Abstract
BackgroundThe epidemiology of Toxocara infection in humans in Mexico has been poorly explored. There is a lack of information about Toxocara infection in waste pickers.AimsDetermine the seroepidemiology of Toxocara infection in waste pickers.MethodsThrough a case control study design, the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was determined in 90 waste pickers and 90 age- and gender-matched controls using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Associations of Toxocara exposure with socio-demographic, work, clinical, and behavioral data of the waste pickers were also evaluated.ResultsThe seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was significantly higher in waste pickers (12/90: 13%) than in control subjects (1/90: 1%) (OR = 14; 95% CI: 2–288). The seroprevalence was not influenced by socio-demographic or work characteristics. In contrast, increased seroprevalence was found in waste pickers suffering from gastritis, and reflex and visual impairments. Multivariate analysis showed that Toxocara exposure was associated with a low frequency of eating out of home (OR = 26; 95% CI: 2–363) and negatively associated with consumption of chicken meat (OR = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.003–0.59). Other behavioral characteristics such as animal contacts or exposure to soil were not associated with Toxocara seropositivity.Conclusions1) Waste pickers are a risk group for Toxocara infection. 2) Toxocara is impacting the health of waste pickers. This is the first report of Toxocara exposure in waste pickers and of associations of gastritis and reflex impairment with Toxocara seropositivity. Results warrant for further research.
Highlights
Infection with the parasite Toxocara is among the most common zoonotic infections worldwide [1,2]
This is the first report of Toxocara exposure in waste pickers and of associations of gastritis and reflex impairment with Toxocara seropositivity
The seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was significantly higher in waste pickers (12/90: 13%) than in control subjects (1/90: 1%) (OR = 14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2–288; P,0.01)
Summary
Infection with the parasite Toxocara is among the most common zoonotic infections worldwide [1,2]. Human infection may occur by ingesting Toxocara larvae from undercooked giblets [6]. There is not any report in the medical literature about the epidemiology of Toxocara infection in waste pickers. This group of population lives under disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions including poor housing, food, and sanitation, and has very low hygiene practices. This study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection in waste pickers in Durango, Mexico and to identify their characteristics associated with Toxocara seropositivity. The epidemiology of Toxocara infection in humans in Mexico has been poorly explored. There is a lack of information about Toxocara infection in waste pickers
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