Eosinophil cationic protein as a possible marker of active human Toxocara infection.

摘要: Background: Human toxocariasis is a common, worldwide helminthozoonosis that may elicit syndromes including various allergy symptoms. The diagnosis relies upon specific serology. However, this parasitosis often self-limiting, and many subjects have residual antibodies, thus making differential quite difficult when blood eosinophilia, commonly accepted criterion of active helminthiasis due to tissue-dwelling parasites, lacking. Methods results: We present patient with chronic irritant cough displaying negative allergologic screening, normal but positive immunodiagnosis. Therefore, case presented the fortuitous association an unexplained allergic picture anti-Toxocara antibodies. In attempt distinguish between past toxocaral infection, subject's level eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was assessed then compared those four control groups, namely, healthy volunteers, presenting patients helminthiases, disease. Since patient's ECP found be sharply elevated, we hypothesized viable Toxocara larvae were still in tissues, given anthelmintic therapy. At checkup, had waned decreased below mean value observed both infections. Conclusions: These data suggest, first, should checked for even if eosinophilia lacking, and, second, such immunodiagnosis, assessment would useful marker