1. G. McCommon, DVM; O. Samples, RVT, MPH, DHSc; A. Collins
Fort Valley State University, Ft. Valley, GA
Baylisascaris procyonis: An Environmental Threat to Children and Hunters

2. Baylisascaris procyonis
Gastrointestinal parasite of North American Raccoon (Procyons lotor)
Commonly known as “raccoon roundworm”

3. Baylisascaris procyonis – Biology

4. Externally Speaking… 2-4 weeks for eggs to become infective
Embryonated egg contains 1 larvae
Upon hatching, larvae is a destructive force to humans

5. Eggs Shed by Raccoon Ingested by definitive host
Ingested by paratenic host*
*Paratenic host: intermediate host whose presence may or may not be required for completion of life cycle but does not include parasite development

6. Larval Invasion 80 micrometers long
Reproduce in raccoon small intestines
Excreted in fecal matter
Larvae can only reach adulthood in raccoons

7. Larval Invasion of Hosts
Raccoons
Definitive host
Dogs
Alternative definitive host
Small Mammals/Birds
Paratenic host*
*Paratenic host
a host not necessary for parasite development

8. Raccoon Toiletry Latrines are:
Raccoons utilize “latrines” for defecation/urination
Latrines are:
Communal areas of habitual excretion
Contaminated with eggs and larvae

9. Danger…Danger!!! Common latrine sites Attics Crawlspaces Woodpiles
Gutters
House Eaves/Gables

10. Latrines

11. Zoonotic Implications
Latrines as well as raccoons, dead or alive pose serious heath risks to humans

12. Contamination/Infection
Eggs may be picked up unknowingly and ingested
Children
Individuals practicing geophagia (dirt eating)
Hunters (cleaning/handling carcass)
Taxidermists (carcass preservation)

13. Ingestion = Infection Upon ingestion, eggs hatch into larvae
In humans larvae migrate to organs/tissues
Liver
Heart
Lungs
Brain
Eyes

14. Visceral Larval Migrans (VLM)
Heart
Brain
Lungs
Liver

15. Ocular Larval Migrans (OLM)
Eyes

16. Like A Rolling Stone Larvae are notorious wanderers
Continue to grow as long as in human body
Destroying tissue
Pathologic signs and symptoms
Can be fatal

17. The Lazarus Effect
Baylisascaris procyonis does not readily die

18. Symptoms of Human Baylisascaris procyonis Larval Infection
Abdominal pain (VLM)
Loss of balance (VLM)
Loss of muscle coordination (VLM)
Blindness (OLM)
Death (VLM)

19. Diagnosis Blood evaluation of antibody levels
CSF evaluation of eosinophil presence
(brain & spinal cord)
CAT Scan/MRI
Ocular examination for larval activity
Biopsy of tissue
Autopsy

20. Treatment
No Cure!!!

21. Supportive Treatment Corticosteroids Larvacide
= suppresses inflammation
= minimize organ/tissue damage
Larvacide
Albendazole mg/kg SID x 10 days
*possibility of Rx resistance

22. Prevention Keep trash cans covered to discourage raccoon feeding
Keep attics and crawlspaces tightly sealed to discourage habitation
Train children to wash hands before eating outside
Hunters and taxidermists should use gloves, masks, other PPE’s when handling carcass
Keep gutters, eaves and gable areas clean of debris and leaves to discourage latrine activity

23. QUESTIONS

24. Many Thanks… Department of Veterinary Science
Ms. Jovy Pitts (creative design)

25. References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . (2015, March 18). Parasites - Baylisascaris infection. Retrieved May 18, 2015, from cdc.gov: