Screening for toxocariasis of patients with allergic diseases

Toxocariasis is a disease of humans caused by larvae (immature worms) of either the dog roundworm (Toxocara canis) or the cat roundworm (Toxocara cati). Toxocariasis is often called visceral larva migrans. This zoonotic, helminthic infection is a major cause of blindness and may provoke rheumatic, neurologic or asthmatic symptoms. Humans normally become infected by ingestion of embryonated eggs from contaminated sources (soil, fresh or unwashed vegetables).