces of dogs or cats or via dirty contaminated hands. The larvae penetrate the small intestine and migrate to visceral organs by systemic circulation. Hypereosinophilia is a common finding in the tissue invasion of parasites. Serological methods are the principle diagnostic methods for toxocariasis. In this study, we reported a toxocariasis patient presented with hypereosinophilia, hepatomegaly, and intestinal involvement. Computed tomography showed diffuse thickening of the ileal bowel loop walls around the umbilicus. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed an enlarged periduodenal lymph node. Symptoms improved with albendazole treatment with a subsequent flare.

Keywords: Hypereosinophilia, toxocariasis, atypical zoonosis