Ocular toxocariasis in Austria (two cases)

History and clinical findings: Two women (aged 21 and 44 years) were referred because of a suspect retinal lesion. An ophthalmological examination in both revealed prominent retinal granulomatous foci, probably ocular toxocariasis. Both women were otherwise well; both reported close contact with dogs. investigations: Among a full array of laboratory tests the only major pathologic findings were high antibody titres against Toxocara canis (patient 1: 70 antibody units [AU]; patient 2: > 100 AU), specific antibodies in the ELISA and Western blot tests confirming the diagnosis of T. canis infection. Diagnosis, treatment and course: Both patients were treated with prednisolone (initially 75 mg/d, gradually decreasing over 4 months) and albendazole (Z x 800 mg/d for 6 days), with complete healing of the chorioretinal foci, Conclusion: General physicians as well as ophthalmologists should more often include Toxocara canis infection in the differential diagnosis, because the larvae, in their migration through the body, can infest various organs where they can cause inflammatory or allergic reactions.