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Toxocarosis - Treatment and Prevention
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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There is no single etiotropic treatment for toxocariasis. Antinematode drugs are used: albendazole, mebendazole, diethylcarbamazine. All of the listed antihelminthic drugs are effective against migrating larvae and are not effective enough against tissue forms located in granulomas of internal organs. In foreign countries, the drug of choice is diethylcarbamazine, which is registered in the Russian Federation but is not available in pharmacies.
- Albendazole is prescribed orally after meals at a dose of 10-12 mg/kg per day in two doses (morning and evening) for 10-14 days. During treatment with the drug, it is necessary to perform control blood tests (possibility of agranulocytosis) and a biochemical study (hepatotoxic effect of the drug). If the activity of aminotransferases increases slightly, the drug is not discontinued.
- Mebendazole is prescribed orally at 200-300 mg per day in 2-3 doses for 10-15 days; two cycles are carried out with an interval of 2 weeks.
- Diethylcarbamazine is prescribed orally at a dose of 3-4 mg/kg per day, the course of treatment is 21 days.
Antiparasitic treatment of toxocariasis in the ocular form is carried out according to the same schemes as for visceral toxocariasis. Indications for treatment are determined individually, depending on the nature of the eye lesion and taking into account possible complications as a result of treatment. Before the start of the treatment cycle, it is recommended to use glucocorticoids for 1 month (1 mg / kg of prednisolone per day). Granulomas are removed by microsurgical methods; laser coagulation is used to destroy toxocara larvae in the eye environments.
Patients with toxocariasis are prescribed antipyretic drugs for fever, antihistamines to relieve allergic reactions, and bronchodilator therapy is administered if there are signs of broncho-obstruction.
In case of asymptomatic course of the invasion with low titers of specific antibodies, etiotropic treatment of toxocariasis is not carried out.
Prognosis for toxocariasis
The prognosis for uncomplicated toxocariasis is favorable; in the case of massive invasion and eye damage, it is serious.
Approximate periods of incapacity for work
The period of incapacity is determined individually.
[ Clinical examination
Outpatient monitoring of those who have recovered is carried out by an infectious disease specialist or general practitioners (therapist, pediatrician). Patients are subject to medical examination every 2 months. Additional studies and consultations are carried out according to indications, depending on clinical manifestations. The criteria for the effectiveness of treatment are an improvement in the general condition, gradual regression of clinical symptoms, a decrease in the level of eosinophilia and titers of specific antibodies. The clinical effect of treatment is ahead of the positive dynamics of hematological and immunological changes. In case of relapses of clinical symptoms, persistent eosinophilia and positive immunological reactions, repeated courses of treatment are carried out. Outpatient monitoring is established for individuals with low titers of anti-toxocariasis antibodies and, if clinical signs of the disease appear, specific treatment for toxocariasis is carried out.