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Awais MM, Zahoor S, Akhtar M, Anwar MI, Shirwany ASAK, Ali MA, Bhatti MS, Razzaq A. Prevalence of antibodies to Toxocara canis and its associated risk factors in socio-economically deprived nomadic communities of Pakistan. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:616-626. [PMID: 37381108 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Muhammad Awais
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Seemab Zahoor
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Masood Akhtar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan Anwar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Sammad Ali Khan Shirwany
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Amjad Ali
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdul Razzaq
- Animal Sciences Division, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Foroutan M, Soltani S, Bahadoram S, Maghsoudi F, Kamyari N, Haddadi S. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxocara canis infection in children aged 2–15 years from the southwest Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 85:101801. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Epidemiological study of gastrointestinal helminths among dogs from Northeastern Nigeria: a potential public health concern. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2179-2186. [PMID: 35543746 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07538-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the epidemiology of canine parasitic infections, gastrointestinal helminthic infections in particular, is crucial for designing an efficient control programs targeted at minimizing the risks of zoonotic transmission. A total of 470 dogs attending veterinary clinics in Northeastern Nigeria were screened for gastrointestinal helminths using standard parasitological techniques. Epidemiological risk factors associated with the canine parasitic infections were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. In total, 77.9% (366/470) of dogs had harboured one or more species of the gastrointestinal helminths: Ancylostoma caninum (40.2%), Toxocara canis (35.1%) Trichuris vulpis (26.6%), Spirocerca lupi (5.7%), Taenia/Echinococcus (12.3%), Dipylidium caninum (10.9%) and Diphyllobothriid ova (2.8%). Female dogs (OR=2.1; p=0.02), local breeds (OR=2.3; p<0.01), younger dogs (OR=3.2; p<0.001), dogs adopted as security guards (OR=1.8; p<0.01) and poor body condition score (OR=3.1; p<0.001) were strongly associated with A. caninum infection. For T. canis and T. vulpis, younger dogs (OR=2.5; p=0.02 and OR=2.3; p<0.01) and poor body condition score (OR=4.2; p<0.001 and OR=2.2; p<0.01) were the strong predictors for infection, whereas female dogs (OR=2.8; p=0.02), younger dogs (OR=4.1; p<0.001) and poor body condition score (OR=4.0; p<0.001) were strongly associated with D. caninum infection in dogs. The results revealed high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths-some of which have zoonotic potential-among dogs underlying huge public health risk.
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The epidemiology and control of Toxocara canis in puppies. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2021; 16:e00232. [PMID: 34917784 PMCID: PMC8669357 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis is a helminth zoonosis that is estimated to infect more than 100 million dogs and 1 billion people, mostly in the tropics. Humans can be infected by accidentally ingesting embryonated T. canis eggs from the environment or occasionally after ingesting L3 larvae from paratenic hosts. This study investigated the importance of vertical transmission and the role of puppies in the epidemiology of T. canis through the examination of fecal samples from dogs less than one year of age in Grenada, West Indies, a small island tropical developing country. Samples were stored at 4 °C or in 10% formalin until microscopic examination for helminth eggs or using a rapid antigen test for the presence of protozoan species. A knowledge, attitudes and practices study was completed among dog owners, physicians and veterinary students. Of 306 dogs less than one year of age, 147 (48%) were found to have T. canis eggs. Vertical transmission was indicated by the proportion of infected dogs increasing from 50% at two weeks of age (from in utero transmission) to 70% by 12 weeks (in utero and lactogenic transmission). After 12 weeks the positivity rate dropped rapidly with no dogs over 40 weeks of age being infected. As T. canis eggs were found in puppy feces at two weeks of age, initial treatment of puppies should begin earlier, at twelve days post-partum, than currently recommended to prevent shedding of eggs. Perhaps even more importantly, treatment of pregnant dogs, preventing vertical transmission, would have a major impact on the control of T. canis infection. Knowledge of T. canis and other zoonotic helminths such as Ancylostoma caninum was found to be low among dog owners, physicians and veterinary students. None of the dog owners treated their dogs for helminths, all were unaware of the risk of zoonoses, and only 9% picked up dog feces. Efforts to prevent vertical transmission and to increase awareness and knowledge of these zoonoses could result in reducing their public health impact.
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Abedi B, Akbari M, KhodaShenas S, Tabibzadeh A, Abedi A, Ghasemikhah R, Soheili M, Bayazidi S, Moradi Y. The global prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Pediatr 2021; 64:575-581. [PMID: 33561339 PMCID: PMC8566795 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2020.01039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in humans. Various types of T. canis are important. PURPOSE The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics in the context of a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS The MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Sciences, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and December 2019 that report the prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics. The evaluation of articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria was performed by 2 researchers individually. RESULTS The results of 31 relevant studies indicated that the prevalence of Toxocara spp. was 3%-79% in 10,676 cases. The pooled estimate of global prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics was 30 (95% confidence interval, 22%-37%; I2=99.11%; P=0.00). The prevalence was higher in Asian populations than in European, American, and African populations. CONCLUSION Health policymakers should be more attentive to future research and approaches to Toxocara spp. and other zoonotic diseases to improve culture and identify socioeconomically important factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Abedi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Mehran Akbari
- Department of Nursing, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Sahar KhodaShenas
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Tabibzadeh
- Departments of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Abedi
- Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University of Arak, Arak, Iran
| | - Reza Ghasemikhah
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Marzieh Soheili
- Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Human Revivification Society of Congress 60, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shnoo Bayazidi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Menu E, Kopec L, Luciani L, Legrand S, L’Ollivier C. Measurement of the IgG Avidity Index in the Diagnosis of Clinical Toxocariasis Patients. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091086. [PMID: 34578119 PMCID: PMC8468318 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091086] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. are parasitic nematodes responsible for human toxocariasis, a common zoonotic helminth infection. The five main features of human toxocariasis are the classical ocular toxocariasis and visceral larva migrans syndrome, followed by covert toxocariasis, common toxocariasis and neurotoxocariasis. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is feasible by considering clinical symptoms, anamnestic history and serology laboratory results; however, serological criteria cannot be used to distinguish active Toxocara infection from past exposure, which is an area of much discussion in clinical practice. In this context, we developed avidity tests (ELISA and immunoblotting) and evaluated their clinical usefulness in distinguishing past from active toxocariasis. Our study involved 46 patients divided into two groups: “active toxocariasis” (n = 14) and “chronic toxocariasis” (n = 32). According to the avidity indices obtained for both the chronic and active toxocariasis groups, we proposed two thresholds: first, an AI lower than 32% supports an active infection; secondly, a threshold above 42% can exclude an active infection. In order to use this assay in routine clinical practice, however, is still requires standardisation with regards to the method and threshold values, which can be established through studies involving larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Menu
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
- VITROME: Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Service de Santé des Armées, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Aix Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Lora Kopec
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
| | - Léa Luciani
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Sophie Legrand
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
| | - Coralie L’Ollivier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
- VITROME: Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Service de Santé des Armées, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Aix Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
- Correspondence:
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Ntampaka P, Niragire F, Nyaga PN, Habarugira G. Canine Gastrointestinal Nematodiases and Associated Risk Factors in Kigali City, Rwanda. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:9956256. [PMID: 34350033 PMCID: PMC8328699 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9956256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine nematodes pose a public health risk to humans and livestock; however, the prevalence of canine nematodiases in Rwanda is unknown. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of canine nematodiases and identifying the risk factors for such infections in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. A cross-sectional study involved 93 dogs selected across Kigali city. Faecal samples were collected from apparently healthy dogs, and nematode eggs were identified and quantified using the McMaster technique. Risk factors for canine nematodiases were analysed by a multivariable binary logistic regression model. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodiases in dogs was 33.3% (95% CI: 23.8-42.9). The most prevalent species was Ancylostoma spp with 32.3% (95% CI: 22.8-41.8). Nearly 38.7% and 3.2% of the dogs infected with Ancylostoma spp and Toxocara canis had high egg counts per gram (EPG) of faeces (≥550), respectively. Approximately 96.8% of dogs infected with nematodes had monoinfection. Logistic regression analysis showed that dog's age (1 to 2.5 years old), location (Gasabo and Kicukiro districts), and feeding practices were significantly associated with prevalence of canine nematodiases. In particular, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was more than 5 times higher for dogs fed on uncooked animal products and leftovers from households and restaurants compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The AOR was also about 16 times higher for dogs that scavenged and ate leftovers from households compared to those who ate food prepared for them. The findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of GI nematodes in domestic dogs in Kigali city, Rwanda, was 33.3% (95% CI: 23.8-42.9). The identified nematodes, namely, Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara canis, are zoonotic, and dogs and humans are at risk of contracting these nematodes. The factors associated with canine GI nematodes in Kigali city include feeding practices and the dog's age and location (district). Dog owners need to rethink procedures for deworming and feeding their dogs. Again, the public should be made aware of the role of dogs in transmitting zoonotic nematodes to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pie Ntampaka
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 57, Nyagatare, Rwanda
| | - François Niragire
- Department of Applied Statistics, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 1514, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Philip Njeru Nyaga
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-00625, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gervais Habarugira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 57, Nyagatare, Rwanda
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Balacheff Q, Lovato JB, Coiffard B, L'Ollivier C, Cassir N, Reynaud-Gaubert M. Splenic abscess caused by Toxocara spp. in a lung transplant recipient, Marseille, France. Transpl Infect Dis 2021; 23:e13651. [PMID: 34042249 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Infections represent one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients. Although Toxocara species are prevalent worldwide, toxocariasis is an important neglected human disease that can manifest as visceral or ocular larva migrans, or covert toxocariasis. Herein, we report and discuss the first documented case of a splenic abscess associated with toxocariasis in a 69-year-old lung transplant recipient, in France. This case emphasizes the need to include prevention of toxocariasis in the management of lung transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Balacheff
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Lovato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Coiffard
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Coralie L'Ollivier
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Nadim Cassir
- Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Martine Reynaud-Gaubert
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
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9
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The first two cases of neurotoxocariasis in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2021; 120:1520-1525. [PMID: 33593692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonosis disease with high sero-prevalence in Southeast Asian. Neurotoxocariasis has never been reported in Taiwan. Herein, we presented 2 cases of neurotoxocariasis. The first case is a 48-year-old man with febrile headache, rapid progressive cognitive problems and later thoracic myelitis. Meningeal enhancements on the corresponding sites were found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Eosinophilic pleocytosis was present in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A positive Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigen (TcES)-based immunoblotting test for CSF confirmed the diagnosis. The second case is a 42-year-old woman of progressive headache with features of increased intracranial pressure. CSF analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis initially and eosinophilic pleocytosis later. Her brain MRI was normal. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of anti-TcES IgG in CSF. The two cases were soonly cured by mebendazole. Neurotoxocariasis presented a broad spectrum of neurological symptoms and the CSF profile can be non-eosinophilic pleocytosis. The prevalence of neurotoxocariasis may be seriously underestimated due to low awareness of physicians and lack of standard conventional diagnostic test in Taiwan. The two cases of neurotoxocariasis firstly reported in Taiwan will raise physician's awareness in recognizing this curable disease particularly in managing patients with aseptic meningitis or meningoencephalitis of undetermined pathogen.
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Akhmadishina LV, Ruzina MN, Lukasheva MA, Kyuregyan KK, Mikhailov MI, Lukashev AN. Seroprevalence and incidence of human toxocarosis in Russia. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:419-432. [PMID: 32381210 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyudmila V Akhmadishina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria N Ruzina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A Lukasheva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Karen K Kyuregyan
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia; Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail I Mikhailov
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia; Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander N Lukashev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.
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Wang S, Li H, Yao Z, Li P, Wang D, Zhang H, Xie Q, Zhang Z, Li X. Toxocara infection: seroprevalence and associated risk factors among primary school children in central China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:30. [PMID: 32374716 PMCID: PMC7202827 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease that poses a threat to public health worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among primary school children in Henan province, central China, which was previously unknown. Sera from 2451 primary school children were collected from September 2015 to October 2018, and evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 5.14% (126/2451). The main risk factors related to Toxocara infection identified in this study were the age of children, residence area of children, contact with cats or dogs, and exposure to soil. Hand washing before eating was considered to be a protective factor. These findings demonstrate that Toxocara infection is relatively common among primary school children in Henan province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Haoran Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Zhijun Yao
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Pengju Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Haizhu Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Qing Xie
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China - MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu, PR China
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12
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Phasuk N, Punsawad C. Seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection and associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural Southern Thailand. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:23. [PMID: 32336929 PMCID: PMC7175560 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00211-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by a parasite in the genus Toxocara and is transmitted mainly by the accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara canis (dog roundworm) or T. cati (cat roundworm) eggs. Several studies reported that children were the main population at risk for T. canis infection. Currently, no reports on the seroprevalence of T. canis infection in Thailand are available, and its status remains unknown among children who live in rural areas of southern Thailand. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. canis infection and its associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. METHODS A total of 177 schoolchildren between 6 and 13 years of age were recruited between June and July 2019. Serum anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit. A questionnaire administered by direct interviews was used to collect demographic and behavioral risk factor data. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence of T. canis infection was 58.2% (103 of 177). The univariate analysis revealed that schoolchildren who did not practice handwashing before a meal (crude odds ratio (COR) = 3.67, 95% CI 1.93-6.95, P < 0.001), did not practice hand washing after animal contact (COR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.53-5.47, P = 0.001), and drank untreated water (COR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.00-3.48, P = 0.049) had an increased risk of acquiring T. canis infection. However, after adjusting for confounders, only a lack of handwashing before a meal remained a significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.20, 95% CI 1.11-4.34, P = 0.023). Age, sex, owning a dog, and eating fresh vegetables were not significantly associated with T. canis infection in the current study. CONCLUSIONS This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among schoolchildren in Thailand. The high rate of Toxocara seropositivity reflected high levels of exposure to T. canis among schoolchildren in rural areas of southern Thailand. The results also provide baseline data regarding modifiable risk behaviors for effective T. canis infection prevention strategies in southern Thailand, especially strengthening hand washing practices among schoolchildren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonthapan Phasuk
- School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chuchard Punsawad
- School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Lötsch F, Grobusch MP. Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in humans in Africa: A review. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:483-499. [PMID: 32381214 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 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. METHODS 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. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Lötsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Peter Grobusch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Fan CK. Pathogenesis of cerebral toxocariasis and neurodegenerative diseases. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:233-259. [PMID: 32381200 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis belongs to one of zoonotic parasites that commonly infects canines worldwide, and its eggs in host faeces may contaminate the food, water, soil and their fur as well as the larvae entrapped in the granuloma can infect paratenic hosts including mice and humans. Survivability of T. canis embryonated eggs under moist, cool conditions may be as long as 2-4 years or more. In paratenic hosts such as mice and humans, T. canis L3 larvae neither moult, grow, nor replicate and will wander through a number of internal organs in humans so as to cause Th2-dominant pathology in various internal organs as leading to neurotoxocariasis (NT), ocular toxocariasis (OT), or visceral larva migrans (VLM). Although the systemic immune response to T. canis has been widely reported, the immune response in the brain has received little attention. Differential cytokine expression and other brain injury-associated biomarkers or neurodegeneration-associated factors have been observed in infected versus uninfected outbred and inbred mice. Preliminary data have also suggested a possible link between significant memory impairment and cytokine production associated with T. canis infection in the hippocampus which has been long recognised as being responsible for learning and memory functions. Notably, it remains an enigma concerning cerebral invasion by T. canis larvae rarely induces a recognisable neurological syndrome or its involvement in neuropathological disorders in humans. Exploration of the relationship between host and parasite in the brain may elucidate the cryptic symptoms of human cerebral toxocariasis, with patients presenting with mental retardation, epilepsy, neurodegeneration and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Sarkari B, Alirezaei R, Layegh Gigloo A, Rezaei Z, Mikaeili F, Bahreini MS, Fararouei M. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxocara
infection among children in a rural community in Fars province, southern Iran. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12582. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Roya Alirezaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Akram Layegh Gigloo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Fataneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Mohammad Saleh Bahreini
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Mohammad Fararouei
- Department of Epidemiology; School of Health; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
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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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