Poliartrite crônica como manifestação isolada da toxocaríase

The larvicidal effect of the supernatant of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on Toxocara canis

Human toxocariasis is a parasitic anthropozoonosis that is difficult to treat and control. A previous study carried out with Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 revealed that the cell free supernatant (CFS) of this probiotic killed 100% of Toxocara canis larvae in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the CFS of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, which may be involved in its larvicidal effects on T. canis. L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 was cultured, and lactic and acetic acids present in the CFS were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The levels of pH and H2O2 were also analyzed. To assess the larvicidal effect of the CFS, this was tested pure and diluted (1:2 to 1:128) on T. canis larvae. High concentrations of lactic and acetic acids were detected in the CFS. The acidity of the pure CFS was observed at pH 3.8, remaining acidic at dilutions of 1:2 to 1:16. Regarding the in vitro larvicidal effect, 100% death of T. canis larvae was observed using the pure CFS and 1:2 dilution. Based on these results, it can be inferred that the presence of higher concentrations of organic acids and low pH of the medium contributed to the larvicidal activity of the CFS of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356. In addition, the maintenance of the larvicidal effect, even after dilution, suggests a greater chance of the larvicidal effect of this CFS against T. canis in vivo.

Toxocara Awareness Among Medical Practitioners in Saudi Arabia

Human toxocariasis is a zoonotic infection with global and regional impacts. Worldwide it is underestimated and clinically overlooked. Medical practitioners are generally unaware of the extent of the resulting disease spectrum. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge and disease awareness among medical practitioners in Aseer, south-western Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire addressing knowledge about the parasite, its visceral larva migrans and the disease spectrum generated was used to interview participants. The study included 285 participants. In answer to the question what is toxocara, only 27%, answered correctly that it is a nematode, paediatricians being the majority. With regard to years of experience among participants, 56.8% of those who answered correctly had less than 5-year experience, as opposed to 35.4% for those with more than 10-year experience. The cumulative awareness about the disease manifestations and spectrum, i.e. those who knew, was less than 30% across specialties and years of experiences. Lack of awareness regarding Toxocara infection and the disease spectrum it can generate is evident. The consequence for such lack of knowledge within our practising medical community is simply unacceptable as it might translate into misdiagnosis and consequently misguided treatment.

Toxocariasis and the clinical spectrum

Toxocara canis and T. cati are among the most widely distributed helminthic species in the world with a high zoonotic impact. Millions of people are infected^a and hundreds of thousands are suffering from toxocarosis, a disease encompassing four different entities: larva migrans visceralis (VLM) syndrome, ocular larva migrans (OLM) syndrome, covert toxocarosis (covT), common toxocarosis (comT) and neurotoxocarosis (NT). Toxocara infections in humans may remain clinically inapparent but may also induce severe diseases. This contribution gives a synoptic overview of the most important historical, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of toxocarosis in humans.

Toxocara prevalence in dogs and cats in Brazil

I herein review published studies reporting the prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs and cats in Brazil. Based on data gathered from faecal examinations of approximately 38,940 dogs and 5600 cats from different Brazilian studies, the mean prevalence of Toxocara infection is 11.4% (range: 0.7-48.9%) in dogs and 16.7% (0.3-43.1%) in cats. These mean values based on faecal examinations should be interpreted with cautious, considering the obvious differences in terms of sample size, diagnostic tests and animal populations. Accordingly, necropsy investigations reveal higher mean prevalence values (21.9% for Toxocara canis and 27.6% Toxocara cati in dogs and cats, respectively). The contamination with Toxocara eggs in different environments and the significance of these parasites from a public health perspective in Brazil are briefly discussed.

The Relation between Toxocariasis and Toxoplasmosis co-infection and the presence of Rheumatoid Factor (RF) in people with hydatidosis in Southwestern Iran, from 2013 to 2018

Toxoplasmosis, toxocariasis, and hydatidosis are parasite diseases with a very human-like pathway of infection. worldwide including Iran, there are infected people with these infections. Between 2013 and 2018, serum samples were collected from 124 patients with hydatidosis and 124 serums from hydatidiosis free. Samples were examined for the presence of toxocariasis by detecting IgG antibodies, using the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) IBL kit and for the presence of IgG antibodies for toxoplasmosis, using the ELISA test. Risk factors such as contact with animal pets; cats and dogs, rural or urban living, age, sex, and Presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) in serum were investigated during the study. The presence of RF was examined using an agglutination test in all confirmed cases of hydatidosis, toxocariasis, and toxoplasmosis. Of the 124 positive cases of hydatidosis, 30 (24.2%), 51 (41.1%) and 15 (12.09%) had toxoplasmosis, toxocariasis and simultaneous infection (toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis), respectively. In people with toxocariasis, rheumatoid factor was reported more frequently than in other cases. The relationship between the prevalence of rheumatoid factor in serum in people with toxocariasis was significant (41.18%). Interaction with dogs and cats and area of residence were identified as risk factors for toxocariasis (P value > 0.005). Although hydatidosis and toxocariasis are Less common infections compare with toxoplasmosis, they are considered a threat to public health in some parts of the world, including Iran. Some factors, such as habitat and interaction with animal pets (dogs and cats), play a more significant role in toxocariasis compared to toxoplasmosis in people with hydatidosis.