Definition of Baylisascaris
Baylisascaris definition - medical term Infection by the raccoon roundworm. Bayl isascaris procyonis
is found commonly in raccoons. When infective eggs of this roundworm are ingested
by humans, Baylisascaris larvae hatch in the intestine and travel through the organs
and muscles. This is the larva migrans syndrome.
Infected raccoons shed millions of eggs in their feces. The eggs develop to the
infective stage in 2-4 weeks. The eggs are resistant to most environmental conditions
and, with adequate moisture, can survive for years. Infection is spread when eggs
are accidentally ingested by a person or animal. People, especially young children,
become infected from accidentally ingesting eggs from soil, water, hands, or other
objects that have been contaminated with raccoon feces. The eggs must be ingested
by a human or other animal to be able to hatch and release larvae. Animals may also
become infected by eating a smaller animal that has been infected with Baylisascaris.
The signs and symptoms of Baylisascaris infection depend on how many eggs are
ingested and where in the body the larvae travel to. Once swallowed and inside the
body, eggs hatch into larvae, which then cause disease when they migrate through
the liver, brain, spinal cord, and other organs. Swallowing a few eggs may cause
few or no symptoms. Ingesting large numbers of eggs may lead to serious symptoms.
These symptoms may include nausea, fatigue, liver enlargement, lack of coordination,
lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of muscle control, coma, and
blindness. Some cases have resulted in death. Signs and symptoms of infection may
take a week or so after ingestion of eggs to develop.
Anyone exposed to environments in which raccoons live is potentially at risk.
Young children and developmentally disabled persons are at highest risk for infection
because they spend time outdoors and they may put dirty fingers or objects into
their mouths. Hunters, trappers, taxidermists, and wildlife rehabilitators may also
be at increased risk if they handle raccoons or raccoon feces.
No effective cure is available. To prevent infection, avoid direct contact with
raccoons, especially their feces. Do not keep, feed, or adopt raccoons as pets!
Raccoons are wild animals. Discourage raccoons from living in and around your home
or parks by removing access to food. Clear brush so raccoons are not likely to make
a den on your property. Stay away from areas and materials that might be contaminated
by raccoon feces. Raccoons typically defecate at the base of or in raised forks
of trees, or on raised horizontal surfaces such as fallen logs, stumps, or large
rocks. Raccoon feces also can be found on woodpiles, decks, rooftops, and in attics,
garages, and haylofts. Feces usually are dark and tubular, have a pungent odor (usually
worse than dog or cat feces), and often contain undigested seeds or other food items.
To eliminate eggs, raccoon feces and material contaminated with raccoon feces
should be removed carefully and burned, buried, or sent to a landfill. Care should
be taken to avoid contaminating hands and clothes. Treat decks, patios, and other
surfaces with boiling water or a propane flame-gun. (Exercise proper precautions!)
Prompt removal and destruction of raccoon feces will reduce risk for exposure and
possible infection. Newly deposited eggs take at least 2-4 weeks to become infective.
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