DIFFERENTIATION OF BAYLISASCARIS SPECIES, TOXOCARA-CANIS, AND TOXASCARIS-LEONINA INFECTIONS IN DOGS

Mixed-breed dogs were found shedding eggs of Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, and Baylisascaris procyonis (the common raccoon ascarid). The public health concerns created by B. procyonis infection in raccoons are well documented, but little is known about the significance of patent B. procyonis infection in dogs. The similarities of the various egg forms of B. procyonis to the eggs of T. canis and Toxascaris leonina prompted research for developing a diagnostic protocol to differentiate these species. The goal of this protocol is to facilitate reliable diagnosis of B. procyonis infection in dogs and to increase understanding of the importance of the dog as a risk factor for baylisascariasis in humans. Transmission of B. procyonis as well as T. canis from dogs to humans can be prevented by not allowing dogs to defecate near parks or playgrounds, immediately removing canine feces, supervising children to prevent pica, and having children always wash their hands after playing with a dog.