Nonspecific Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness Caused by T. canis 2nd Stage Larval Infestation

Whether parasite infestations stimulate or inhibit bronchial asthma is debated. In epidemiologic studies, occurrence of asthma/recurrent bronchitis were associated with Toxocara seroprevalence in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nonspecific bronchial responsiveness in patients with toxocariasis. Seventy-one patients (mean 52.7 yr, M: F = 48: 23) with eosinophilia caused by toxocara larval infection were evaluated from September 1, 2003 through March 30, 2006.In this study we have examed bronchoalveolar larvage (BAL), methacholone bronchoprovocation test (MBPT), and pulmonary function test for lung evaluation.Diagnosis of toxocariasis was made with ELISA that use the secretory-excretory antigen from T. canis larvae.Toxocariasis patients had asthma like symptoms; cough (46.4%), dyspnea (25.3), sputum (9.8%). All patients had increased percentage of eosinophil and absolute eosinophil count (mean 26.8%, 3191 cells/uL) in peripheral blood. Serum IgE and eosinophil cationic protein levels were increased (mean1723 U/mL, mean 181 ng/mL). It was found that 60.5% of toxocariasis had bronchial hyperreactivity (mean PC20 11.95mg/mL). The means of eosinophils in peripheral blood and BAL fluid were significantly higher in positive MBPT patients than negative MBPT patients.It is suggested that eosinophilia in peripheral blood and lung may play a significant role in the bronchial hyperresponsiveness in adult toxocariasis.BAL fluid (Table1.).disodium cromoglycate Whether parasite infestations stimulate or inhibit bronchial asthma is debated. In epidemiologic studies, occurrence of asthma/recurrent bronchitis were associated with Toxocara seroprevalence in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nonspecific bronchial responsiveness in patients with toxocariasis. Seventy-one patients (mean 52.7 yr, M: F = 48: 23) with eosinophilia caused by toxocara larval infection were evaluated from September 1, 2003 through March 30, 2006. In this study we have examed bronchoalveolar larvage (BAL), methacholone bronchoprovocation test (MBPT), and pulmonary function test for lung evaluation. Diagnosis of toxocariasis was made with ELISA that use the secretory-excretory antigen from T. canis larvae. Toxocariasis patients had asthma like symptoms; cough (46.4%), dyspnea (25.3), sputum (9.8%). All patients had increased percentage of eosinophil and absolute eosinophil count (mean 26.8%, 3191 cells/uL) in peripheral blood. Serum IgE and eosinophil cationic protein levels were increased (mean1723 U/mL, mean 181 ng/mL). It was found that 60.5% of toxocariasis had bronchial hyperreactivity (mean PC20 11.95mg/mL). The means of eosinophils in peripheral blood and BAL fluid were significantly higher in positive MBPT patients than negative MBPT patients. It is suggested that eosinophilia in peripheral blood and lung may play a significant role in the bronchial hyperresponsiveness in adult toxocariasis. BAL fluid (Table1.).disodium cromoglycate