Rapid Therapeutic Response of Eosinophilic Meningoencephalitis in a Toddler With Baylisascaris procyonis Infection. WMJ 2018 Aug;117(3):130-132
Date
09/08/2018Pubmed ID
30193023Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85062765356 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 3 CitationsAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic meningitis is an infrequently encountered condition. Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) infection, rarely diagnosed in North America, is a known cause of eosinophilic meningitis, often producing death or permanent neurologic damage.
CASE REPORT: We recently encountered a toddler with geophagia and probable exposure to raccoon feces, who presented with eosinophilic meningitis and encephalitis, and was diagnosed with B procyonis infection and possible Toxocara co-infection. His marked peripheral eosinophilia and neurologic symptoms rapidly responded to corticosteroid and albendazole therapy.
DISCUSSION: Since B procyonis infection is infrequently encountered, its diagnosis in the proper clinical and epidemiologic setting may not always be considered, resulting in a delay of appropriate therapy. Our patient, diagnosed and treated early in his course, demonstrated rapid clinical and laboratory improvement with anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic therapy.
CONCLUSION: In cases of eosinophilic meningitis, infection with B procyonis should be routinely considered to allow timely institution of effective therapy for this unusual but potentially fatal or debilitating infection.
Author List
Muganda GN, Akagi NE, Fagbemi OD, Chusid MJ, Nelson AMAuthor
Anika M. Nelson MD Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Adrenal Cortex HormonesAlbendazole
Animals
Anthelmintics
Ascaridida Infections
Diagnosis, Differential
Drug Therapy, Combination
Humans
Infant
Male
Meningoencephalitis
Raccoons
