The patient was prescribed a parasite test and an allergic antibody test. The results showed that the patient was positive for roundworms of dogs and cats (Toxocara spp.).
When the test results were available, the doctors conducted a consultation and determined that the bumps on the patient's hands were due to the movement of dog and cat roundworm larvae under the skin.
Through history, it is known that the patient works as a farmer and raises 8 animals, including 3 dogs and 5 cats.
After intensive treatment, the patient's itching completely disappeared, and the rash on his hand was completely healed. The patient was discharged from the hospital in stable health condition and was scheduled for a follow-up appointment after 1 month to retest for roundworm antibodies in dogs and cats. If antibodies are still present, doctors will consider the level of reduction to decide whether to continue treatment to completely eliminate the parasites from the body, to avoid dangerous complications.
Dr. Vu Minh Dien - Deputy Head of the Department of General Internal Medicine - said: Dog and cat roundworms are common parasites in dogs and cats. They are capable of infecting humans through the gastrointestinal tract. When humans come into contact with soil or water contaminated with worm eggs from dog or cat feces, the worm eggs can enter the body through the mouth and develop into larvae. These larvae migrate through body tissues, causing a variety of symptoms, the most common being itching, papules and skin rashes.
Dr. Dien added that the rate of roundworm infection in dogs and cats in the community is currently very high, especially in areas where many people keep dogs and cats as pets. In the past, dogs and cats were only raised to guard houses or hunt mice, but now they have become popular pets, increasing the risk of helminth infection to humans. People with positive antibodies and symptoms such as itching and rash should immediately go to reputable medical facilities for timely testing and treatment.
“Early detection and treatment of toxocariasis in dogs and cats is very important, because if not treated promptly, the parasite can cause many serious complications, affecting long-term health. Besides treatment, preventive measures such as regular deworming for dogs and cats and maintaining personal hygiene are needed to minimize the risk of infection," Dr. Dien emphasized.
