Alternative Names & Classifications:
Toxocariasis (CLINICAL), Visceral Larva Migrans (CLINICAL)
Description
Humans accidentally ingest infectious Toxocara eggs from contaminated soil or unwashed hands, acting as paratenic hosts where the larvae cannot complete their life cycle. The wandering larvae travel aimlessly through visceral organs or the eyes, causing significant eosinophilic inflammation. It predominantly affects young children with pica and individuals in lower socioeconomic settings.