Eosinophilic Pneumonia Due to Toxocariasis: A Rare Case Report in a Paediatric Patient and Literature Review

Abstract

Human toxocariasis is a zoonosis caused by the larvae of Toxocara genus parasites. It is usually asymptomatic and self-limiting. However, due to either the direct action of parasites or by immunological mechanisms, it can affect several organs resulting in many clinical manifestations. Among paediatric patients, lung involvement occurs in 20–85% of cases of visceral toxocariasis, as Löffler’s syndrome, chronic pneumonia, eosinophilic pneumonia, or baby wheezing syndrome. Because of its rarity, eosinophilic pneumonia due to Toxocara larvae is not well-documented amongst medical records. This article presents a clinical case of a 2-year-old with a history of daily sand and soil ingestion, followed by sudden pulmonary symptoms, 9-day fever, abnormal chest X-ray, and intense peripheral eosinophilia. Due to the suspicion of toxocariasis pneumonia after a series of laboratory tests, the diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia caused by the parasite was confirmed. After treatment with albendazole for 5 days, the patient displayed progressive improvement in respiratory symptoms and a reduction in peripheral eosinophilia.