Seroprevalence Of Toxocariasis Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Canine Toxocariasis in Three Rural Areas of Fars Province, Southern Iran.

Toxocara canis is one of the most important causes of animal toxocariasis with global distribution. We aimed to find out the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in dogs in a rural area in Fars Province, south of Iran. Dogs blood samples were collected from 60 dogs in three rural areas in the Sar Mashhad region, Fars Province. Dog sera were evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies by an indirect ELISA method. The association between the seropositivity and age, gender, and the sampling location were statistically evaluated. Serological assay detected anti-Toxocara antibodies in sera of 32 out of 60 dogs, corresponding to a seroprevalence of 53.3%. The rate of seropositivity was higher in the male dogs. The rate of seropositivity was higher in old dogs. This rate increased with increasing age, however, the association between age and Toxocara seropositivity was not statistically significant. The high prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs in the current study area confirms that infected dogs are an important source of Toxocara infection for their owners and people who are in close contact with these animals, especially children.

Seroprevalence and molecular investigation of toxocariasis in working children and control group in Tehran, Iran

BackgroundToxocariasis, a zoonosis helminthic disease is caused in humans by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati with worldwide distribution. In this study the seroprevalence and molecular toxocariasis were investigated in the working children and the control group in Tehran, Iran. MethodsIn total, 468 children between the ages of 7–14 years old, including 280 blood samples from working children and 188 samples from control group children were collected from Tehran. ELISA test was performed to detect IgG antibody against Toxocara canis. Molecular tests using ITS2 primer were performed to determine the status of toxocariasis infection in children. ResultsThe seroprevalence of toxocariasis was 24 (8.6%) and 10 (5.3%) in the working children and control group respectively. Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in girls 18(13.5%) was higher than boys 6(4.1%) in working children and differences was statistically significant. A significant relationship was found between contact with soil or contact with cats and dogs and the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in working children. No amplification of the target DNA was detected in plasma or whole blood samples in working children and the control group with Toxocara canisand cati primers. ConclusionThe seroprevalence of IgG antibody against Toxocara canis was higher in working children than in the control group in Tehran. The result of the present study indicated a significant difference between working children and the control group in terms of Toxocara canis antibody titer. More contact with soil in these children and contact with dogs and cats may be factors in acquiring toxocariasis in the children.

The seroprevalence of toxocariasis and related risk factors in children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: results from a school-based cross-sectional study.

Children are especially vulnerable to Toxocara infection and its severe complications; however, there have not been any published data on the disease prevalence and treatment effectiveness in the population of Vietnamese children. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxocariasis and explore factors associated with Toxocara infection in children aged 3-15 y in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster sampling approach in public schools. Blood samples were collected, and toxocariasis cases were confirmed, based on a history of contact with dogs/cats and positive anti-Toxocara antibody detection via ELISA. We calculated the percentage of seropositive children across gender, grade levels, districts and caregiver education. Multiple regression models were employed to identify potential risk factors. Anti-Toxocara antibodies were found in 14.2% of the 986 children studied. Significant variations in seropositivity were observed across grade levels, districts and caregiver education levels. Multivariable analysis identified caregiver education, contact with dogs/cats and improper handling of pet feces as seropositivity risk factors. This was the first community-based prevalence study of toxocariasis in a pediatric population in Vietnam. Implementation of preventive measures such as public education, routine fecal examinations and chemotherapeutic treatment of animals is highly recommended.

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxocara canis and its associated risk factors in socio-economically deprived nomadic communities of Pakistan.

Toxocariasis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara (T.) canis with considerably higher prevalence in developing countries. The data on its epidemiology, especially in socioeconomically deprived nomadic communities, are scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anti-T. canis antibodies and its associated risk factors in nomadic communities located in and around Multan, Pakistan. A total of 184 sera samples were collected from nomadic communities by simple random sampling technique. The descriptive epidemiological data of participants were collected on well-designed questionnaires. Prior consent was also obtained from the participants to use the data generated from their samples without showing their identity. All the samples were analysed for the detection of anti-T. canis antibodies using commercially available Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA) kits having 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity (Bordier Affinity Products, Switzerland). The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis among nomadic communities was 27.7% (51/184). Various factors, including age, known disease history, nutritional status, contact with dogs, practice of hand washing after contact with dogs, use of unwashed vegetables, body mass index, and drug abuse, showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) with toxocariasis in nomadic communities. Conversely, other factors, including gender, marital status, educational status, awareness about zoonotic diseases, source of drinking water, occupation, location, hand washing before taking food, exposure to soil, and hygienic eating behaviour, showed non-significant correlation (p > 0.05) with seroprevalence of toxocariasis. Results also showed that >50% of seropositive cases were asymptomatic, whereas cough and abdominal pain were recorded in 19.6% and 11.76% of seropositive cases, respectively. Keeping in view, it is suggested to conduct surveys at mass level to rule out the exact disease status at national level and to include nomadic communities in local, national, and regional disease control programs through provision of better healthcare facilities and awareness about the disease.

Serosurvey of anti-Toxocara antibodies and associated risk factors in domestic dogs and cats owners in Karaj, Alborz Province of Iran.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection with important public health considerations. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxocara species antibodies and associated risk factors in domestic dogs and cats referred by their owners to veterinary clinics located in Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran. A cross-sectional study involving 540 owners of dogs and cats was conducted between July - December 2020. A questionnaire administered by direct interviews was used to collect socio-demographic information and data on associated risk factors. Blood samples were collected and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall sero-prevalence of toxocariasis among the 540 participants was 16.7% (90 of 540). When participants included in the sample were classified by age, those aged 10-29 years demonstrated higher Toxocara infection prevalence than other groups (45.6%, 41 of 90). Univariate analysis revealed that the pet owners who had contact with soil [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 7.61, 95% CI: 6.06-9.24, P = 0.028], practiced handwashing after contact with dogs and cats (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.15-4.85, P = 0.046), and feeding the pets with raw meat (AOR = 11.01, 95% CI: 5.21-19.43, P = 0.023) had an increased risk of acquiring toxocariasis. The study showed that demographic characteristics such as age, gender, place of residence, education, and pet's habitats were not significantly associated with toxocariasis. Given the findings and the progressive impact of toxocariasis in public health and its high prevalence in developing countries, including Iran, measures should be taken to inform the public about zoonoses and eliminate their putative transmission.

Seroprevalence of Toxocara Infection among Asthmatic Children in Shiraz City, Southern Iran.

Background:Human toxocariasis is caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati, the nematodes in the intestine of dogs and cats, respectively. Since the association between asthma and toxocariasis is controversial, the aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among asthmatic children in comparison with healthy children.Methods:This case-control study was conducted on 92 asthmatic and 91 healthy children aged 1–16 years old in Shiraz City, Southern Iran in 2019–2020. The serum samples were tested for IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies by ELISA method using the T. canis larval excretory-secretory (E/S) antigens. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software.Results:The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in asthmatic patients was higher than the healthy children with no significant difference in Toxocara seropositivity between two groups (9.8% vs 8.8%, P = 0.817). The association between Toxocara infection and variables such as gender and age were not statistically significant.Conclusion:There was no significant association between toxocariasis and childhood asthma. Further study on different regions such as urban and rural areas with a large sample size and using questionnaire for considering risk factors of asthma and toxocariasis is recommended.

Seroprevalence of Toxocariasis in schoolchildren in Bushehr, Iran

BackgroundToxocariasis is an infection caused by larvae of a group of animal nematodes named Toxocara in human tissues. The disease often affects children under the age of 10 years. In this research, we decided to determine the prevalence of infection in schoolchildren of Bushehr city as a first study in the region. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the samples were selected randomly among Bushehr primary school students between September 2011 and June 2012. ELISA method was used to measure anti-Toxocara canis IgG antibodies. Data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software and Chi square test. ResultsOf the 400 students studied, 48 (12%) were positive for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies. Results showed that there is no a statistically significant relationship between infection and some of the analyzed variables such as sex, abdominal pain, anorexia, chronic cough, diffuse pain, itching and skin sensitivity. However, with the habit of playing with soil, this relationship was significant. ConclusionConsidering the importance of the disease in children and influence of harmful effects on their health, it is suggested that the methods for diagnosis be trained for clinicians in the area and periodically tests as well as teaching the prevention and control strategies should be considered to the educational staff and parents.

Seroprevalence of toxocariasis and its related risk factors among municipal street sweepers in Shiraz District in Fars Province, southern Iran

BackgroundSweeping the street is a hazardous job that exposes the workers to soil-transmitted diseases, in particular, toxocariasis. In this cross-sectional study, the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among street sweepers in Shiraz, southern Iran was assessed. Methods: Overall, 384 subjects, aged 24–64 years (all men), were randomly selected for the detection of antibodies to Toxocara by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Anti-Toxocara antibodies were detected in sera of 101(26.3%) out of 384 subjects. Most of the seropositive cases were in the age group of 31–50 years, yet no significant difference was found between age and Toxocara seropositivity (P > 0.05). Out of 101 seropositive cases, 21(20.8%) had a work experience of fewer than 5 years and 80 cases (79.2%) had a work experience greater than or equal to 5 years. However, no significant association was observed between work experience and Toxocara seropositivity. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that street sweepers are at high risk of infection with Toxocara infection. Therefore, appropriate preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of infection in this vulnerable group.

Sources and seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Turkey.

Toxocariasis in humans is considered a rare disease in Turkey, and the absence of specific symptoms of this disease is probably the main reason for clinicians to underestimate and underdiagnose the disease. Although there are several seroepidemiological studies on visceral larva migrans in the country, a comparison between them is difficult as the serological tests are not standardised. After the introduction of the easily accessible ELISA kit in the market, the number of seroepidemiological studies has increased in which the reported rates ranged between 1% and 56%. Similar to other countries, Toxocara seropositivity in Turkey is more common in men, childhood, in those living in rural area, having a low income level, owning dogs, and biting their nails or practicing geophagia. In addition, toxocariasis is a risk factor for veterinarians, farmers, and pet-shop workers. Toxocara seroprevalence is significantly higher in respiratory, neuropsychiatric, musculoskeletal, skin and abdominal disorders. There are also many studies showing the importance of eosinophilia in toxocariasis. In conclusion, although there are many studies on toxocariasis in Turkey, it is still not well understood to what extent the infection is responsible for a plethora ascribed symptoms. Standardisation of the diagnostic methods and the use of molecular techniques could further throw light in the real epidemiology and the role played by the infection to induce signs and symptoms.

Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in humans in Africa: A review.

Human toxocariasis occurs worldwide and is caused by nematodes of the species of the genus Toxocara. Infection occurs by the ingestion of eggs and is usually asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic. However, severe manifestations occur. The burden of disease and its public health impact remain ill-defined. The aim of this review was to summarize all available data on the seroprevalence of toxocariasis on the African continent and factors associated with seropositivity. Twenty-seven original papers published between 1991 and 2017 were identified that provided data suitable for this review. Case-control studies were included and the seroprevalence in the (healthy) control group was used as a surrogate parameter. Antibodies against Toxocara spp. were found to be frequent in most populations and regions in Africa with the exception of two publications, one from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one from Djibouti, where all participants were seronegative. The highest proportion of participants with antibodies was found on the island of La Réunion with 359 out 387 study participants being positive (92.8%). Factors associated with seropositivity were reported across studies, including-among others-older age, contact with soil via geophagia, agricultural activity or playing with soil, contact with animals, especially dogs, and low socio-economic status, defined as absence of water supply or poor housing. Three Egyptian studies found male gender to be associated with toxocariasis, whereas in La Réunion females were at increased risk. Exposure to toxocariasis seems to be very frequent and common in large parts of the African continent. However, no data are available for most countries. The public health impact of human toxocariasis and the frequency of severe manifestations remain unclear.

Seroprevalence and incidence of human toxocarosis in Russia.

Overall incidence of toxocariasis in Russia is low and varies between 1.6 and 2.7 per 100,000, while in several hyper-endemic regions, such as Altay, Kurgan, Perm and Udmurtia, it reaches 43 per 100,000. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in published references was on average 16% and varied across the regions of Russia from negligible in North Siberia to 40% in southern regions of West Siberia. Seroprevalence in adults in five regions of Russia identified in this study was on average 20%, and varied from 3% in Yakutia (north of East Siberia) to 36% in Rostov-on-Don, South Russia. There was no correlation between seroprevalence and reported incidence of toxocariasis; however, the pattern of seroprevalence variation could be linked to Toxocara prevalence in dogs. Toxocariasis seroprevalence has more than doubled over the last 20 years. Diagnostic antibody titres (1:800 or more) were found in 3.6% of sera, suggesting about five million of acute Toxocara invasions per year.

Seroprevalence Brazil.

This chapter presents an overview of the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Brazil and discusses how this zoonosis is studied, diagnosed, and treated in the Brazilian population. Toxocariasis in humans has a high prevalence in several regions of Brazil; however, this disease is neglected because of lack of knowledge, non-specific clinical signs, and difficult diagnosis. Most studies conducted in Brazil have estimated the prevalence of toxocariasis, i.e., the number of people who presented the disease at any given time. However, a few studies have determined disease incidence (number of new cases in a population at risk) and identified risk factors for Toxocara canis infection. Despite the high seroprevalence, the Brazilian population is not well aware of toxocariasis. Thus, the need of the hour is to raise awareness about this parasitic infection because of its worldwide distribution and potential health risk.

Toxocara Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Ilam Children, West of Iran

Background: Human toxocariasis is caused by Toxocara canis and cati, which are the main ascarids of dogs and cats, respectively. Most infected humans are asymptomatic and our understanding of human disease burden is limited by lack of epidemiological studies and insufficient clinical awareness. Objectives: There is no precise report on the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Ilam children. Therefore, this study found an opportunity to investigate this subject. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 sera of children aged between 2 to 15 years old were collected during March 2016 to February 2017 in urban and rural areas. Demographic variables were filled for each person in accordance with risk factors along with sampling. Some hematological parameters were measured. The sera were examined for anti Toxocara canis and cati antibodies, according to the ELISA kit protocol. Results: Among a total of 300 serum samples, 35 (11.7) were positive for anti-Toxocara IgG. The infection rates were 5.3 and 6.3 in female and male, respectively. There was no significant relationship between gender and Toxocara infection rates (P = 0.59). A total of 26 (17.3) of the 150 rural children, and nine (6.0) of the 150 urban children were positive. There was a significant relationship between place of living with ELISA tests results (P = 0.004). Hematologic parameters showed a significant increase in the numbers of peripheral eosinophil in the sample of patients whose sera were positive (P = 0.037). Conclusions: High prevalence of toxocariasisamongIlam children in the west of Iran can be considered as a public health problem. The evaluating infection control programs in dog and cats are necessary for controlling the disease in this region. © 2018, Author(s).

Seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among healthy individuals referred to the medical center laboratories in Tehran City, Capital of Iran

Background: Toxocarosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. Humans’ infection occurred by incidental ingestion of eggs shed in feces of dogs or cats. Studies on general population are rare in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated seroprevalence, and risk factors associated with toxocariasis among the healthy individuals in Tehran, capital if Iran. M aterials and Methods: In total, 374 sera samples were investigated for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG. We applied ELISA as screening test using available commercial kit. In addition, demographic data were obtained from participant’s questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16 . R es ults: The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis was found 5.6% (21/374). Regarding the socio-demographic variables, age (P<0.001) and eating unwashed vegetables (P=0.049) were significantly associated to toxocariasis in univariate analysis. In the logistic regression analysis, only age (P<0.001) was identified as potential risk factor associated with Toxocara infection. C onclusion: This study revealed that seroprevalence of toxocariasis is relatively low in the healthy individuals in Tehran. We suggest carrying out further studies in the different part of Iran and investigate on the prevalence of toxocariasis in high-risk groups such as asthma, hyper-eosinophilic, epilepsy, rheumatism and schizophrenia patients.

Seroprevalence of Toxocariasis among children 5-15 years-old in Bandar Abbas, South of Iran

: Introduction: Human Toxocariasis is a zoonotic helminthic infection caused by migration of larval stage of Toxocara canis and Toxocara catti (T.canis and T.catti) that mainly affects children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of anti- Toxocara antibody IgG in serums of 5-15-years-old children referred to Bandar Abbas and rural parts of nearby health centers. Along with Antibody detection, complete blood count (CBC) performed for hallmark of migratory parasites, eosinophil cells. Methods: This study was designed to detect the anti-Toxocara antibodies in children in Bandar Abbas, Iran. In this study, ELISA (IBL kit), method on serum of 5-15 years old children who had already been examined by physicians to record signs and symptoms relevant to Toxocariasis was performed. Results: The frequency of anti-Toxocara antibody was 0.9%9 (6.650 cases) with no significant gender differences. Eosinophilia (blood eosinophil count higher than 600/mm3) was significantly related to the presence of a positive ELISA results. Conclusion: Bandar Abbas has a warm and humid tropical climate. Transmission of zoonotic parasite can be halted or diminished in these conditions. Low frequency of infected cases and rare positive serology results, along with other studies in other tropical regions confirm the effects of environmental conditions on parasite life cycle.

Seroprevalence of Toxocariasis in Children with Urticaria: A Population-based Study.

This study described the prevalence of IgG class antibodies against Toxocara spp. and their association with urticaria in 2- to 12-year-old children. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2012 and September 2014. The study sample comprised 168 children. Blood samples were collected to verify the presence of toxocariasis by using ELISA to detect IgG antibodies. The guardians of the children were interviewed to characterize the presence or absence of other diseases, such as urticaria. The presence of urticaria was observed in 38% of participants. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in this population was 16%. This study confirmed a positive association between urticaria and positive serology for Toxocara and a negative independent association with canine contact and the number of household residents. There are no previous reports in the literature of a population-based study that correlates the presence of urticaria with serology for toxocariasis.

PREVALENCE OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES AND MORBIDITY BY INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CHILDREN 0-5 YEARS OF AGE IN IÑAPARI IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

Introdução: A cidade de Iñapari localiza-se no Peru e faz fronteira com a região Amazônica brasileira pelos estados do Acre e Amazonas. As crianças peruanas menores de 5 anos padecem com moderado percentual de anemia e a desnutrição crônica infantil constitui um dos principais problemas de saúde pública no país. O objetivo deste estudo foi levantar a prevalência das principais morbidades da infância, como anemia, desnutrição infantil, parasitoses intestinais, toxocaríase e hepatite A, e investigar a associação entre elas e as condições socioeconômicas e ambientais encontradas em Iñapari. Métodos: Foram realizadas entrevistas com base em questionários, assim como a relação das medidas antropométricas, a coleta de amostra de fezes e a coleta de sangue venoso. Resultados: Dentre os resultados encontrados, destaca-se a prevalência de anemia de 20%, desnutrição crônica avaliada pelo déficit de altura para a idade de 8,5%, presença de patógenos em 24,5% das amostras de fezes tendo como principal patógeno Giardia intestinalis (14,7%), prevalência de toxocaríase de 33,3% e de hepatite A de 23,3%. Conclusão: Neste estudo ficou evidenciada a associação entre os desfechos e as más condições de moradia e higiene da população. A baixa renda mostrou-se claramente associada à presença de desnutrição e anemia.

A Systematic Review of Toxocariasis: A Neglected But High-Prevalence Disease in Brazil.

Toxocariasis is an anthropozoonosis that occurs in all parts of the world. In particular, this disease can often be found in developing countries and in regions, where basic sanitation conditions are poor. However, industrialized countries have reported seroprevalence rates as high as 14.2% in humans. The definitive hosts of the disease are dogs and cats, whereas humans are a paratenic host. To determine the burden of toxocariasis in Brazil, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a systematic review of the literature. Using keywords and applying the established criteria, we identified 160 publications and selected 22 articles for further analysis. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in various regions of the country ranged from 4.2% to 65.4%. The highest prevalence was found in the northeast region, although the majority of the studies identified were from the southeast region. The findings suggest the importance of raising awareness among health professionals and public authorities about the fact that toxocariasis is a health problem.

Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in hypereosinophilic individuals in Ahwaz, south-western Iran

Eosinophilia in human peripheral blood is caused by different agents, including toxocariasis. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of toxocariasis in hypereosinophilic individuals in the city of Ahwaz, located in south-western Iran, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot techniques. Serum samples were examined from 100 individuals with peripheral blood eosinophilia and also from another 100 individuals without eosinophilia as the control group. In hypereosinophilic individuals seroprevalence antibodies against Toxocara were found in 19 (19%), of whom 12 (63.15%) were female and 7 (36.85%) were male. Positive sera were subsequently confirmed by Western blot. All of the observed bands ranged from 24 to 100kDa. Antibodies against Toxocara were found in 1% of the control group, but were not confirmed by Western blot. The results showed significant differences between the frequency of infection within age and gender (P<0.05); the highest prevalence of infection was observed in adults. Differences between the hypereosinophilic and healthy individuals, in terms of Toxocara infection frequency, also proved significant (P<0.05).The present study thus confirmed the significant prevalence of toxocariasis as a hygienic problem among hypereosinophilic individuals in this area. It is, therefore, necessary to examine these individuals for toxocariasis.

Seroepidemiology of Nine Zoonoses in Viljujsk, Republic of Sakha (Northeastern Siberia, Russian Federation)

A seroepidemiology survey of nine zoonoses was carried out in 2007 on 90 healthy adult volunteers in Viljujsk, a northern city in the Republic of Sakha (Eastern Siberia). The seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis was 3.3% by immunofluorescence. None of the subjects displayed a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/Western blot result for alveolar or cystic echinococcosis. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis by Western blot was 4.4%, and 8.9% of the subjects had anti-Toxoplasma IgG. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the seroprevalence of trichinellosis was 4.4%. Three subjects were simultaneously positive for tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile infection, so no clear diagnostic conclusion could be reached for these flavivirus diseases. Interestingly, Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever had an 11.1% seroprevalence rate, indicating that Viljujsk is the most northern focus of this infection. Additionally, this finding suggests a potential involvement of Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever agent, or of another member of the Bunyaviridae family, in the genesis of the so-called Viljujsk encephalomyelitis.