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baylisascariasis

ICD-10 Codes

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Description

Baylisascariasis: A Rare but Serious Parasitic Infection

Baylisascariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis. This large roundworm parasite lives in the intestines of raccoons and can occasionally infect other animals and humans.

Key Characteristics:

  • Rarity: Baylisascariasis is a rare but serious cause of neurologic and ocular disease in humans [1].
  • Transmission: The infection occurs when an infected raccoon's feces containing the worm's eggs are ingested, usually through contaminated food or water.
  • Symptoms: In humans, baylisascariasis can cause a range of symptoms, including:
    • Neurological problems: such as seizures, tremors, and paralysis [5].
    • Ocular disease: affecting the eyes and vision [1].
    • Other systemic symptoms: like fever, headache, and abdominal pain.

Impact on Humans

Baylisascariasis is a potentially fatal infection, primarily affecting infants or young children. The parasite's larvae can migrate through various tissues in the body, causing damage to organs and systems [5].

Prevention and Control

To prevent baylisascariasis, it is essential to avoid contact with raccoon feces and contaminated environments. Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment can also help reduce the risk of transmission.

References:

[1] Jun 13, 2019 — Baylisascaris procyonis, the raccoon roundworm, is a rare but serious cause of neurologic and ocular disease in humans. [3] Baylisascaris procyconis, (family Ascarididae) also known as raccoon roundworm, is a parasitic worm of the raccoon intestinal tract. [5] by PJ Gavin · 2005 · Cited by 238 — Baylisascaris procyonis NLM is a potentially fatal, neurologically devastating infection, primarily of infants or young children.

Additional Characteristics

  • Baylisascariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the raccoon roundworm.
  • The infection occurs when an infected raccoon's feces containing the worm's eggs are ingested.
  • In humans, baylisascariasis can cause neurological problems, ocular disease, and other systemic symptoms.
  • Baylisascariasis is a potentially fatal infection, primarily affecting infants or young children.
  • To prevent baylisascariasis, it is essential to avoid contact with raccoon feces and contaminated environments.

Signs and Symptoms

Baylisascariasis, a rare disease caused by a roundworm found in raccoons, can manifest in various ways depending on the severity of the infection.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Weakness [3]
  • Incoordination [5]
  • Ataxia [5]
  • Irritability [5]
  • Seizures [5]
  • Altered mental status [5]
  • Stupor [5]
  • Coma [8]

In children, who are more susceptible to the infection, symptoms may also include:

  • Nausea [2]
  • Tiredness [2]
  • Liver enlargement [2]
  • Loss of coordination and muscle control [8]
  • Inability to focus attention [8]
  • Enlargement of the liver [8]

In some cases, baylisascariasis can lead to more severe complications, such as:

  • Ocular larva migrans: Invasion of the eye by the parasite, which can cause blindness [6]
  • Visceral larva migrans: Infection of organs, which can be life-threatening [1]
  • Neural larva migrans: Infection of the brain, which can also be fatal [1]

It's essential to note that these symptoms may not always appear in all cases of baylisascariasis, and some individuals may remain asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms.

References: [1] - Context result 3 [2] - Context result 2 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [8] - Context result 8

Additional Symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Baylisascariasis

Baylisascariasis, a parasitic infection caused by the raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis, can be challenging to diagnose due to its nonspecific symptoms. However, several diagnostic tests are available to aid in the diagnosis of this condition.

  • Serology: Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting (Western blotting), can detect antibodies against B. procyonis in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [4][5]. These tests are not widely available and may not be sensitive enough to detect all cases.
  • MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help identify neural larva migrans, a complication of baylisascariasis, by showing deep white matter abnormalities [1].
  • Antibody tests: Testing for Baylisascaris antibodies in CSF and serum can be positive in patients with baylisascariasis [2][3].
  • ELISA test: The ELISA test uses excretory-secretory antigens derived from in vitro-cultured B. procyonis L3 larvae to detect antibodies against the parasite [4].

It's essential to note that diagnosis of baylisascariasis is often made by excluding other possible causes of symptoms, as there are no specific diagnostic tests for this condition [6]. A combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 2 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 5 [6] Context 6

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Serology
  • MRI
  • Antibody tests
  • ELISA test

Treatment

Treatment Options for Baylisascariasis

Baylisascariasis, a parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis, requires prompt and effective treatment to prevent serious complications. The preferred medication for treating this condition is albendazole, a broad-spectrum anthelmintic.

  • Early treatment with albendazole can reduce the risk of serious damage caused by the infection [2].
  • In cases where albendazole is not immediately available, alternative treatments such as mebendazole or ivermectin may be considered [1].

Importance of Early Treatment

Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing the progression of clinical signs associated with baylisascariasis. Studies have shown that rapid presumptive treatment with albendazole and high-dose steroids can halt the progression of symptoms [8].

  • A case study reported a successful treatment outcome using albendazole (40 mg/kg/d) for 28 days, combined with methylprednisolone (20mg/kg/day), in a patient with baylisascariasis [9].

Current Recommendations

The most current and effective recommendation for treating baylisascariasis is the administration of albendazole and corticosteroids as soon as possible once a suspicion of the infection arises [7]. A healthcare provider should be consulted to discuss treatment options and determine the best course of action.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9

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Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis of Baylisascariasis

Baylisascariasis, a parasitic infection caused by the nematode parasite Baylisascaris procyonis, can be challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and similarity in symptoms with other conditions. A differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other possible causes of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis.

Possible Differential Diagnoses:

  • Toxocara spp.: These nematodes can cause similar symptoms, including eosinophilic pleocytosis and peripheral eosinophilia [3][7].
  • Distemper virus: This viral infection can also present with neurological symptoms, such as deep white matter lesions on MRI [9].
  • Infectious Canine Hepatitis: This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including eosinophilic pleocytosis and peripheral eosinophilia [9].

Diagnostic Findings:

To diagnose baylisascariasis, the following findings are considered:

  • Eosinophilic pleocytosis
  • Peripheral eosinophilia
  • Deep white matter abnormalities on MRI
  • Positive Baylisascaris antibody titers on serologic testing of CSF and serum [12]

Diagnostic Challenges:

The diagnosis of baylisascariasis can be difficult due to the rarity of the condition and the similarity in symptoms with other conditions. Neuroimaging studies, such as MRI and encephalography, may assist in identifying neural larva migrans [12].

References:

[3] C Graeff-Teixeira · 2016 · Cited by 97 — A differential diagnosis of eosinophilic ... Diagnosis of baylisascariasis is dependent upon a compatible history of exposure, clinical symptoms ...

[7] They can be differentiated from some other nematodes such as Toxocara spp. by their large size and their morphology.

[9] Differential diagnoses. ○. Distemper virus. ○. Infectious Canine Hepatitis ... Recombinant antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of ...

[12] Diagnosis. Diagnosis of baylisascariasis can be difficult. Diagnostic findings include eosinophilic pleocytosis, peripheral eosinophilia, deep white matter abnormalities on MRI, and positive Baylisascaris antibody titers on serologic testing of CSF and serum.

Additional Differential Diagnoses

Additional Information

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