Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) is a medical condition caused by the infestation of certain parasitic larvae into the human body. It is primarily caused by roundworms of the Toxocara species, especially Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, which commonly infect dogs and cats, respectively.
The term "visceral" refers to organs inside the body, while "larva" refers to the immature form of an organism. "Migrans" indicates the ability of the parasites to travel throughout the body. Hence, Visceral Larva Migrans is characterized by the migration of these parasitic larvae through various organs and tissues within the human body.
Once these parasitic larvae are ingested, typically through contaminated soil or unwashed vegetables, they penetrate the intestinal walls and enter the systemic circulation. From there, they can travel to different organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, and central nervous system, causing inflammation and damage along the way.
The most common symptoms of Visceral Larva Migrans include fever, fatigue, cough, wheezing, abdominal pain, and sometimes neurological manifestations. In severe cases, the larvae can cause organ dysfunction and significant damage to affected tissues.
Diagnosis of VLM often involves a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to detect the presence of specific antibodies or evidence of larval migration within the organs.
Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or mebendazole, to eliminate the parasites from the body. Additional medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or address complications caused by the larvae.
Prevention mainly focuses on promoting good hygiene and sanitation practices, such as regular handwashing and proper disposal of animal feces
