Toxocara canis

Definition

Toxocara canis is a parasitic roundworm commonly found in dogs, which can also infect humans causing toxocariasis. It belongs to the class of nematodes and is transmitted via ingestion of eggs from contaminated environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Toxocara canis eggs are highly resistant in the environment and can remain infectious for years.
2. Humans typically become infected through accidental ingestion of soil or food contaminated with Toxocara eggs.
3. Once inside a human host, the larvae can migrate through various tissues causing visceral or ocular larva migrans.
4. The lifecycle of Toxocara canis includes several stages: egg, larval, and adult stages that occur within different hosts such as dogs and humans.
5. Diagnosis in humans often involves serological tests to detect antibodies against Toxocara larvae.

Review Questions

• What are the primary hosts for Toxocara canis?
• How do humans typically become infected with Toxocara canis?
• What are the potential health impacts of Toxocara canis infection on humans?

Related terms

Helminths: Parasitic worms including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes.

Visceral Larva Migrans: A condition caused by the migration of nematode larvae through human tissues.

Nematodes: A class of roundworms that includes many parasitic species affecting both animals and plants.