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Toxocariasis: treatment and prevention
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Etiotropic treatment of toxocarosis does not have a single scheme. Apply antinematode drugs: albendazole, mebendazole, diethylcarbamazine. All these anthelmintic drugs are effective against migratory larvae and are not effective against tissue forms found in granulomas of internal organs. In foreign countries, diethylcarbamazine is considered a means of choice, which is registered in the Russian Federation, but does not enter the pharmacy network.
- Albendazole is prescribed inside after meals at a dose of 10-12 mg / kg per day in two doses (morning and evening) for 10-14 days. In the process of treatment with the drug, it is necessary to perform control blood tests (the possibility of developing agranulocytosis) and a biochemical study (hepatotoxic effect of the drug). With a slight increase in aminotransferase activity, the drug is not abolished.
- Mebendazole is administered internally at 200-300 mg per day in 2-3 doses for 10-15 days; spend two cycles with an interval of 2 weeks.
- Diethylcarbamazine is prescribed inside at a dose of 3-4 mg / kg per day, treatment course - 21 days.
Antiparasitic treatment of toxocarias with ophthalmic form is carried out according to the same schemes as in visceral toxocariasis. Indications for treatment are determined individually, depending on the nature of the lesions of the eyes and taking into account possible complications resulting from treatment. Before the start of the treatment cycle, it is recommended to use glucocorticoids for 1 month (1 mg / kg prednisolone per day). Granulomas are removed by microsurgical methods, laser coagulation is used to destroy larvae of toxocar in the eye's environment.
Patients with toxocarosis with fever are prescribed antipyretic drugs, for stopping allergic manifestations - antihistamines, in the presence of signs of bronchial obstruction, bronchodilator therapy is performed.
In asymptomatic flow of invasion with low titers of specific antibodies, etiotropic treatment of toxocarosis is not performed.
Prognosis for toxocariasis
The prognosis for uncomplicated toxocarias is favorable: with massive invasion and lesions of the eyes - serious.
Approximate terms of incapacity for work
The terms of incapacity for work are determined individually.
[Clinical examination
Dispensary observation for those who have recovered is conducted by an infectious disease doctor or general practitioners (therapist, pediatrician). Patients are subject to medical examination every 2 months. Additional studies and consultations are carried out according to the indications, depending on the clinical manifestations. Criteria for the effectiveness of treatment are the improvement of the general condition, the gradual regression of clinical symptoms, the reduction of the level of eosinophilia and titres of specific antibodies. The clinical effect of treatment outstrips the positive dynamics of hematological and immunological changes. With relapses of clinical symptoms, persistent eosinophilia and positive immunological reactions, repeated courses of treatment are performed. Clinical follow-up is established for persons with low titres of anti-viral antibodies and when specific clinical signs of the disease appear, specific treatment of toxocariasis is performed.