Addressing Toxocara in humans and companion animals as a public health issue
Date
2018-04-16
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are zoonotic parasites that primarily infect dogs and cats. Toxocara is especially relevant to human health because humans frequently live in close contact with companion animals. Young animals are at risk for complications while adult dogs and cats rarely experience severe illness due to Toxocara infection. Infected humans can develop toxocariasis, which can be very dangerous. Both humans and animals can become infected by accidently ingesting Toxocara eggs. Because Toxocara eggs can persist in the environment under harsh conditions and for very long periods of time, infection is significant health concern. The issue of Toxocara is not currently being addressed properly. In order to comprehensively and effectively address Toxocara infection, public health initiatives targeting human health, animal health, and Toxocara in the environment must be implemented to decrease incidence and prevalence of Toxocara infection.
Description
Thesis completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Alfred University Honors Program.
Type
Thesis
item.page.format
Keywords
Honors thesis, Toxocara, Health, Animals