Toxocara cati:: an underestimated zoonotic agent

The role of Toxocara cati as a zoonosis is reviewed. It is suggested that, despite case histories of human infection in the literature, historical factors have led to T cati being under-recognized as a zoonosis, particularly when compared with the prominence given to Toxocara canis in dogs. Differentiation of the two infections remains challenging even today. It is recommended that further work be conducted to facilitate differentiation so that the importance of T. cati as a zoonosis can be clearly defined.