Critical assessment of existing and novel model systems of toxocariasis.

Abstract

The existing animal models of experimental toxocariasis including mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, primates, chickens, pigs and other mammals are discussed in this chapter. Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) as a new model for human ocular and neurologic toxocariasis is presented. It is hoped that the present gerbil model will contribute to the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for toxocariasis.