Toxocara canis and Fasciola hepatica Co-Infection Leading to Hepatic Abscess: A Case Report

Abstract

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by ingesting eggs from soil contaminated with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, commonly found in feces of infected dogs and cats, leading to a range of clinical symptoms including fever, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal manifestations. Fascioliasis is also a zoonotic disease caused by liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, which can be contracted through consumption of contaminated water or aquatic plants, leading to various clinical features. Here, we report a case of a 39-year-old woman diagnosed with a liver abscess caused by co-infection of T. canis and F. hepatica, as confirmed by serological tests. Although the existence of a pet dog and an experience of eating raw water dropwort are potential clues for diagnosis, it cannot be determined as the source of infection because the source of infection has not been clearly identified. After administrating albendazole and triclabendazole sequentially, the patient showed improvement in blood test and imaging findings. Clinicians should be aware of parasitic co-infection and take appropriate management.