[Long-term observations of ocular toxocariasis in children and youth].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical status and ELISA test changes in a group of children with ocular toxocariasis.


METHODS
We enrolled 37 patients in the studies. The follow-up period lasted at least 3 years (3-15 years) after the diagnosis had been established. In all cases a complete ophthalmological examination and actual ELISA test were performed. We compared the clinical status in two groups of patients: one with positive and the other with negative ELISA test at the time of control examination.


RESULTS
In a majority of initially positive serological patients the control ELISA test for Toxocara canis antigen was negative. In these cases various post-inflammatory lesions in the anterior and posterior pole of the eye were present. In 8 cases the ELISA test was positive, despite the absence of active inflammatory process. In 5 serologically positive patients the active inflammation was observed. In more than 50% of cases the visual acuity was decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular toxocariasis is a long-lasting, severe type of uveitis that requires long treatment and causes dramatic visual impairment. ELISA test is a sensitive method indicating the intensity of inflammation in ocular toxocariasis.
Krukar-Baster
K
K
Katedry I Kliniki Okulistyki Collegium Medicum UJ w Krakowie.
Zygulska-Mach
H
H
Sajak-Hydzik
K
K
Kubicka-Trzaska
A
A
Dymon
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D015822:Eye Infections, Parasitic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007815:Larva Migrans / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests; D017166:Toxocara canis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014787:Vision Tests; D014792:Visual Acuity