[Long-term observations of ocular toxocariasis in children and youth]. / Odlegle obserwacje toksokarozy ocznej u dzieci i mlodziezy.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical status and ELISA test changes in a group of children with ocular toxocariasis. METHODS: We enrolled 37 patients in the studies. The follow-up period lasted at least 3 years (3-15 years) after the diagnosis had been established. In all cases a complete ophthalmological examination and actual ELISA test were performed. We compared the clinical status in two groups of patients one with positive and the other with negative ELISA test at the time of control examination. RESULTS: In a majority of initially positive serological patients the control ELISA test for Toxocara canis antigen was negative. In these cases various post-inflammatory lesions in the anterior and posterior pole of the eye were present. In 8 cases the ELISA test was positive, despite the absence of active inflammatory process. In 5 serologically positive patients the active inflammation was observed. In more than 50% of cases the visual acuity was decreased. CONCLUSION: Ocular toxocariasis is a long-lasting, severe type of uveitis that requires long treatment and causes dramatic visual impairment. ELISA test is a sensitive method indicating the intensity of inflammation in ocular toxocariasis.