VISCERAL LARVA MIGRANS AND THE HYPEREOSINOPHILIA SYNDROME

This is a case of visceral larva migrans and hypereosinophilia syndrom e with persistently elevated white blood cell count despite adequate m edical therapy in a 4-year-old boy with leukocytosis and splenomegaly. Medical history included reactive airway disease and geophagia (pica) , Serology for Toxocara canis revealed elevated IgG and IgM titers, Op hthalmologic evaluation ruled out ocular larva migrans. After 5 days o f thiabendazole therapy, leukocytosis persisted, and a second course o f anthelmintics was prescribed. Two weeks later, a decrease in leukocy tosis was noted. Thiabendazole therapy was continued for 15 more days. Repeated serology for T canis revealed a decreased IgM titer and a fu rther elevated IgG titer, Follow-up showed increased physical activity , improved respiratory status, and resolution of splenomegaly,