Comparison of Toxocariasis Frequency in Hyper- eosinophilic and Non- Eosinophilic Individuals Referred to Abadan Health Centers

Abstract

Background: Toxocariasis is a zoonotic helminthic infection of humans and animals caused by the larvae of intestinal parasites of dogs and cats (Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, respectively). These nematodes develop in to their adult stage in the intestines of cats and dogs. Three clinical entities have been recognized in humans; visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans and covert toxocariasis. Eosinophilia is a common finding in infected patients Objectives: In this study the frequency of toxocariasis in eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic individuals referred to the laboratory of Abadan health centers was compared. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from individuals attending the laboratory of health centers for any medical problem and were tested for complet blood count (CBC). The samples of patients were divided in to two groups, those with more than 10% peripheral eosinophils, as the eosinophilic group (n = 54) and those with normal eosinophils (0-3%) as the non-eosinophilic group (n = 54). Samples were examined for anti-oxocara IgG by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed western blotting. Results: Anti-oxocara IgG was detected in the sera of six (11.11%) cases from the eosinophilic group and two (3.7%) of the non-eosinophilic group by the ELISA method, but all had negative results for the western blot analysis. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that the eosinophilic individuals might beexposed to other helminthic infections or allergic agents. Further studies are required with more samples with different ages and occupations.