Toxocariasis Test. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Toxocariasis is an invasive disease affecting humans and carnivores, caused by the nematode Toxocara canis (TC).
Toxocariasis is an invasive disease affecting humans and carnivores, caused by the nematode Toxocara canis (TC).
Infection occurs through consuming food, liquid, or contact with soil containing nematode eggs. The larvae hatch in the small intestine, where some reach sexual maturity and remain. Most penetrate the bloodstream, migrating to organs and tissues. These parasites can persist for years in the lungs, liver, heart, brain, pancreas, kidneys, and eyes. At-risk groups include children under 5, hunters, and individuals in contact with dogs or involved in soil-related work.
There are two clinical forms: cutaneous-ocular and visceral.
Indications for Toxocariasis Testing
The pathogenesis involves antigenic effects of larvae, their development causing mechanical and toxic disruptions in the definitive host. Symptoms depend on invasion intensity, larval location, reinvasion frequency, and immune response strength.
Identification of the TC pathogen is mandatory for recurring abdominal (sometimes head) pain, cough, weakness, allergic skin reactions, ocular damage, or unexplained obstructive bronchitis in children or adults. These symptoms, combined with hematological deviations, provide strong grounds for TC invasion testing.
How Toxocariasis Diagnostics Are Conducted
Diagnosis involves a standard set of procedures:
- General clinical method – collecting epidemiological and dietary history, noting geophagy in children, and confirming pet ownership.
- Laboratory techniques – complete blood count (eosinophilia 30-80%, elevated leukocytes), levels of circulating immune complexes, C-reactive protein, and active transaminases.
- Parasitological testing – coproscopy for pathogen eggs.
- Serological analysis – detecting specific immunoglobulin antibodies in serum. The most informative methods are enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect hemagglutination reaction (IHR), and enzyme-labeled antibody reaction (ELAR).
- Instrumental procedures – ultrasound, chest X-ray (infiltrates, enhanced lung pattern).
Toxocariasis can be reliably identified by detecting larvae in tissue biopsies.
Immunological tests are sometimes conducted. Symptom analysis considers differentiation from atopic dermatitis, obstructive bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, and ocular cysticercosis.
Turnaround Time for Toxocariasis Testing
Some procedures from the specific diagnostic set can be completed in 2-3 hours. However, a full range and confirmation of initial results require at least one day.
Prices and Clinics
The accuracy of interpretation depends heavily on lab equipment, staff training, and experience. The website offers users a unique opportunity to select optimal diagnostic facilities. You can also book an appointment by phone or online.
Схожі новини:
