Abstract
Toxocariasis is a frequent zoonotic parasitosis in Serbia. The aim of the study was to examine anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with suspected visceral larva migrans (VLM) in Belgrade, and to estimate the prevalence of T. canis eggs in dog fecal deposits collected in green public areas. A total of 145 patients were examined by ELISA. In 26.39% (38/144) of serum samples, T. canis IgG were detected, and in 6 CSF samples, 2 were positive for antibodies. Seropositivity was detected in 26.1% (34/130) adults and 33.3% (5/15) children. A total number of 155 fresh dog feces were collected in five public parks in Belgrade where T. canis eggs were identified with a prevalence of 33.55% (52/155). Based on the high prevalence of parasite eggs, we estimated a high risk of human infection by T. canis eggs in public green areas in Belgrade.
Highlights
Visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a clinical form of human toxocariasis caused by larvae of the nematode Toxocara canis
Contamination of public parks with eggs of T. canis originating from the feces of infected dogs is an issue of public importance and correlates with human toxocariasis
The prevalence of T. canis eggs of 33.55 % in our study clearly shows the sustainability of a high prevalence of Toxocara eggs and the contamination of public areas in Belgrade due to the large amount of stray dogs
Summary
Visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a clinical form of human toxocariasis caused by larvae of the nematode Toxocara canis. Other forms of human toxocariasis are covert toxocariasis, ocular larva migrans (OLM) and neural larva migrans. Covert toxocariasis is the most common form of human toxocariasis (Despommier, 2003). The eggs of T. canis can be found in environments contaminated with dog feces. Human infection can occur by ingesting viable embryonated eggs from contaminated sources (e.g., soil). Humans are paratenic hosts and after ingestion, the eggs hatch to release larvae that penetrate the small intestine, enter the circulation with the possibility of invading different organs and encyst in tissues. Wandering of the second-stage larvae through the tissues produces hemorrhage, necrosis and infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils (Despommier, 2003).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
