Ocular toxocariasis

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2013 Mar-Apr;50(2):76-86. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20120821-01. Epub 2012 Aug 28.

Abstract

Ocular toxocariasis is an uncommon worldwide parasitic infection that affects mostly children and is found in both rural and metropolitan areas. In many parts of the world, parasitic infections of the eye are a major cause of blindness. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is essentially clinical, based on the lesion morphology and supportive laboratory data such as serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers and ELISA Toxocara titers on aqueous humor; other diagnostic methods are imaging studies including optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, computed tomography, and ocular ultrasound. Treatment is directed at complications arising from intraocular inflammation and vitreous membrane traction. Early vitrectomy may be of value both diagnostically and therapeutically.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Helminth / blood
  • Aqueous Humor / parasitology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Eye Infections, Parasitic* / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Parasitic* / epidemiology
  • Eye Infections, Parasitic* / etiology
  • Eye Infections, Parasitic* / therapy
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Retinal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Retinal Diseases* / etiology
  • Retinal Diseases* / therapy
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Toxocariasis* / diagnosis
  • Toxocariasis* / epidemiology
  • Toxocariasis* / etiology
  • Toxocariasis* / therapy
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth