What is Baylisascaris infection associated with?

Baylisascaris infection is specifically associated with the intestinal roundworm known as Baylisascaris procyonis, which is commonly found in raccoons. When raccoons shed the eggs of this roundworm in their feces, these eggs can contaminate the environment. Humans and other animals that come into contact with the contaminated soil or feces may inadvertently ingest the eggs, leading to potential infection. This can result in serious health issues, as the larvae can migrate through the body and cause damage to various organs, particularly in the nervous system.

The other options refer to separate pathogens or diseases that do not relate to Baylisascaris infection. Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus affecting dogs, avian influenza refers to a virus that infects birds (and occasionally humans), and West Nile virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes and affects birds and humans, but none relate to the roundworm infection linked to raccoons.