Article title: Baylisascaris Infection: DPD
Conditions: Baylisascaris
Source: DPD
What is Baylisascaris?
Baylisascaris is the scientific name of a type of
intestinal roundworm that can infect a variety of carnivorous (meat-eating)
animals. Baylisascaris procyonis is the name of the species found
commonly in raccoons. When infective eggs of the roundworm are ingested
by humans and other animals, Baylisascaris larvae hatch in the
intestine and travel through the organs and muscles;
this is called larva migrans syndrome. Infection rarely causes symptoms
in raccoons.
How common is Baylisascaris infection in raccoons?
Fairly common. Infected raccoons have been found throughout the United States. The highest infection rates occur in the midwest, northeast, and west coast.
How common is Baylisascaris infection in humans?
Serious infection is rarely diagnosed; fewer than 30 cases have been reported. However, it is believed that some cases are incorrectly diagnosed as other infections or go undiagnosed.
How is infection spread to
humans?
Infected raccoons commonly shed millions of eggs in their
feces, and the eggs usually develop to the infective stage in 2 - 4 weeks.
The eggs are resistant to most environmental conditions and with adequate
moisture, can survive for years. Infection is spread when infective eggs
are accidentally ingested by a person or animal. People, especially young
children, generally become infected from accidentally ingesting eggs from
soil, water, hands, or other objects that have been contaminated with
raccoon feces. The eggs must be ingested by a human or other animal to
be able to hatch and release larvae. Animals may also become infected
by eating a smaller animal that has been infected with Baylisascaris.
What are the signs and symptoms of Baylisascaris infection?
Signs and symptoms of infection depend on how many eggs
are ingested and where in the body the larvae migrate (travel to). Once
swallowed and inside the body, eggs hatch into larvae, which then cause
disease when they migrate through the liver, brain, spinal cord, and other
organs. Swallowing a few eggs may cause few or no symptoms. Ingesting
large numbers of eggs may
lead to serious symptoms. These symptoms may include nausea, tiredness,
liver enlargement, lack of coordination, lack of attention to people and
surroundings, loss of muscle control, coma, and blindness. Some cases
have resulted in death. Signs and symptoms of infection may take a week
or so after ingestion of eggs to develop.
Other animals (except raccoons) infected with Baylisascaris can
develop similar symptoms, or may die as a result of infection.
What should I do if I think I have ingested Baylisascaris
eggs?
See your health care provider immediately. Be sure to
report that you have recently been in contact with raccoons.
How is infection diagnosed?
Infection is very difficult to diagnose and often is made
by ruling out other infections that cause similar symptoms. Information
on diagnosis and testing can be obtained through DPDx,
or by calling the Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Branch at 770-488-7760.
Who is at risk for infection?
Anyone who is exposed to environments where raccoons live
is potentially at risk. Young children and developmentally disabled persons
are at highest risk for infection because they spend time outdoors and
they may put dirty fingers or objects into their mouths. Hunters, trappers,
taxidermists, and wildlife rehabilitators may also be at increased risk
if they handle raccoons or raccoon feces.
"Raccoon
Roundworm Encephalitis---Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California,
2000"
MMWR January 4, 2002 Vol. 50/No. 51.
Is treatment available?
No effective, curative treatment is yet available. However,
because early treatment might reduce serious damage caused by the infection,
seek immediate medical attention for any person seen ingesting raccoon
feces.
How can I prevent
infection in myself, my children, or my neighbors?
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider.
» Next page: Binge Eating Disorder: NIDDK
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
