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Hlushko KT, Pavlyshyn HA. Toxocariasis in children with digestive system diseases. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj94.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is common among children and causes digestive diseases. The aim of the work was to study the development of toxocariasis in children with digestive diseases. The serum levels of specific IgG to Toxocara canis and Ascaris, levels of IL-4 and TNF-α were determined in 63 children. In addition, tests for parasites and a retrospective survey in order to assess sanitation and hygiene practices were conducted. All children were divided into two groups: group I includes 19 (30.2%) patients seropositive for toxocariasis, and group II – 44 (69.8%) children without any parasites. The level of IL-4 was higher in group I (18.0 ± 6.4 pg/ml) than in group II (7.2 ± 2.0 pg/ml) (P < 0.001. While the level of TNF-α did not differ significantly between groups I (4.5 ± 2.1 pg/ml) and II (3.6 ± 1.1 pg/ml) (P > 0.05). A higher incidence of Toxocara was observed among rural residents (78.9%). Children with toxocariasis more often had soil-pica (42.1%), played with dogs (100%), and did not wash their hands (84.2%) compared to the group of uninfected children. It was noted that hygienic habits and place of living contribute to Toxocara canis infection. IL-4 levels were considerably higher in group I than in group II that can be accounted for the host immune response activation, at the same time, the levels of TNF-α did not differ. Children without toxocariasis had also increased levels of IL-4, which may be related to past helminthic infection. Keywords: children., digestive diseases, interleukin-4, toxocariasis, tumor necrosis factor - α
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The Prevalence of Asymptomatic Infections with Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Attitude towards Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine in the Endemic Area of Northeastern Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081294. [PMID: 36016182 PMCID: PMC9412675 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In Poland, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination rate is low despite high incidence of severe infections with TBE virus (TBEV). However, infection with TBEV can be asymptomatic or mild, which makes the total number of cases difficult to assess. We aimed at assessing asymptomatic TBEV infections and describing attitudes towards the TBE vaccine. We studied 298 healthy adult blood donors and 180 children from the TBE endemic area of northeastern Poland for the presence of anti-TBEV IgG antibodies. We also surveyed a separate cohort of 444 adults. Thirty-eight blood donors (13%) and 38 survey respondents (9%) reported a history of a prior anti-TBEV vaccination. Forty respondents (9%) reported vaccinating their child in the past. Fourteen unvaccinated blood donors (5%) and four children (2%) were seropositive for specific anti-TBEV antibodies, suggesting a history of an undiagnosed TBEV infection. In the surveyed cohort, 130 (32%) expressed their intention to be vaccinated and 144 (36%) expressed their intention to vaccinate their child. This intention was significantly higher in respondents with a recent tick-bite, a diagnosis of tick-borne disease in a close relative, and in males. Our study shows that asymptomatic TBEV infections are common. The acceptance of TBE vaccine is low, but might be increased by communicating risks associated with tick bites.
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Serosurvey of anti-Toxocara antibodies and risk factors in adolescent and adult pregnant women of southeastern Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009571. [PMID: 34347773 PMCID: PMC8336820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is worldwide endemic parasitic anthropozoonosis with high risk to those in in vulnerable populations and particularly during pregnancy and childhood. Although the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies has been extensively studied, risk factors of pregnant women of different ages remains to be established. This study was designed to i) assess the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in pregnant women that presented to the public health system in a city of southeastern Brazil, and ii) determine the risk factors for toxocariasis in adolescent and adult pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 280 pregnant women (71 aged up to and including 17 years [adolescents] and 209 aged 18 years and older [adults]). Pregnant women voluntarily agreed to complete a socioeconomic questionnaire and provide serum samples. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were screened by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the risks for toxocariasis. Overall, 20.7% of pregnant women were seropositive (33.8% of adolescents and 16.3% of adults). Prevalence in pregnant adolescents was 2.6-fold higher than in adults (Odds ration [OR]: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.42-4.86, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that contact with soil (p = 0.01; OR = 4.76) and being in the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.03; OR = 0.17) had significantly greater risk of toxocariasis for adolescents, and attainment of elementary through middle school education level (p = 0.05; OR = 8.33) was a risk factor in adult pregnant women. Toxocariasis is likely underreported and neglected in adolescent pregnant women; this age group should always be monitored for toxocariasis and correspondent clinical signs, particularly at late pregnancy.
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Arefkhah N, Shadzi MR, Mikaeili F, Sarkari B, Esfandiari F, Goudarzi F. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis among nomads in Boyer-Ahmad County, southwest Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 114:372-377. [PMID: 31825495 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is caused by the larval stage of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence and the risk factors associated with Toxocara infection in nomads of Boyer-Ahmad County in the southwest of Iran. METHODS A total of 968 blood samples were collected from nomads. A structured questionnaire, containing sociodemographic data, was completed for each participant. Sera were evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies, using the T. canis excretory-secretory antigens prepared from the second stage larvae, in an ELISA system. RESULTS Among the 968 participants, 220 (22.7%) were males and 748 (77.3%) were females; the mean age was 40.71 y. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 14 (1.4%) of the 968 nomads. The association between Toxocara infection and gender, age, contact with dogs, residential area and level of education were not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study revealed a low prevalence rate of toxocariasis in nomadic communities in southwest Iran. Geographic location and climatic conditions as well as the lifestyle and sociodemographic features of the participants may contribute to the low prevalence rate of Toxocara infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Arefkhah
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shadzi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farideh Esfandiari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Goudarzi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Cheraghali F, Fadaei Jouybari F, Tohidi F, Ghasemikhah R, Taghipour A, Sharbatkhori M. Seroprevalence, risk factors, and clinical symptoms of Toxocara spp. infection among children 3-15 years old in northern Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 76:101643. [PMID: 33819773 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has categorized toxocarosis as a neglected tropical disease despite its significant impact on high-risk groups such as children. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence, risk factors, and clinical symptoms of Toxocara spp. infection among children 3-15 years old in northern Iran. A total of 386 children were enrolled in the study. All serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against Toxocara spp. infection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, relevant risk factors and clinical symptom data were obtained using questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 24. The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection was found 2.85 % (11/386). However, Toxocara spp. infection was high for some risk factors, including eating soil (14.3 %), contacting cats (6.7 %), and consuming raw vegetables (3.7 %). However, there were no statistically significant differences regarding the risk factors and socio-demographic characteristics. Considering the clinical symptoms, Toxocara spp. infection was different in children with eosinophilia (20 %), ocular disorders (8.3 %), skin disorders (7.7 %), liver disorders (4.5 %), and stomach ache (4.2 %), although not statistically significant. The results revealed that the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection was relatively low in children in northern Iran. It is suggested to conduct more studies in different parts of Iran to gain a deeper understanding of the toxocarosis seroprevalence and its status in high-risk groups such as children with asthma, hypereosinophilic syndrome, allergic skin disorders, and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Cheraghali
- Department of Pediatric Diseases, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Farideh Tohidi
- Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Reza Ghasemikhah
- Infectious Diseases Research Center (IDRC), Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Sharbatkhori
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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Sato M, Sato MO, Waikagul J, Pongvongsa T, Sanguankiat S, Yoonuan T, Kounnavong S, Kawai S, Yamasaki H, Moji K. Human toxocariasis, a silent helminthic disease revealed in Savannakhet, Lao PDR. One Health 2020; 11:100191. [PMID: 33392380 PMCID: PMC7772625 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic helminthiasis caused by the migrating larvae of Toxocara canis and T. cati, common roundworms of dogs and cats. Our previous study in Savannakhet Province of Lao PDR showed an infection rate of 44.1% of Toxocara spp. in dogs. Thus, we investigate if this previous high prevalence in the definitive hosts influenced the occurrence of human toxocariasis. For that we used a 38 kDa recombinant protein derived from T. canis larvae excretion secretion products in ELISA. Human serum samples were collected in the Lahanam area of Savannakhet province. The population attending the study in Lahanam village were aged from 7 to 59 years old (y/o) 65.9% (54/82) were male and 34.1% (28/82) were female. The total percentage of seropositivity to Toxocara sp. was 30.4% (25/82). Males were more likely to test positive for toxocariasis with a risk ratio of 2.70 (CI95 0.87–4.93). No significant differences between ages were seen. However, it was possible to observe an increase of optical density (OD) values in ELISA according to age. The awareness of the health system on the high prevalence of seropositivity to Toxocara sp. in Savannakhet can prevent irreversible consequences as permanent vision loss and seizures caused by this silent chronic disease revealed in the Lahanam area. The first survey for human toxocariasis was carried out in Savannakhet, Lao-PDR. Seropositivity was higher in males than females. Despite no reported clinical cases of toxocariasis 30.4% of seropositivity was found. People are at risk of exposure to Toxocara sp. larvae in Savannakhet, Lao-PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Sato
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Marcello Otake Sato
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Jitra Waikagul
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tiengkham Pongvongsa
- Station of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology of Savannakhet Province, Savannakhet, Lao PDR
| | - Surapol Sanguankiat
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tipparayat Yoonuan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Satoru Kawai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | | | - Kazuhiko Moji
- Graduate School of International Health Development, Nagasaki University, Japan
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Soil Contamination with Toxocara Eggs in Public Schools in Rural Areas of Southern Thailand. J Trop Med 2020; 2020:9659640. [PMID: 32963555 PMCID: PMC7495207 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9659640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil is considered the primary source of Toxocara transmission to humans, especially children. The status of soil contamination with Toxocara eggs in southern Thailand is unknown. This study aimed at estimating the soil contamination with Toxocara eggs in public schools in Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand. Soil samples were collected from 12 public schools between August and September 2017. At each site, ten soil samples were collected from the following five types of locations: (1) playgrounds, (2) football fields, (3) sidewalks, (4) schoolyards, and (5) areas around cafeterias. In total, 120 samples were examined for Toxocara eggs with a modified flotation method using a sucrose solution. Toxocara eggs were detected in 8 (66.7%) of the 12 studied public schools. Of the 120 soil samples, 22 (18.3%; 95% CI: 11.9, 26.4) were contaminated with Toxocara eggs. The highest levels of Toxocara egg contamination were observed in playgrounds (41.7%; 95% CI: 22.1, 63.4), followed by football fields (20.8%; 95% CI: 7.1, 42.2), sidewalks (12.5%; 95% CI: 2.7, 32.4), and schoolyards (12.5%; 95% CI: 2.7, 32.4). There were significant differences in the distribution of Toxocara eggs across location types (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrated that the soil samples from public schools were contaminated with Toxocara eggs. Playgrounds were the most heavily contaminated locations. Teaching children proper handwashing steps and discouraging geophagia should be implemented to reduce the distribution of Toxocara and limit future Toxocara infections.
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Raissi V, Saber V, zibaei M, Bahadory S, Akhlaghi E, Raiesi O, Aslani R, Shamsi L, Graili A, Ibrahim A. Comparison of the prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks soils in different seasons, from 2017 to 2018, Tehran Province, Iran. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Toxocara Prevalence in Soil and Humans in Vladivostok: A Long-Term Study. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.86679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Rostami A, Riahi SM, Hofmann A, Ma G, Wang T, Behniafar H, Taghipour A, Fakhri Y, Spotin A, Chang BCH, Macpherson CNL, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Global prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:561-583. [PMID: 32381218 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dogs serve as the most important definitive hosts for Toxocara canis-a causative agent of human toxocariasis and one of the most widespread zoonotic helminth worldwide. The present study was undertaken to assess the global prevalence of T. canis infection in dogs. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and SciELO were searched to identify relevant studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalences across studies, and heterogeneity was assessed via the I2 test. The data were categorized according to WHO-region, different types of dogs, risk factors and environmental variables. From a total of 4370 peer-reviewed publications, 229 articles that studied 13,010,004 dogs in 60 countries met the final inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs was 11.1% (95% CI, 10.6-11.7%). The estimated prevalence in the different WHO-regions ranged from 6.4% to 19.2%: Eastern Mediterranean (19.2%, 13.7-25.5%), Africa (18.5%, 13.7-23.9%), South-East Asia (11.9%, 6.8-18.2%), North America (11.1%, 10.6-11.7%), South America (10.9%, 7.6-14.6%), Europe (10.8%, 8.9-12.9%) and Western Pacific (6.4%, 3.3-10.2%). Young (<1 year of age), stray, rural and male dogs had a significantly (P<0.001) higher prevalence of infection than older, pet, urban or female dogs. The prevalence was higher in low income countries and regions at a low geographical latitude, close to the equator, characterized as having tropical climates. From this review, it is estimated that ≥100 million dogs are infected with Toxocara around the world. This highlights the need for an increased focus on implementing affordable, appropriate control programs to reduce the public health threat of toxocariasis as a zoonosis of global importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Calum N L Macpherson
- School of Graduate Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, WINDREF, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Seroprevalence of human toxocarosis in Europe: A review and meta-analysis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:375-418. [PMID: 32381208 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Toxocarosis is distributed worldwide and represents the most prevalent zoonotic helminth infection in industrialized countries, thereby posing a substantial risk for public health. Thus, toxocarosis is one of CDC's Neglected Parasitic Infections that has been targeted for public health action. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes Toxocara seroprevalence in general populations from Europe, populations suspected of Toxocara infection and defined risk groups. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions based on 41 publications resulted in an overall seroprevalence of 6.2% (95% CI: 4.7-8.3%) in the general population of Europe. Subgroup analysis according to decades (1970-2010s) revealed a significant increase in seroprevalence, with the highest value (12.4%; 95% CI: 6.5-22.3%) in the 2010s (χ2=17.87, df=4, P=0.001). There were no significant differences between pooled prevalence rates of European sub-regions (χ2=3.01, df=3, P=0.389). Furthermore, meta-analysis of seroprevalence according to age groups, based on data from 22 publications, indicated a significantly higher pooled seroprevalence of 14.9% (95% CI: 8.5-24.8%) in people more than 50 years of age than in younger age cohorts (χ2=8.33, df=2, P=0.016). Occupational groups exposed to contaminated soil and infected animals bear substantial risk for acquiring Toxocara infection. Due to the close link between animal infection and human Toxocara exposure, a "One Health" approach for the prevention of Toxocara infection in both humans and animals is required.
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Rubel D, Nemirovsky SI, Gorosito I, Servián A, Garbossa G. Factors affecting canine fecal and parasitic contamination of public green spaces of Buenos Aires city, Argentina, and visitors’ perception of such contamination. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Canine fecal contamination in public green areas is difficult to control. Our objectives were to assess: (i) the relationship between fecal contamination in public green spaces of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and the type of green space (boulevard/square/park), considering their area, presence/absence of control measures, and human population density in the surroundings (high or low); (ii) the perception of people of such contamination and (iii) the frequency of parasites in dog feces. In each green space (n = 26), feces were counted in thirty 25-m2 plots randomly located. The opinion survey consisted of asking people (358) what their perception of fecal contamination was, whether it bothered them and whether they thought it was hazardous to the dogs’ or people’ health. Canine fecal samples randomly collected (n = 112) were concentrated and examined microscopically. Mixed-effect generalized linear models were fitted to evaluate the effect of selected variables on fecal contamination. People’s perception of human and canine health risks were assessed by logistic regression. Canine fecal contamination was lower in squares with control measures and in parks with control measures located in densely populated areas, and higher in boulevards located in densely populated areas. The visitor’s perception was that feces were associated with dirtiness (77%) and odor (30.8%). Parasites were detected in 51.8% of fecal samples. Our results confirm that environmental control measures decrease canine fecal contamination of public green spaces, and that more than 65% of the people interviewed do not relate fecal contamination to risks to human/dog health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rubel
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio I Nemirovsky
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Irene Gorosito
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Servián
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud Pública (IISP), Marcelo T. de Alvear 2202, 2° Piso. CP C1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela Garbossa
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Intendente Güiraldes 2620, Ciudad Universitaria - Pab. II, 4° Piso, CP: C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud Pública (IISP), Marcelo T. de Alvear 2202, 2° Piso. CP C1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ultrasonography for early diagnosis of Toxocara canis infection in puppies. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:873-880. [PMID: 30706166 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in dogs and represents a highly infectious zoonotic parasite worldwide. Adult worms live in the bowel of dogs, and infections in puppies are commonly acquired transplacentally. The biology of the parasite and the commonly used diagnostic method, based on faecal examination, often prevent an early diagnosis of toxocariasis in puppies. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of intestinal ascariasis could be a feasible alternative method to diagnose T. canis infection in puppies during the prepatent period. The present study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of intestinal toxocariasis in new-born puppies during the prepatent period. Fifty-four new-born puppies were prospectively recruited in the study. Each dog underwent intestinal ultrasonography and copro-microscopic examination every 5 days, starting from the 10th day post-birth. Intestinal ultrasonography visualized adult T. canis nematodes in the puppies' small intestine from the 10th day post-birth. On the 15th day after birth, ultrasonography showed 100% specificity and 85.4% sensitivity in diagnosing T. canis infection, despite negative results deriving from the copro-microscopic examination performed at the same time point. Our results showed that ultrasonography can be used as test for early diagnosis of T. canis infection in new-born puppies during the prepatent period. Early ultrasonographic diagnosis of T. canis infection in puppies could help control the disease in dogs and reduce the zoonotic risk for the human population.
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Kwon JW, Lee SY, Jee D, Cho YK. Prognosis for ocular toxocariasis according to granuloma location. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202904. [PMID: 30161178 PMCID: PMC6117002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the prognosis for ocular toxocariasis (OT) according to the location of the granuloma and to identify factors associated with its recurrence within 1 year. Methods OT patients were classified according to the granuloma lesion. After grouping the patients as posterior or peripheral, we compared sex, age, intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), degree of inflammation, immunoglobulin E, eosinophil profiles, recurrence, and complications in each group. We also identified factors associated with recurrence within 1 year. Results A total of 29 (61.70%) patients had granuloma at the periphery, and 18 (38.30%) patients had granuloma around the posterior pole. There were no significant differences in ocular or systemic evaluations except the initial BCVA. The mean decimal BCVA of the posterior pole granuloma group was worse than that of the peripheral granuloma group (p = 0.042). After treatment, the mean BCVA of the posterior pole granuloma group improved significantly (p = 0.019), and the final mean BCVA was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.673). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that recurrence within a year was associated with age at diagnosis (p = 0.007). Conclusions The initial BCVA of OT patients differed according to the location of the granuloma, but the BCVA after treatment was not significantly different between the groups. Younger age was associated with recurrence within 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-woo Kwon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyun Jee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (DHJ); (YKC)
| | - Yang kyung Cho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (DHJ); (YKC)
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Shokouhi S, Abdi J. Seroprevalence of Toxocara in Children from Urban and Rural Areas of Ilam Province, West Iran. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2018; 9:101-104. [PMID: 30023153 PMCID: PMC6037396 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2018.9.3.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The present study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxocara in children ≤ 10 years old, from rural and urban areas of Ilam. Methods Serum samples from 383 children ≤ 10 years old, were selected randomly from rural and urban areas of Ilam province and surveyed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results The total rate of infection with Toxocara was 22% (31% with a history of contact with dogs and cats, and 14% without a history of contact). Of those infected, 23% were male and 18% were female, 36% lived a rural life and 20% had an urban life. A significant correlation was found between the incidence of disease, and urban and rural life, as well as exposure to dogs and cats. There was no correlation between prevalence and gender or age. Conclusion Given the high prevalence of infection with Toxocara amongst children in Ilam province, preventive work in the community such as education in risk management and periodic treatment with anti-parasitic drugs and elimination of stray dogs and cats is an appropriate measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Shokouhi
- Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Jahangir Abdi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ilam university of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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Martínez M, Montero J, Pineda A, Mijares V, Lares M, Catalano E, Ferrer E. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of toxocariasis in school children from Aragua State, Venezuela. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2018; 112:255-263. [DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/try051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- María Martínez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas ‘Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso’ (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Jesica Montero
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Adriana Pineda
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Víctor Mijares
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - María Lares
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas ‘Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso’ (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Emily Catalano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas ‘Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso’ (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Elizabeth Ferrer
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas ‘Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso’ (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
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Kroten A, Toczylowski K, Oldak E, Sulik A. Toxocarosis in children: poor hygiene habits and contact with dogs is related to longer treatment. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1513-1519. [PMID: 29557502 PMCID: PMC5915510 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5833-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the main clinical signs and symptoms of toxocarosis in children and the treatment results. The study group consisted of 66 seropositive children aged 2 to 16 years, evaluated in an outpatient clinic in north-eastern Poland for 24 months. Male gender and living in urban areas predominated in the study population. Children presented with non-specific symptoms, of which the most common was abdominal pain or tenderness, which was reported by 39 (59%) patients. Absolute eosinophil counts were increased in 32 (48%) children. Total IgE concentrations were increased in 31 of 55 (56%) tested children. All evaluated children received albendazole as a first-line treatment. In 19 cases, additional treatment with albendazole and/or diethylcarbamazine was provided. The analysis of possible causes of prolonged treatment revealed that significant risk factors were geophagia [odds ratio (OR), 6.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.8–21.8; p < 0.01] and daily contact with a dog [OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.3–27.3, p < 0.05]. We hypothesise that poor hygiene habits and daily contact with a dog pose a risk of reinfection and limits treatment efficiency. Because of non-specific signs and frequent lack of eosinophilia, physicians should maintain high levels of suspicion for toxocarosis, particularly in patients who live in regions heavily contaminated with Toxocara eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kroten
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Kacper Toczylowski
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Oldak
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Artur Sulik
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
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Evaluation of the transcription of interleukin-12 in the intestinal mucosa of mice subjected to experimental toxocariasis and supplemented with Saccharomyces boulardii. Vet Parasitol 2017; 242:59-62. [PMID: 28606326 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Kleine A, Springer A, Strube C. Seasonal variation in the prevalence of Toxocara eggs on children's playgrounds in the city of Hanover, Germany. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:248. [PMID: 28526064 PMCID: PMC5437484 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roundworms of the genus Toxocara are worldwide distributed zoonotic parasites of carnivores. Based on case numbers and the potential impact on human health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorised toxocarosis as one of the most important neglected parasitic diseases. As contact with contaminated soil, e.g. in sandpits, is considered the primary transmission route, data on playground contamination are needed to assess infection risk for children. Here, playground contamination rates and their seasonal variation in the city of Hanover, Germany, were investigated. METHODS Sand samples were collected monthly over a 12-month period on 46 playgrounds in the city of Hanover, Germany. In total, 1,362 samples were examined for Toxocara eggs and analysed statistically for seasonal influences on potential infection risk. RESULTS Contamination rates ranged from 6.5% (3/46) Toxocara positive sandpits in September to 41.3% (19/46) in February, while contamination with infective embryonated eggs varied between 2.2% (1/46) and 23.9% (11/46). Compared to September, the month with the lowest contamination rate, significantly more sandpits were positive for Toxocara eggs from January to August and in October, while the prevalence of infective Toxocara eggs was significantly increased only in January and February. Regarding egg numbers, significantly higher total counts were observed in October and from December to June, while infective egg counts were significantly increased only in January, February and April. CONCLUSIONS Compared to data from 1985, contamination rates have dropped from 55.8% to an average of 23.2% in 2011. Even though the observed egg numbers indicate a moderate to low general infection risk, the potential risk to single individuals should not be underestimated, as highly contaminated spots may occur infrequently and independent of season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Kleine
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of ocular toxocariasis (OT) presenting with intermediate uveitis in the Korean population.We studied intermediate uveitis patients using ocular and systemic evaluations and a Toxocara IgG serology test.Of 50 intermediate uveitis patients, 19 were seropositive for Toxocara IgG. Of the 19 OT patients, 4 presented with recurrence within 6 months and were significantly younger than nonrecurrence patients (P = 0.009). Thirteen patients had a history of eating raw cow liver.There were 14 males and 5 females in the OT group, and 11 males and 20 females in the non-OT group (P = 0.009). There was bilateral involvement in 7 out of 19 patients in the OT group, and 20 out of 31 patients in non-OT group (P = 0.033).Intermediate uveitis patients in OT were predominately male and had more unilateral presentation than non-OT patients.
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Gao X, Wang H, Li J, Qin H, Xiao J. Influence of land use and meteorological factors on the spatial distribution of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati eggs in soil in urban areas. Vet Parasitol 2017; 233:80-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lassen B, Janson M, Viltrop A, Neare K, Hütt P, Golovljova I, Tummeleht L, Jokelainen P. Serological Evidence of Exposure to Globally Relevant Zoonotic Parasites in the Estonian Population. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164142. [PMID: 27723790 PMCID: PMC5056716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated Estonian population and its selected subgroups for serological evidence of exposure to Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinococcus spp., Taenia solium, Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella spiralis. Serum samples from 999 adults representing general population, 248 children aged 14-18, 158 veterinarians, 375 animal caretakers, and 144 hunters were tested for specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against the selected parasites using commercial enzyme immunoassays (ELISA). Sera yielding positive or twice grey zone Echinococcus spp, T. solium, T. canis, and T. spiralis results were subjected to western blot (WB) analysis. In the general population, based on the ELISA results, the A. lumbricoides seroprevalence was 12.7%, Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was 3.3%, T. solium seroprevalence was 0.7%, T. canis seroprevalence was 12.1%, T. gondii seroprevalence was 55.8%, and T. spiralis seroprevalence was 3.1%. Ascaris lumbricoides seroprevalences were higher in children and in animal caretakers than in the general population, and T. canis seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers than in the general population. Compared with the general population, Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was higher in children. By contrast, T. gondii seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers, and lower in children, than in the general population. In the general population, the WB-confirmed Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was 0.5%, T. solium cysticercosis seroprevalence was 0.0%, Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was 14.5%, and Trichinella spp. seroprevalence was 2.7%. WB-confirmed Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers than in the general population. We found serological evidence of exposure to zoonotic parasites in all tested groups. This calls for higher awareness of zoonotic parasitic infections in Estonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lassen
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Marilin Janson
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arvo Viltrop
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kädi Neare
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pirje Hütt
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Chair of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Irina Golovljova
- Department of Virology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Lea Tummeleht
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in Korean, Manchu, Mongol, and Han ethnic groups in northern China. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:3101-3107. [PMID: 27457773 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816001631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a very prevalent zoonotic disease worldwide. Recently, investigators have focused more on Toxocara spp. seroprevalence in humans. Information regarding Toxocara seroprevalence in people from different ethnic backgrounds in China is limited. For this study, blood samples were collected from a total of 802 Han, 520 Korean, 303 Manchu, and 217 Mongol subjects from Jilin and Shandong provinces. The overall Toxocara seroprevalence was 16·07% (14·21% Han, 20·58% Korean, 11·22% Manchu, 18·89% Mongol). Living in suburban or rural areas, having dogs at home, exposure to soil, and consumption of raw/undercooked meat were risk factors for Toxocara infection. Exposure to soil was identified as the major risk factor for Toxocara seropositivity in all of the tested ethnicities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning Toxocara infection in Manchus and Mongols in China. The present study provided baseline data for effective prevention strategies of toxocariasis in northeast China and recommends improvements in personal hygiene standards to achieve this goal.
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Vanhee M, Dalemans AC, Viaene J, Depuydt L, Claerebout E. Toxocara in sandpits of public playgrounds and kindergartens in Flanders (Belgium). Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2016; 1-2:51-54. [PMID: 31018409 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Belgium counts more than a million dogs and at least two million cats, of which many are carrying zoonotic nematodes of the genus Toxocara. Environmental contamination with worm eggs is considered the key transmission route from animals to humans, and mainly young children are at risk. Contamination of soil with Toxocara eggs has been reported from all over the world, but data are lacking for Belgium. In this study, faecal contamination and the presence of Toxocara eggs in sand were investigated in sandpits of public playgrounds and kindergartens in Flanders (Northern Belgium). Faeces, of which 85% originated from cats, were found in about one third of the public playgrounds and one fifth of the kindergartens. Toxocara eggs were found in 12% of the faecal samples, in 14% of the public sandpits, and in 2% of the sandpits of kindergartens. These data indicate that environmental contamination with Toxocara exists in urban areas in Belgium, and that cats are most likely the main source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merijn Vanhee
- Department of Biotechnology, Vives University College, Wilgenstraat 32, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium.
| | | | - Jasmine Viaene
- Department of Biotechnology, Vives University College, Wilgenstraat 32, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium.
| | - Lies Depuydt
- Department of Biotechnology, Vives University College, Wilgenstraat 32, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium.
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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