Beware of parasitic infections from pets

Hookworm larvae of dogs and cats create tunnels and cause damage to human skin.

Mr. H (32 years old, Hanoi ) came to Dang Van Ngu Hospital for examination with many scratched, infected skin patches and squirming marks like worms crawling on his body. Mr. H said that he was often tormented by itching. He had been to dermatology hospitals and used allergy medicine for more than ten years but could not completely cure the disease. "I always carry a bottle of allergy medicine with me, when I feel itchy I have to take it right away, but it only relieves the itching but does not cure it completely. I feel very annoyed and am always haunted by it," said Mr. H.

Dr. Tran Huy Tho, Deputy Director of Dang Van Ngu Permanent Hospital (under the Central Institute of Malaria - Parasitology - Entomology) said that through testing, patient H had a positive Elisa index for dog and cat roundworms, increased eosinophils along with allergic symptoms on the skin. The patient was given specific medication to reduce the development of larvae and itching symptoms.

Mr. H has raised pet dogs for more than ten years and he did not think that his itching was transmitted from his pet. Analyzing Mr. H's case, Dr. Tho said: "Using anti-allergy drugs only reduces the itching but does not completely treat the cause of the dog and cat roundworm infection. After a period of treatment at Dang Van Ngu Hospital, Mr. H's itching has almost stopped but he still has to return for a check-up and evaluate the level of response to treatment."

Dr. Tran Huy Tho also said that to avoid being infected with roundworm larvae from dogs and cats, owners should not eat, sleep with, hug or kiss dogs and cats; should bathe dogs and cats regularly, have separate food bowls; waste should be disposed of cleanly; regular deworming will reduce the risk of transmitting roundworm larvae to humans, because dogs and cats are also at high risk of being infected with parasitic diseases. If people suspect being infected with parasitic diseases, they can go to specialized parasitic treatment facilities nationwide. Dang Van Ngu Hospital is currently the leading facility for treating parasitic diseases.

Most people when experiencing itching often think of skin diseases and go to dermatologists, allergy specialists, immunologists, but the treatment does not improve the condition. Many patients have been treated for dermatology for 5 years, 10 years but the itching is still there. After that, the patient was transferred to Dang Van Ngu Hospital for examination and discovered that he was infected with parasites from dogs and cats. People infected with roundworm larvae of dogs and cats, tapeworms, strongyloides, flukes, and worms often suffer from severe itching. After one or two courses of treatment, many patients have almost no more itching and can return to normal life.

VIET THANH

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