Toxocara canis

Toxocara canis is gonochoristic, adult worms measure from 9 to 18 cm, are yellow-white in color, and occur in the intestine of the definitive host. In adult dogs, the infection is usually asymptomatic. The adult canis has a round body with spiky cranial and caudal parts, covered by yellow cuticula.

Characteristics
Shape and Size
Male worms measure 9 13 by 0.2 0.25 cm and female worms 10 18 by 0.25 0.3 cm.
Genome Information
Toxocara canis isolate PN_DK_2014, Size 317.12Mb, GC% 40.4, Protein 18,596, Gene 18,596 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome/8517
Food Source
unwashed food contamined with Toxocara eggs, undercooked livers of chicken
Pathological Factor
he pathologic manifestations result from inflammation caused by the immune response directed against the excretory-secretory antigens of larvae. These antigens are released from their outer epicuticle coat, which is readily sloughed off when bound by specific antibodies. These antigens are a mix of glycoproteins, including a potent allergenic component named TBA-1. The inflammatory reaction causes epithelioid cells to surround each larva, and, subsequently, a dense fibrous capsule invests each granuloma.
Disease
Toxocariasis
Symptoms
fatigue, weight loss, anorexia, fever, headache, rash, cough, asthma, chest tightness, increased irritability, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Affected Body Organs
liver, brain, eyes

Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Nematoda
Class Secernentea
Order Ascaridida
Family Toxocaridae
Genus Toxocara
Species T. canis