CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF TOXOCAROSIS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to study the clinical and epidemiological features of visceral forms of toxocariasis in children. Materials and methods. The study involved 34 children (17 boys and 17 girls from 1 to 17 years old) with a diagnosis of toxocariasis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the method of immunoenzymatic analysis (ELISA) of blood, which allows to determine the level of specific antibodies of JgG to antigens of toxocar in children. In all patients, antibodies to toxocaram were found in a titer of 1: 800 and above, which was considered a diagnostic criterion. To exclude mixed infections, antibodies to lamblia antigens, ascarids, trichinelles and opistarchs were determined using the ELISA method of blood. Feces were studied for eggs of helminths threefold in all children. Results. Toxocarosis in children is characterized by a polymorphism of clinical manifestations. In 85.3% of patients the gastrobiliary system was damaged, dyspepsia, unstable stool, hepatosplenomegaly, which was confirmed by instrumental research methods (ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity organs, esophagogastroduodenoscopy). In addition to lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, 44.1% of patients showed lung damage, and 63.3% of patients had skin manifestations. Eye damage was noted in 10.2% of sick children, a kind of strabismus and reduced vision. Conclusion. Analysis of clinical and epidemiological data of children with toxocarosis showed that all observed had signs of impairment from the gastrointestinal tract, bronchopulmonary system and skin. In the epidemic process, preschool children are primarily involved. The decisive role in the prevention of toxocarias is played by public health education and early education of children with health skills.