Nonspecific Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness Caused by Toxocara canis 2nd Stage Larval Infestation

Abstract

BACKGROUND
In recent epidemiologic data, occurrence of asthma or recurrent bronchitis was associated with Toxocara seroprevalence in children.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the nonspecific bronchial responsiveness in patients with toxocariasis. METHOD: Seventy-one patients (mean 52.7 yr, M : F=48 : 23) who visited our hospital with eosinophilia caused by toxocara larval infestation during the period from September 1, 2003 through March 30, 2006 were evaluated. In this study we have examined bronchoalveolar larvage (BAL), methdcholine bronchoprovocation test (MBPT), and pulmonary function test for lung evaluation. Diagnosis of toxocariasis was made with ELISA that using the secretory- excretory antigen from T. canis larvae. RESULT: Toxocariasis patients had asthma like symptoms cough, dyspnea, and sputum. All patients had increased percentage of eosinophil and absolute eosinophil count (mean 26.8%, 3,191 cells/uL) in peripheral blood. Serum IgE and eosinophil cationic protein levels were increased (mean 1,723 U/mL, mean 181 ng/mL). It was found that 60.5% of toxocariasis patients had bronchial hyperreactivity (mean PC20 11.95 mg/mL). The mean of eosinophils in peripheral blood and BAL fluid were significantly higher in positive MBPT patients than in negative MBPT patients.
CONCLUSION
These results showed that bronchial hyperresponsiveness was frequently manifested in adults with toxocariasis and eosinophilia in peripheral blood, and that lung may play a significant role in the bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Nonspecific Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness Caused by Toxocara canis 2nd Stage Larval Infestation

Abstract

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