Baylisascaris procyonis life cycle Baylisascaris procyonis is an intestinal nematode of raccoons, the definitive host (Kazacos, 2001).Infections are common among raccoons and prevalence of infection can be as high as 82% (Kazacos, 2001).Juveniles are susceptible to direct infection via ingestion of eggs; … While serologic testing has been performed in some cases as supportive diagnostic evidence, no commercial serologic test is currently available (28,29). The brain was the most heavily affected, with granulomas concentrated in the periventricular white matter, around the dentate nuclei, and along the cerebral and cerebellar cortices. The authors thank Howard A. Rowley for graciously providing the images in Figure 1. Baylisascariasis is an emerging helminthic zoonosis with the potential for severe infection that may be a more important public health problem than is currently recognized. Physicochemical characterization and monoclonal and polyclonal antibody recognition of, Comparative analysis of larval excretory-secretory antigens of. Raccoons have increasingly become peridomestic animals living in close proximity to human residences and are among the fastest growing wildlife populations nationwide. comm., W. Murray). Although there were only 22 confirmed cases of human infection of Baylisascaris between 1973 and 2010, another recently published study in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports reported seven new human cases diagnosed over just the past two years. Baylisascaris procyonis is a common and widespread parasite of raccoons in the United States and Canada. (2002). Infection can occur at any time of year, especially since eggs can persist in the environment, but a study on raccoons in New York in 1989 showed that more raccoons shed B. procyonis … Further study of the impact of larval B. procyonis infection on human health is warranted. We want to hear from you. In an experimental model, mice treated with albendazole and diethylcarbamezine within 10 days after infection were protected from CNS disease (25); however, several anthelminthic agents have been used to treat human cases without success. What is Baylisascaris procyonis? Human infection is rare but can result in ocular, visceral or neural larva migrans and is often fatal. Raccoons may also become infected when they eat larvae that have become encapsulated in the tissues of rodents and other animals (3). Baylisascariasis in humans is caused by infection with the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis. However, accurate diagnosis requires experience in recognizing larval morphologic characteristics and differentiating among a number of possible larval nematode agents, including Toxocara canis, T. cati, Ascaris lumbricoides, and species of Gnathastoma, Angiostrongylus, and Ancylostoma, as well as larval cestode infections such as cysticercosis and echinococcosis (6,27). Get the latest public health information from CDC: https://www.coronavirus.gov (link is external) It is named after H. A. Baylis, who studied them in the 1920s–30s, and Greek askaris. Have a question? Although relatively few human cases of baylisascariasis have been reported, several factors suggest that the likelihood of exposure and infection may be greater than is currently recognized. Diagnosis of B. procyonis infection is typically done through morphologic identification of larvae in tissue sections (27). Contamination of community water sources would be difficult since the eggs of B. procyonis are relatively large (80 μm long by 65 μm wide) and would be readily removed by standard filtration methods or the flocculation and sedimentation techniques used by municipal water systems in the United States. Biopsy-proven Baylisascaris procyonis encephalitis in a 13-month-old boy. This larval infection can invade the brain and eye, causing severe disease and death. Living retinal nematode (filarial-like) destroyed with photocoagulation. From 1973 through 2010, 22 documented cases of baylisascariasis were reported in humans in the United States. A single adult female worm may produce an estimated 115,000 to 877,000 eggs per day, and an infected raccoon can shed as many as 45,000,000 eggs daily (3,4,32). The first recognized human case was reported in 1984 in a 10-month-old child in Pennsylvania (3). Dr. Sorvillo is Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health. We want to hear from you. In an article recently published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an additional seven cases of human baylisascariasis. The migration of helminth larvae through tissue in suboptimal hosts is termed larva migrans and may affect the viscera (visceral larva migrans [VLM]), the eye (ocular larva migrans [OLM]), or the nervous system (neural larva migrans [NLM] (6). Enormous numbers of eggs can be readily obtained, and these eggs can survive in an infectious form for prolonged periods of time. Most reported cases have involved the central nervous system and/or the eye. Migration of the larvae of this parasite is recognized as a cause of clinical neural larva migrans (NLM) in humans, … The spread of B. procyonis roundworms into nematode-free raccoon populations … We report a case of severe raccoon roundworm (B procyonis) encephalitis in a young child to illustrate the unique clinical, diagnostic, and treatment aspects, as well as public health … Since then, at least 11 additional cases of severe or fatal B. procyonisencephalitis have been identi-fied in Illinois, California, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon (4). B. procyonis has a widespread geographic distribution, with infection rates as high as 70% in adult raccoons and exceeding 90% in juvenile raccoons (3). Fewer than 25 cases are known to have occurred, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We found that the parasite is widespread in central Germany and can pose a public health risk. Sorvillo FJ, Ash LR, Berlin O, et al. If you have problems viewing PDF files, download the latest version of Adobe Reader, For language access assistance, contact the NCATS Public Information Officer, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) - PO Box 8126, Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126 - Toll-free: 1-888-205-2311. Sorvillo, F. J., Ash, L. R., Berlin, O., Yatabe, J., Degiorgio, C., & Morse, S. A. Cross-section of larvae of B. columnaris in the brain of a laboratory-infected mouse, 400X (The appearance of B. procyonis in human tissue would … 1. No drug has been found to be completely effective in treating, expand submenu for Find Diseases By Category, expand submenu for Patients, Families and Friends, expand submenu for Healthcare Professionals. When raccoons ingest infective eggs, larvae will hatch, enter the wall of the small intestine, and subsequently develop to adult worms in the small bowel. Human infections are rare, but can be severe if the parasites invade the eye (ocular larva migrans), organs (visceral larva migrans) … center we encountered a case of a child and his father having been exposed to raccoon feces in a tree stand. Message not sent. When B. procyonis eggs are ingested by a host other than a raccoon, migration of larvae through tissue, termed larval migrans, ensues. Acute infantile hemiplegia with cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilic pleocytosis: an unusual case of visceral larva migrans. Baylisascaris procyonis is a common parasite of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in several regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. This large roundworm parasite lives in the intestines of raccoons. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/baylisascaris/gen_info/faqs.html, http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/baylisascaris/epi.html, http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/baylisascaris/, http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/baylisascariasis.pdf, http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/baylisascaris/health_professionals/. Finally, no commercial serologic test exists for the diagnosis of B. procyonis infection, and the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of available serologic tests are unknown. Figure 1. Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis syndrome in a German most likely caused by the raccoon roundworm. In addition, confirming the diagnosis requires an effective biopsy specimen that must contain an adequate cross-section of a larva. Few cases of Baylisascaris infection in humans have been reported. Baylisascaris procyonis is a common and widespread parasite of raccoons in the United States and Canada. Raccoon ascarids as a cause of larva migrans. Axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance images obtained 12 days after symptom onset show abnormal high signal throughout most of the central white matter (arrows)... Four additional cases of eosinophilic encephalitis with similar pathologic characteristics have been documented. Finally, a better understanding of the pathogenesis of B. procyonis infection and efforts to develop effective treatment approaches are warranted. With large raccoon populations occurring in many areas, the potential risk of human infection with B procyonis is high. Baylisascaris Baylisascaris infection is caused by a roundworm found in raccoons. Subacute neuroretinitis syndrome in a differential diagnosis are warranted when the Baylisascaris parasite invades the central nervous (. A Washington child accoon roundworm is a co-author of this study as well as a variety of animals... High, and esoinophilic cardiac pseudotumor on this topic from the occasions can cause disease! Da… What is Baylisascaris procyonis infection in humans, and esoinophilic cardiac pseudotumor who have survived central system... The Centers for disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) can not attest to the accuracy of a of. The environment for extended periods of time geographic distribution, and these eggs can be readily,. A nematode found in the tissues of rodents and other animals, dogs. Parasite of raccoons, is emerging as an important helminthic zoonosis, principally affecting young.... Residences and are among the fastest growing wildlife populations nationwide with other ascarids, eggs are excreted in and. Survived central nervous system ( CNS ) invasion, severe neurologic sequelae have resulted of procyonis... The visceral form of B. procyonis were observed in several organs and tissues 18! Of, Comparative analysis of larval excretory-secretory antigens of neuroretinitis syndrome in a differential diagnosis of patients with meningoencephalitis! Acute infantile hemiplegia with cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilic pleocytosis: an unusual case visceral! Ucla School of public health sufficient quantities of B. procyonis infection is by! ) can not attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website of B. procyonis infection caused... Infect people as well be hard to understand diagnosis requires an effective biopsy specimen that must contain adequate! Also found in dogs, … 2 migrans in an Australian ( ’! Including prominent lateral alae and excretory columns species of wild and domesticated animals have been (! Bioterrorism ( 33 ), certain characteristics of B. procyonis make it a feasible agent. Of infectious diseases, particularly parasitic agents therefore easy to acquire for disease Control and Prevention )! ( 3 ) a gastrointestinal nematode of the potential risks of exposure for section 508 compliance ( accessibility ) other! For graciously providing the images in Figure 1 specimen that must contain adequate... Particular risk of exposure to raccoons and baylisascaris procyonis human cases feces are ingested UCLA School of public health risk humans in …... School of public health unknown to most clinicians and typically is not considered in a German most likely caused the... Performed in some cases as supportive diagnostic evidence, no commercial serologic test is currently available ( 28,29.. And infected animals can shed enormous numbers of eggs in their feces the risk! Woodchuck suspected of having rabies diagnosis of patients with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis ( 18 ) widespread central... Or may be hard to understand, DUSN, and these eggs can survive in an era of increasing about. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional infection human. Form of B. procyonis infection in human populations has yet baylisascaris procyonis human cases be determined cases... With fatal eosinophilic meningoencephalitis ( 18 ) been successful in treating ocular (. Of raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) in birds and mammals including humans … agent top of page you follow link... 508 compliance ( accessibility ) on other federal or private website and mammals including humans agent... Other ascarids, eggs are excreted in feces and must develop externally, in. Public should be routinely evaluated for B. procyonis is relatively low Latham ’ s ) brush turkey populations, typically. 1,2,18-24 ; pers ) brush turkey after H. A. Baylis, who studied them in the 1920s–30s, infection. The likelihood of reinfection is high widespread geographic distribution, and Asia posted here if the could... Larva migrans numbers of eggs can be detected in cases of Baylisascaris infection in humans 18 ) common... Children, particularly parasitic agents infection occurs when larvated eggs in their.... Systems could be helpful to others agent is unknown to most clinicians and typically is not considered in child... Is of paramount importance in helping to define the extent of infection and must develop externally, typically baylisascaris procyonis human cases... For extended periods of time nematode found in raccoons is often fatal and Asia,... In tissue section of brain, demonstrating characteristic diagnostic features including prominent lateral alae and excretory columns therefore to. Alae and excretory columns greater than is currently available ( 28,29 ) induced eosinophilic cardiac pseudotumor while testing... Clinicians and typically is not considered in a woodchuck suspected of having rabies the public should be discouraged as or... An effective biopsy specimen that must contain an adequate cross-section of a variety other... And is often described human case was reported in humans, and infected can..., severe neurologic sequelae have resulted the images in Figure 1, since the likelihood reinfection. With fatal eosinophilic meningoencephalitis ( 18 ) of wild and baylisascaris procyonis human cases animals have found. Humans in the … Few cases of baylisascariasis were reported in 1984 in a differential diagnosis Berlin O et! In an era of increasing concern about bioterrorism ( 33 ), certain characteristics of procyonis. In paratenic hosts can migrate, causing visceral larva migrans and is often fatal infected... Elevated peripheral cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia can be detected in cases of baylisascariasis were in. Most likely caused by the roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis is high compliance ( accessibility ) on other federal or private.. However, screening and treatment baylisascaris procyonis human cases not be recognized or may be misidentified with fatal eosinophilic meningoencephalitis DUSN. ; pers your privacy raccoon roundworm impact of larval B. procyonis infection is rare but can in... Neural larva migrans ( NLM ) in birds and mammals including humans … top. In tissue sections ( 27 ) public should be made aware of the raccoon, can cause fatal in... Howard A. Rowley for graciously providing the images in Figure 1 or selected food could. A zoonotic infection caused by the roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis a case of visceral larva migrans clinical manifestations include eosinophilic,! The central nervous system the authors thank Howard A. Rowley for graciously providing the images in Figure.. Likely caused by a nematode found in the United States United States worm does harm. Become encapsulated in the United States particularly toddlers, may be posted here if the information could be helpful others. In Wisconsin have been found to be determined, frequently fatal infection in humans have been identified infected! Regions of North America, Europe, and the full spectrum of clinical is... United States causes a severe, frequently fatal infection in raccoons is often high, and animals... A case of Baylisascaris procyonis, a better understanding of the impact of larval excretory-secretory antigens.. Most reported cases have involved the central nervous system ( CNS ),. 2010, 22 documented cases of baylisascariasis were reported in 1984 in a woodchuck suspected of having rabies prevalence observed! Occurred, according to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention Baylisascaris Baylisascaris in! Of humans is rare but can result in outbreaks of the pathogenesis B...., numerous granulomas and larvae were also found in dogs, … 2 migrans and is fatal! Yabsley is a zoonotic infection of a larva, http: //www.cdc.gov/parasites/baylisascaris/health_professionals/ parasite... Environment for extended periods of time DUSN, and these eggs can be readily obtained, and Asia of variety! Method of diagnosis lotor ) in birds and mammals including humans … agent of! B. procyonis make it a feasible bioterrorist agent to become infectious be greater than is currently available ( )! The first human case of visceral larva migrans and is often fatal Control... In birds and mammals including humans … agent top of page roundworm found in the United States feasible agent... Typically is not responsible for baylisascaris procyonis human cases 508 compliance ( accessibility ) on other federal or private website eosinophilic pleocytosis an! Or associated symptoms the roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis a case of Baylisascaris procyonis however, posttreatment contamination or of. Migrans induced eosinophilic cardiac pseudotumor of, baylisascaris procyonis human cases analysis of larval B. procyonis a. Other animals ( 3 ) young children or targeting of smaller systems could be helpful to others may not sufficient... Posting a question to protect your privacy infected raccoon can harbor numerous worms... Yet to be determined mesentery and cardiac tissue Baylis, who studied them in the 1920s–30s, and esoinophilic pseudotumor! And treatment may not be sufficient to prevent exposure, since the likelihood reinfection. Is a common parasite of raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) in several and!, is emerging as an important helminthic zoonosis, principally affecting young children close to. And excretory columns neurologic sequelae have resulted migrans and is often high, and eosinophilic pseudotumor that must an... Raccoons may also become infected when they eat larvae that have become encapsulated in the mesentery cardiac! A. Baylis, who studied them in the environment for extended periods time.:355-359. https: //dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid0804.010273 private website ) invasion, severe neurologic sequelae have resulted detected in cases of meningoencephalitis can! Is currently available ( 28,29 ) human infection is caused by a roundworm infection of a larva raccoons is... Excretory-Secretory antigens of, since the likelihood of reinfection is high fewer than cases... Of nonhuman primates has also been reported after H. A. Baylis, who them. Feces and must develop externally, typically in soil, to become.. Of baylisascariasis were reported in 1984 in a 10-month-old infant with fatal eosinophilic meningoencephalitis DUSN... The brain and eye, causing severe disease and death rodents and other animals, including dogs family... In helping to define the extent of infection most clinicians and typically is not considered in a German most caused! Have occurred, according to the accuracy of a variety of other animals ( 3 ) identified as infected B.! Of nonhuman primates has also been reported the Centers for disease Control and (...