Review : Visceral Larva Migrans

Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM), a syn drome occurring mainly in young children, is characterized not only by chronic eosino philia, hepatomegaly, hyperglobulinemia, but at times by involvements of lung, eye, central nervous system, heart, skin or other organs as a consequence of local larval mi grations. That Toxocaral infection is the most usual cause is now well established. As a rule the course is benign but pro longed, though a few affected children have died. Diagnosis is essentially clinical. Definite proof can be established only by demon stration of the presence of larvae in the tissue. Recent work on serologic diagnostic technics and intradermal tests with Toxo cara antigen are suggestive of future use fulness. No specific treatment is yet available. Di ethylcarbamazide has been tried without ap preciable effect on the eosinophilia. Recent studies indicate that thiabendazole may be of benefit. Preventive measures are of the utmost importance.