Visual manifestations may be from increased intracranial pressure or a cyst in the eye. Cysts are also found in subcutaneous and muscle tissue. Therapy may increase symptoms, in which case dexamethasone helps reduce distress. Also see echinococcosis and hymenolepiasis. Toxocariasis is most common among children who eat feces-contaminated dirt.
Most infections are small load and asymptomatic except for mild eosinophilia.
Heavy worm loads, decreased immune competence, and other factors may lead to malaise, fever, cough and wheezing, hepatomegaly, anorexia, and weight loss. Ocular toxocariasis also occurs and usually leads to decreased vision. Asymptomatic infections are not necessary to treat. Trachoma is a recurrent conjunctivitis beginning in childhood and caused by Chlamydia trachomatis . Trachoma is a major cause of blindness in developing countries.