Page 15 - Abstract Book ICOH4

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Helminthic Meat-Borne Infection in Japan

Ayako Yoshida 1, 2
1 Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki
2 Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Miyazaki

Abtract

Larva Migrans Syndromes (LMSs) are clinical syndromes in humans caused by the migratory larvae of certain
nematodes. Although various parasites have been known to cause LMSs, ascarid nematodes, namely Toxocara spp.
(T. canis and T. cati) and Ascaris suum, are the most popular and important causative species. T. canis, T. cati and
A. suum are ubiquitous intestinal parasites of dogs, cats, and pigs, respectively. In other animals such as humans,
the parasites do not develop into adult worms but remain as larvae, migrating through different organs of the body.
The migratory larvae give rise to various clinical syndromes including visceral, ocular and neurologic LMS. Currently,
serological tests are recognized as the most effective approach for the diagnosis of ascarid LMS. In Western
countries, it had been well-known that ascarid LMS was a disease of children who accidentally ingested the eggs
from contaminated soil or vegetables. In Japan, however, ascarid LMS must be considered a meat-borne disease of
adulthood who have consumed raw meat or liver of cattle and chickens. Considering the above-mentioned situation
on ascarid LMS in Japan, epidemiological survey for these ascarid infections in domestic animals is urgently required
to evaluate the potential risk for ascarid infections through the meat consumption. Adequate prevention and control
of ascarid LMS require continuous and improved programs to educate consumers, producers and medical
practitioners.

TH
THE 4 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ONE HEALTH (ICOH)

“Strengthening Collaboration in One Health Systems”