ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Different epidemiological studies have demonstrated that specific anti-Toxocara antibodies are detected in the serum of a high percentage of the Spanish population. But very few clinical cases of visceral larva migrans are being confirmed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two cases of visceral toxocarosis, in two sisters, are described. In the first, the prevailing clinic was swelling of joints and upper respiratory tract symptoms; and asthma and cutaneous allergic manifestations in the second patient. Both cases presented with an elevated blood eosinophil count, high levels of total IgE and high titlers of anti-Toxocara antibodies. All symptoms disappeared after treatment with diethylcarbamazine and they remain asymptomatic several months after. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric population, toxocarosis should be ruled out in every patient with respiratory symptoms, allergic cutaneous manifestations and elevated blood eosinophil count. The anti-Toxocara antibodies assay is of great value in establishing the diagnosis of this parasitic disease.
