Visceral larva migrans

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Digestive system organs

Toxocariasis; Ocular larva migrans; Larva migrans visceralis

This infection usually goes away on its own and may not require treatment. However, some people may need anti-parasitic drugs, such as diethylcarbamazine, albendazole, or mebendazole.

Mild infections may go away on their own. Severe infections involving the brain or heart can result in death, but this is rare.

• Decreased visual acuity
• Blindness
• Respiratory distress
• Heart arrhythmias
• Encephalitis (infection of the brain)

Contact your health care provider if any of the following symptoms develop:

• Fever
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Cough
• Eye problems

A full medical exam is needed to rule out visceral larva migrans. There are many conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Review Date: 10/09/2006
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.