Toxocara canis (Visceral larva migrans)

Toxocara canis is a parasitic helminth that infects humans through egg ingestion from dog fur, soil, or undercooked lamb or rabbit. Adult worms measure from 9 to 18 cm and are yellow-white in color. They can cause the disease visceral larva migrans in humans, in which the larvae migrate to and infect the heart, liver, and central nervous system. Treatment is with the benzimidazoles; albendazole or mebendazole.