Anisakiasis is a parasitic nematode infection resulting from eating raw salt-water fish infected with the larval
form of Anisakissimplex or Pseudoterranovadecipiens. As sushi, the Japanese delicacy,
increasingly become more popular worldwide, this parasitic disease also has become more widespread. The third stage
larvae penetrate into the mucosa of the stomach and intestine resulting in abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea.
Occasionally the larvae penetrate through the GI tract to other organs forming granulomatous lesions. Anisakiasis can
be easily mistaken for other common gastrointestinal diseases, but should be suspected if the patient had consumed raw or
pickled fish shortly prior to the onset of the symptoms.
Toxocariasis: roundworm parasites in cats and dogs. They can infect
you.
The adult roundworms normally live in the small intestine of cats (Toxocaracati) and dogs (Toxocaracanis). It is estimated that, in North America, 20% of adult dogs, 80%
of puppies, and 28-42% of cats may be infected. Embryonated eggs are shed in the feces. People become infected
when these eggs are accidentally ingested through hand to mouth contact. Children are particularly susceptible as they
are often exposed to the eggs on sandboxes and playgrounds contaminated by cat and dog feces. Following ingestion, larvae
are released from the eggs and they penetrate through the intestine, and migrate through the liver, lungs and central nervous
system (CNS). Inflammatory response from the body gives rise to symptoms such as liver enlargement, coughs, wheezing,
eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy and fever. CNS symptoms include meningoencephalitis and seizures. The larvae eventually
stop migrating. Some die, while others remain viable for months. Toxocariasis reportedly thrives in poor urban
areas as well as in rural areas where house cats and dogs are not as routinely dewormed, and wild cats and dogs serve as a
ready reservoir for the parasite. Diagnosis is by immunoassay with the detection of Toxocara specific antibodies.
Sources: Hotez PJ, Wilkins PP. Toxocariasis: America's most common neglected infection
of poverty and a helminthiasis of global importance? PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2009 March 3(3): e400.
Hossack J, et al. A case of adult hepatic toxocariasis. Nature Clinical Practice gastroenterology
& Hepatology 2008. 5: 344-348.
Toxoplasmosis : protozoan parasite of cats. Pregnant women are
especially at risk
This is a disease caused by Toxoplasmagondii.
The parasite has 2 distinct life cycles. The sexual cycle occurs in cats, the normal host, whereas the asexual cycle
occurs in human and other mammals such as the rats. The parasite matures in the intestine of cat, and then are shed
in cat feces in the form of oocysts. Human become infected by accidental ingestion of oocysts, as well as asexual forms
of this parasite (tachyzoites and bradyzoites). Serological surveys indicate that 3-70% of healthy adults in the United
States have been infected with T. gondii. Fetus, newborn, and immunocompromised patients are especially
at risk. The parasite can be passed from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. Infection can lead to encephalomyelitis,
spontaneous abortion, and neonatal deaths. Many still births may indeed have been caused by undiagnosed toxoplasmosis.
It is recommended that pregnant women stay away from cats during their pregnancy. Most immunocompetent individuals do
not show any symptoms, However, a minority of them exhibit symptoms that simulate that of more common illnesses, and
may include fever, malaise, night sweat, abdominal pain, and myalgia. In immunocompromised patients, infection may be
rapidly progressive and fatal.
Source: Hokelek M. Toxoplasmosis. eMedicine.medscape.com.
Updated Jan 27, 2009
