[Toxocariasis in Swiss children]. / Toxocariasis bei Schweizer Kindern.

ABSTRACT

A report is presented on 6 clinical observations of toxocariasis in Swiss children and on an epidemiological study of toxocara infections conducted in an urban and a rural area. The ELISA test in 70 children from the city of Basel revealed no seropositive result. In contrast, 4 of 68 children tested in the village of Entlebuch were seropositive. All reported close and intensive contact with dogs (mainly puppies) or geophagia. The main presenting symptom in our 6 clinical observations was excessive and sustained eosinophilia. Additional clinical and epidemiological aspects, the clinical picture and current therapy are discussed.