Visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a human infection with certain parasites found in the intestines of dogs and cats.

Parasite infection - visceral larva migrans; VLM; Toxocariasis; Ocular larva migrans; Larva migrans visceralis

VLM is caused by roundworms (Toxocara) that are found in the intestines of dogs and cats.

Eggs produced by these worms are in the feces of the infected animals. The feces mix with soil. Humans can get sick if they accidentally eat soil that has roundworm eggs in it. This can happen by eating fruit or vegetables that were in contact with infected soil and were not washed thoroughly before eating. People can also become infected by eating raw liver from a chicken, lamb, or cow.

Young children or people with pica are at high risk for getting VLM. Pica is a disorder involving eating inedible things such as dirt and paint. Most infections in the United States occur in children who play in areas such as sandboxes, which contain soil contaminated by dog or cat feces.

After the worm eggs are swallowed, they break open in the intestine. The worms travel throughout the body to various organs, such as the lungs, liver, and eyes. They may also travel to the brain and heart.

Mild infections may not cause symptoms.

Serious infections may cause these symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Cough, wheezing
• Fever
• Irritability
• Itchy skin (hives)
• Shortness of breath

If the eyes are infected, loss of vision and crossed eyes can occur.

This infection usually goes away on its own and may not require treatment. Some people with a moderate to severe infection need to take anti-parasitic medicines.

Severe infections involving the brain or heart can result in death, but this is rare.

These complications may occur from the infection:

• Blindness
• Worsened eyesight
• Infection of the brain (encephalitis)
• Heart rhythm problems
• Difficulty breathing

Contact your provider if you develop any of these symptoms:

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

A full medical exam is needed to check for VLM. Many conditions cause similar symptoms.

Prevention includes deworming dogs and cats and preventing them from defecating in public areas. Children should be kept away from areas where dogs and cats may defecate.

It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching soil or after touching cats or dogs. Teach your children to wash their hands thoroughly after being outdoors or after touching cats or dogs.

Do not eat raw liver from chickens, lambs, or cows.

Published Date: November 10, 2024
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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