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Xu J, Han Q. Prevalence, Infection, and Risk to Human Beings of Toxocara canis in Domestic Food-Producing Animals. Vet Sci 2024; 11:83. [PMID: 38393101 PMCID: PMC10892340 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020083] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a significant food-borne zoonotic parasitic disease, and a range of birds and mammals are the paratenic hosts of Toxocara canis. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat and viscera of these paratenic hosts frequently leads to T. canis infection and the development of human toxocariasis. In this review, we will perform an analysis of relevant papers published in the National Center for Biotechnology Infrastructure database on the parasitism, migration, and infection of T. canis in chickens, pigeons, quail, pigs, cattle, sheep, and other food-producing animals, so as to make the public aware of the risk factors of human toxocariasis, improve the public's understanding of T. canis infection, and provide evidence for targeted prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Xu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China;
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China;
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Henke K, Perunovic Cicovic T, Ziaka M. Case report: Probable toxocariasis in a Swiss adult patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome and multiorgan involvement. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 11:2050313X231198321. [PMID: 37667742 PMCID: PMC10475260 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231198321] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypereosinophilic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of rare diseases characterized by eosinophil-related organ damage and peripheral blood hypereosinophilia. Hypereosinophilic syndromes may occur secondary to a variety of clinical entities, for example, drug hypersensitivity reactions, parasitic infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies. Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the Toxocara species. It is usually a childhood disease and invades organs such as the liver but can affect any organ. Hypereosinophilic syndrome and multiorgan involvement are very rare manifestations of Toxocara infection, especially in adults. However, the disease may be underdiagnosed because of different factors, including a lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries, a lack of uniform case definitions, and limited surveillance infrastructure, with its estimation constituting a challenge. We, therefore, present a probable case of hypereosinophilic syndrome with multiorgan involvement secondary to infection with Toxocara canis in a 79-year-old Swiss female patient with a medical history of ischemic cerebrovascular insult and a curatively resected non-small-cell bronchial carcinoma, successfully treated with albendazole and steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Henke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Thun, Thun, Switzerland
| | | | - Mairi Ziaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Thun, Thun, Switzerland
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Shokri E, Haniloo A, Zibaei M, Pezeshki A, Mansori K, Taira K. Detection of Toxocara species larvae in four Iranian free-range broiler farms. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:413. [PMID: 36411453 PMCID: PMC9680124 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03516-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in food animals, associated products, and their zoonotic potential are poorly understood. A cross sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Toxocara spp. larvae from free-range broiler chickens in traditional farms using conventional techniques and molecular method. Eight-hundred tissue samples including liver, gizzard, lungs and heart were collected from 200 chickens belonging to different regions of Zanjan Province, Iran and were processed by conventional and molecular methods. RESULTS Out of 800 chicken tissues, 49 samples (6.1%) were positive for nematode larvae. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify species-specific of Toxocara larvae. The findings showed that 10.5% (21 out of 200) chickens were infected with Toxocara species, so that 57.1% (12 out of 21) of the samples were positive for Toxocara canis and 42.9% (9 out of 21) of the samples were positive for Toxocara cati. CONCLUSION Considering the significant contamination/infection of free-range broiler chickens with Toxocara larvae, the consumption of chicken meat and viscera, especially liver and gizzards, can play an important role in the transmission of infection to humans. Prevention and control measures focused on regular deworming of dogs and cats, increasing public awareness of Toxocara infection are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Shokri
- grid.469309.10000 0004 0612 8427Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Haniloo
- grid.469309.10000 0004 0612 8427Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zibaei
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 3149779453, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Pezeshki
- grid.469309.10000 0004 0612 8427Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Kamyar Mansori
- grid.469309.10000 0004 0612 8427Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kensuke Taira
- grid.252643.40000 0001 0029 6233Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Fuchinobe, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Japan
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Massetti L, Wiethoelter A, McDonagh P, Rae L, Marwedel L, Beugnet F, Colella V, Traub RJ. Faecal prevalence, distribution and risk factors associated with canine soil-transmitted helminths contaminating urban parks across Australia. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:637-646. [PMID: 36007621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dog parks provide an ideal urban space where dogs and their owners can exercise, play, and socialize in a safe environment. However, these parks can also increase the risk of exposure to a series of infectious agents including canine soil-transmitted helminths (cSTHs) such as hookworms, roundworms, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris vulpis, which are endemic to Australia. In this study, we collected 1581 canine faecal samples in 190 urban parks across Australia and subjected these to faecal floatation and multiplex real-time PCRs (qPCR) to detect a range of cSTHs. In total, 44.2% of the parks sampled were contaminated with at least one species of cSTH, with hookworms being the most prevalent parasites (10.2%) followed by Trichuris spp. (1.3%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.2%). This is the first large-scale study investigating the contamination of urban parks with cSTHs in Australia, and the first nation-wide study to demonstrate the occurrence of Strongyloides spp. in canine faecal samples from urban areas in the country. This study reveals a high rate of contamination with cSTHs in dog parks in urban Australia, most of which having proven zoonotic potential. Preventive measures, including awareness-raising educational programs promoting responsible pet ownership, should be encouraged to minimise the health risks associated with cSTHs for both dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massetti
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia.
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Phillip McDonagh
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Louise Rae
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Lara Marwedel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | | | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
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Köchle BR, Garijo-Toledo MM, Llobat L, Sansano-Maestre J. Prevalence of Toxocara Eggs in Public Parks in the City of Valencia (Eastern Spain). Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050232. [PMID: 35622760 PMCID: PMC9145089 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050232] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. is one of the most common zoonotic geohelminths in the world. Its infections are associated with the accidental ingestion of contaminated soil and affecting, especially children. In this study, feces, and soil samples from 14 public parks in the city of Valencia were analyzed. The Telemann method and a modified version of a sieving technique were used to process feces and soil, respectively. None of the fecal samples and 10.9% of soil samples from five parks (35.7%) tested positive for the presence of Toxocara eggs. The most contaminated areas were the canine sanitary parks (30.8% of the samples), followed by socialization areas for dogs (9.7%); no positive samples were found at children’s playgrounds. Our results suggest that most pets in Valencia are periodically dewormed, although additional preventive measures should be applied, since the risk of infection exists probably due to the presence of stray dogs and feral cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Rose Köchle
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María Magdalena Garijo-Toledo
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Sansano-Maestre
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
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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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Chieffi PP, Zevallos Lescano SA, Rodrigues E Fonseca G, Dos Santos SV. Human Toxocariasis: 2010 to 2020 Contributions from Brazilian Researchers. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:81-91. [PMID: 34040480 PMCID: PMC8141392 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a review of the published contributions made by Brazilian researchers between 2010 and 2020 on the natural history of human toxocariasis and the effects of human toxocariasis on nonhuman paratenic hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Paulo Chieffi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Santa Casa Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Rodrigues E Fonseca
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Detection of larvae of Toxocara cati and T. tanuki from the muscles of free-ranging layer farm chickens. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1737-1741. [PMID: 33740118 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07115-w] [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: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Although raw or undercooked livestock meat or viscera has been suggested to be a source of human toxocariasis, there have been few reports on the prevalence of Toxocara larvae in the tissue of livestock animals. To investigate the presence of Toxocara larvae in chickens, we examined 50 culled chickens from a commercial layer farm. The liver, breast meat, and thigh meat were separated individually and artificially digested to examine for the presence of larvae. Nematode larvae were detected in 2 out of 50 chickens. One larva was detected from the breast meat, and it was molecularly identified as Toxocara tanuki. The other from the thigh meat of another chicken was molecularly identified as Toxocara cati. The present study demonstrated for the first time that T. tanuki larvae do infect chickens in the natural environment. The fact that Toxocara spp. larvae were found in muscles of farm chickens suggests that consumption of raw or undercooked chicken meat may present a risk for human toxocariasis.
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Moura MQD, Terto WDDS, Avila LFDC, Campos VF, Domingues WB, Pinheiro NB, Capella GDA, Strothmann AL, Scaini CJ, Berne MEA. Quantification of Toxocara canis DNA by qPCR in mice inoculated with different infective doses. Parasitol Int 2020; 78:102134. [PMID: 32416257 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The nematode Toxocara canis is of public health importance and is the main causative agent of toxocariasis in humans. This disease is difficult to diagnose due to several factors, including the possibility of cross-reactions with other nematodes in the ELISA. To overcome this problem, molecular tests have been recommended as an alternative to identify the parasite. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique was used in this study to identify and quantify the parasite load of T. canis in the mouse brain. To this end, 24 mice were divided into six groups, five of which were challenged with different infective doses of T. canis larvae (L3) (1000, 500, 250, 100 and 50 larvae), while the sixth group, uninfected, acted as negative control. Forty-five days after infection, the animals were euthanized to collect the brain, from which two portions of 20 mg of tissue were taken for DNA extraction, while the rest of the brain tissue was digested to quantify the number of larvae by microscopy. The number of DNA copies was calculated from the standard DNA quantification curve, showing values of E = 93.4%, R2 = 0.9655 and Y = -3.415. A strong positive correlation (R = 0, 81; p < .001) was found between the number of copies and the recovery of larvae from brain. However, the parasite's DNA was also identified even in animals from whose brain no larvae were recovered after tissue digestion. The results of this study therefore confirm that the qPCR technique can be a valuable tool for the detection and quantification of T. canis DNA in murine hosts, even in animals whose with tissues contain very few parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos James Scaini
- Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Brazil
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Fecková M, Antolová D, Zaleśny G, Halánová M, Štrkolcová G, Goldová M, Weissová T, Lukáč B, Nováková M. Seroepidemiology of human toxocariasis in selected population groups in Slovakia: A cross-sectional study. J Infect Public Health 2020; 13:1107-1111. [PMID: 32404252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan helminthic zoonosis caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. The study aimed at a cross-sectional analysis of seropositivity to Toxocara spp. in selected groups of population in Slovakia and an estimate of the risk factors of infection. METHODS For the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on an excretory-secretory (E/S) antigen of Toxocara canis was used. RESULTS The overall seropositivity to Toxocara in 1489 evaluated sera was 3.7%. The seropositivity of Roma children/young people (40.3%) was significantly higher when compared with all other analysed groups. Among adult respondents, the positivity of farmers and hunters (5.5% and 5.1%, respectively) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the other analysed groups (veterinarians and veterinary assistants, soldiers, students of veterinary medicine, and students of other universities). Analysis of infection risk factors showed that living in a rural locality, everyday contact with soil, and everyday outdoor activities (12.7%, 8.8% and 8.3% positivity, respectively) can increase the risk of infection, but the observed differences were not significant. CONCLUSION The results underline the importance of preventive measures and the need for improving of knowledge of toxocariasis among professionals, as well as the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Fecková
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Grzegorz Zaleśny
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Halánová
- P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Štrkolcová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Goldová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Weissová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Lukáč
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Nováková
- Catholic University in Ružomberok, Námestie A. Hlinku 48, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Saccharomyces boulardii reduces the mean intensity of infection in mice caused by the consumption of liver contaminated by Toxocara canis. Parasitol Res 2019; 119:1161-1165. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06567-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Rostami A, Ma G, Wang T, Koehler AV, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Macpherson CN, Gasser RB. Human toxocariasis - A look at a neglected disease through an epidemiological 'prism'. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 74:104002. [PMID: 31412276 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis, a disease caused by infection with larvae of Toxocara canis, T. cati and/or congeners, represents clinical syndromes in humans including visceral and ocular larva migrans, neurotoxocariasis and covert/common toxocariasis. It is reported to be one of the most widespread public health and economically important zoonotic parasitic infections that humans share with dogs, wild canids, including foxes, and possibly other mammals. Humans become infected by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs, or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Most infections are asymptomatic, and human disease may go unnoticed, as clinical investigation is often not pursued and/or diagnostic testing not conducted. Sometimes toxocariasis can be associated with complications, such as allergic and/or neurological disorders, possibly including cognitive or developmental delays in children. There is no anti-toxocariasis vaccine, and chemotherapy in humans varies, depending on symptoms and location of larvae, and may include the administration of albendazole or mebendazole, together with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Some recent studies indicate that toxocariasis is having an increased, adverse impact on human health in some, particularly underprivileged, tropical and subtropical communities around the world. Although tens of millions of people, especially children, are expected to be exposed to, or infected with Toxocara species, there is limited precise epidemiological data or information on the relationship between seropositivity and disease (toxocariasis) on a global scale. To gain an improved insight into this area, the present article reviews salient clinical aspects of human toxocariasis and the epidemiology of this disease, with particular reference to seroprevalence, and discusses future research and approaches/measures to understand and prevent/control this socioeconomically important, yet neglected zoonosis.
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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
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Calum N Macpherson
- School of Graduate Studies, St. George's University, Grenada; School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada; Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, Grenada
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Klockiewicz M, Sobczak-Filipiak M, Jakubowski T, Długosz E. Histopathological Lesions Caused by Experimental Toxocara Canis and Toxascaris Leonina Infections in Farm Mink ( Neovison Vison). J Vet Res 2019; 63:205-214. [PMID: 31276060 PMCID: PMC6598190 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2019-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Canine roundworm T. canis and T. leonina infections were investigated in experimentally infected farm mink (Neovison vison) to describe the pattern of pathological lesions in this paratenic host. MATERIAL AND METHODS Material and MethodsInfections in mink developed following ingestion of embryonated eggs of either parasite or mice tissue infected with both parasite species. RESULTS Comparative analysis of haematoxylin- and eosin-stained slides showed essential differences among the experimental groups. The lesions observed included eosinophil and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates of the intestinal wall and local lymph nodes, inflammation and haemorrhages in liver tissues, and interstitial inflammation and mineralisation of the kidneys and lungs. Larvae migrating through the minks' bodies also caused particularly salient enlargement of lymphoid follicles in the spleen and inflammatory infiltrates of mononuclear cells in skeletal and heart muscles. CONCLUSIONS It is assumed that histopathological lesions appeared as a local and general host response to invasive L3 T. canis and T. leonina larvae migrating through the tissues of infected farm mink. Interestingly, mink infected with embryonated eggs had more pronounced lesions than animals infected with tissue larvae. Detailed histopathological examinations of parenchymal organs and striated muscles revealed lesions resembling those observed in other paratenic host species due to toxocarosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Klockiewicz
- Division of Parasitology and Invasiology, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences , 02-786Warsaw , Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sobczak-Filipiak
- Division of Pathology in Exotic, Laboratory, Non-domesticated Animals and Fish, Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences , 02-786Warsaw , Poland
| | - Tadeusz Jakubowski
- Department of Large Animals Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences , 02-797Warsaw , Poland
| | - Ewa Długosz
- Division of Parasitology and Invasiology, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences , 02-786Warsaw , Poland
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15
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Ma G, Holland CV, Wang T, Hofmann A, Fan CK, Maizels RM, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Human toxocariasis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 18:e14-e24. [PMID: 28781085 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes of the genus Toxocara are socioeconomically important zoonotic pathogens. These parasites are usually directly transmitted to the human host via the faecal-oral route and can cause toxocariasis and associated complications, including allergic and neurological disorders. Although tens of millions of people are estimated to be exposed to or infected with Toxocara spp, global epidemiological information on the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Recent findings suggest that the effect of toxocariasis on human health is increasing in some countries. Here we review the salient background on Toxocara and biology, summarise key aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of toxocariasis, describe what is known about its geographic distribution and prevalence, and make some recommendations for future research towards the prevention and control of this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Celia V Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine & Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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16
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Heredia R, Romero C, Mendoza G, Ponce M, Carpio J. Identifying anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in horses of Mexico. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Both the presence of owned dogs and stray dogs allows the spread of Toxocara, a parasite whose eggs can be found in soil, water and food. Animals, including horses, serve as definitive and paratenic hosts. In México, where consumption of horse meat is common, Toxocara is a zoonotic parasite. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in work horses and horses intended for human consumption by ELISA. ELISA was chosen for analysis as paratenic hosts do not shed Toxocara eggs in their feces. Blood samples were collected from a total of 188 horses, 94 of which were work horses and 94 horses from the slaughter house. Samples were analyzed by ELISA, and the general equine seroprevalence was found to be 44.6% (n = 188). Adult horses for slaughter had a 61.7% greater presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies (p = 0.006). Toxocara IgG antibodies were found in horses, confirming that horses are paratenic hosts and possible sources of infection for other animals and people.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Heredia
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Mexico
| | - C. Romero
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Mexico
| | | | - M. Ponce
- Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, México
| | - J.C. Carpio
- Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, México
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17
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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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18
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Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks and playground sandpits of Greater Lisbon, Portugal. J Infect Public Health 2017; 11:94-98. [PMID: 28545900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocarosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease transmitted from companion animals to humans. Environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs is considered to be the main source of human infections. In Portugal, knowledge regarding the current situation, including density, distribution and environmental contamination by Toxocara spp., is largely unknown. The present study investigated environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs, in soil and faecal samples collected from public parks and playground sandpits in Greater Lisbon, Portugal. A total of 151 soil samples and 135 canine faecal samples were collected from 7 public sandpits and 12 public parks, over a 4 month-period. Soil samples were tested by a modified centrifugation and sedimentation/flotation technique and faecal samples were tested by an adaptation of the Cornell-Wisconsin method. Molecular analysis and sequencing were performed to discriminate Toxocara species in the soil. Overall, 85.7% of the sandpits (6/7) and 50.0% of the parks (6/12) were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. The molecular analysis of soil samples showed that, 85.5% of the sandpits and 34.4% of the parks were contaminated with Toxocara cati eggs. Faecal analysis showed that 12.5% of the sandpits and 3.9% of the parks contained Toxocara canis eggs. In total, 53.0% of soil and 5.9% of faecal samples were positive for Toxocara spp. Additionally, 56.0% of the eggs recovered from the samples were embryonated after 60 days of incubation, therefore considered viable and infective. The average density was 4.2 eggs per hundred grams of soil. Public parks and playground sandpits in the Lisbon area were found to be heavily contaminated with T. cati eggs, representing a serious menace to public health as the studied areas represent common places where people of all ages, particularly children, recreate. This study sounds an alarm bell regarding the necessity to undertake effective measures such as reduction of stray animals, active faecal collection by pet owners, awareness campaigns and control strategies to decrease the high risk to both animal and human health.
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19
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von Söhsten AL, da Silva AV, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Guerra LMSDMEM. Anti-Toxocara spp. IgY antibodies in poultry sold in street markets from Feira de Santana, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 8:86-89. [PMID: 31014645 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Since 1950, the human infection by parasites of the genus Toxocara, characterized by migration and permanence of larvae of the parasite in the liver, lungs, eyes, and brain, have been reported. The route of infection is the ingestion of embryonated eggs present in soil and contaminated vegetables, however there are reports of human illness associated with ingestion of viscera of paratenic hosts, including birds. This work aimed to detect the presence of larvae in the tissues and antibodies in the serum of poultry sold in street markets of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. Over a period of ten months, 100 birds of four street markets in the city were acquired, being examined organs and muscle tissue for the presence of larvae and the serum for the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Helminth larvae were not found in the examination of pepsin digested tissues, but 80 (89.9%) of 89 bird sera examined presented anti-Toxocara spp. IgY antibodies. These results may indicate that birds are coming from contaminated environments, where man and other animals can also be infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Lebram von Söhsten
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal nos Trópicos, Avenida Ademar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Aristeu Vieira da Silva
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Zoonoses e Saúde Pública, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Avenida Transnordestina, s/n, Novo Horizonte, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Guita Rubinsky-Elefant
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, Avenida Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470 - 4(o) Andar, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana Maria Silva de Macedo E Marques Guerra
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Zoonoses e Saúde Pública, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Avenida Transnordestina, s/n, Novo Horizonte, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
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20
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Kinetic and avidity of IgY anti-Toxocara antibodies in experimentally infected chickens. Exp Parasitol 2016; 171:33-41. [PMID: 27746165 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a geohelminth zoonosis with worldwide distribution, mainly transmitted through the ingestion of embryonated eggs of nematodes of the Toxocara genus. The disease can also be transmitted to humans as a result of eating raw or undercooked meat of paratenic hosts, such as chickens. Here, we standardized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for evaluating experimentally the kinetic and avidity index (AI) of IgY in broiler chickens infected with different doses of Toxocara canis eggs (G1:100; G2: 1000; and G3: 5000; n = 12 per group). The test showed 91.7% sensitivity (CI 95%: 77.5-98.3) and 100% specificity (CI 95%: 92.6-100), and highest efficiency (97.0%) at 60 days post infection. Infection was characterized by the presence of high avidity antibodies in the chronic phase. Our results support that the ELISA can be a highly useful tool for the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies in chickens.
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21
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Mattos GT, Santos PCD, Telmo PDL, Berne MEA, Scaini CJ. Human Toxocariasis: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Biosafety in Research Laboratories. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:1428-1431. [PMID: 27698276 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease worldwide. Researchers studying this disease use infectious strains of Toxocara for experiments. Health workers are at risk in the course of their daily routine and must adhere to biosafety standards while carrying out the activities. Researchers on biosafety concerning working with these parasites are insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of seroprevalence of Toxocara species among health-care research laboratory workers (professors, technicians, and students), and to investigate the risk factors of Toxocara infection associated with laboratory practices. This cross-sectional study involved 74 researchers at two federal universities in southern Brazil from February 2014 to February 2015; 29 researchers manipulated infective strains of Toxocara canis (test group) and 45 did not (control group). Serum samples were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Epidemiological data were obtained via a questionnaire containing information about laboratory routine, eating behavior, and contact with dogs. The seroprevalence of anti-T. canis IgG was 14.9% (11/74; 13.8% [4/29] in the test group and 15.6% [7/45] in the control group). Most individuals in the test group correctly understood the primary mode of infection; however, 13.8% did not use gloves while manipulating T. canis eggs. Knowledge of biosafety must be well understood by health-care professionals doing laboratory work with biological agents. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the rate of seroprevalence of IgG against Toxocara spp. among professionals and students who handle infective forms of the nematode T. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Torres Mattos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Paula Costa Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paula de Lima Telmo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabeth Aires Berne
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos James Scaini
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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22
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The occurrence of Toxocara species in naturally infected broiler chickens revealed by molecular approaches. J Helminthol 2016; 91:633-636. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x16000559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractConsuming raw and undercooked meat is known to enhance the risk of human toxocariasis because Toxocara species have a wide range of paratenic hosts, including chickens. The aim of this study was to identify species of Toxocara in naturally infected broiler chickens using molecular approaches. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used for the differentiation of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati larvae recovered from tissues and organs, and identified by microscopic observations. Thirty-three 35- to 47-day-old broiler chickens were used for examination of Toxocara larvae. The duodenum, liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, skeletal muscles and brain of each chicken were examined using the pepsin method, and DNA from each tissue was extracted as the template for PCR assay. The findings revealed that 5 of 33 (15.2%) broiler chickens were infected with Toxocara larvae. Larvae were recovered from the liver (n = 19), duodenum (n = 8), skeletal muscles (n = 8) and brain (n = 2) of broiler chickens naturally infected with Toxocara spp. The results showed that the frequencies of the species in the chickens were T. canis larvae (n = 5, 83.3%) and T. cati larvae (n = 1, 16.7%). Our data from the present study demonstrated the importance of broiler chickens as a paratenic host for the parasite's life cycle in the environment. The implementation of DNA amplification as a routine diagnostic technique is a specific and alternative method for identification of Toxocara larvae, and allowed the observation of specific species under field conditions within the locations where broiler chickens are typically raised and exposed to Toxocara spp. eggs or larvae.
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Janecek E, Wilk E, Schughart K, Geffers R, Strube C. Microarray gene expression analysis reveals major differences between Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati neurotoxocarosis and involvement of T. canis in lipid biosynthetic processes. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:495-503. [PMID: 25843806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are globally occurring intestinal nematodes of dogs and cats with a high zoonotic potential. Migrating larvae in the CNS of paratenic hosts, including humans, may cause neurotoxocarosis resulting in a variety of neurological symptoms. Toxocara canis exhibits a stronger affinity to the CNS than T. cati, causing more severe neurological symptoms in the mouse model. Pathomechanisms of neurotoxocarosis as well as host responses towards the respective parasite are mostly unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterise the pathogenesis at a transcriptional level using whole genome microarray expression analysis and identify differences and similarities between T. canis- and T. cati-infected brains. Microarray analysis was conducted in cerebra and cerebella of infected C57Bl/6J mice 42daysp.i. revealing more differentially transcribed genes for T. canis- than T. cati-infected brains. In cerebra and cerebella of T. canis-infected mice, a total of 2304 and 1954 differentially transcribed genes, respectively, were identified whereas 113 and 760 differentially transcribed genes were determined in cerebra and cerebella of T. cati-infected mice. Functional annotation analysis revealed major differences in host responses in terms of significantly enriched biological modules. Up-regulated genes were mainly associated with the terms "immune and defence response", "sensory perception" as well as "behaviour/taxis" retrieved from the Gene Ontology database. These observations indicate a strong immune response in both infection groups with T. cati-infected brains revealing less severe reactions. Down-regulated genes in T. canis-infected cerebra and cerebella revealed a significant enrichment for the Gene Ontology term "lipid/cholesterol biosynthetic process". Cholesterol is a highly abundant and important component in the brain, representing several functions. Disturbances of synthesis as well as concentration changes may lead to dysfunction in signal transduction and neurodegenerative disease. Overall, only a minor overlap of differentially transcribed genes was observed between the two infection groups in both brain parts. Most genes are regulated individually in each infection group, supporting the evident differences of both roundworm species observed in the paratenic host in previous studies. In summary the present study underlines the differences in pathogenicity of T. canis and T. cati. It furthermore provides a comprehensive basis for future analyses over the course of infection as well as functional tests to identify gene regulatory circuits that are crucial for pathogenesis of neurotoxocarosis. The results of this study provide a promising foundation for further specific research to evaluate the particular pathogenetic mechanisms and to identify possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Janecek
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
| | - Esther Wilk
- Department Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Klaus Schughart
- Department Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA
| | - Robert Geffers
- Research Group Genome Analytics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany.
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Hernandez-Tinoco J, Sanchez-Anguiano LF. Seroepidemiology of Toxocara infection in patients with vision impairment and blindness in durango, Mexico. J Clin Med Res 2014; 7:176-81. [PMID: 25584103 PMCID: PMC4285064 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr2032w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxocara infection is a cause of vision impairment and blindness. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence and correlates of Toxocara infection in patients suffering from vision impairment and blindness in Durango City, Mexico. Methods Through a cross-sectional seroprevalence study, 204 patients with vision impairment and 19 blind patients were studied for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in Durango City, Mexico. Seroprevalence association with socio-demographic, housing, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of participants was also investigated. Results Five (2.5%) of the 204 patients with vision impairment, and none of the 19 patients with blindness were positive for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies. In total, five of the 223 (2.2%) patients were positive for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies. Seropositivity to Toxocara was not associated with age, sex, educational level, socio-economic status, presence of underlying diseases or behavioral characteristics of the patients. In contrast, multivariate analysis showed that Toxocara seropositivity was associated with living in a house with soil floor (odds ratio (OR) = 11.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57 - 78.74; P = 0.01). Conclusions This is the first report of Toxocara exposure in patients with vision impairment and blindness in Mexico, and of an association of Toxocara exposure with living in a house with soil floors. Results suggest a low Toxocara exposure in these patients in Durango, Mexico. The risk factor associated with Toxocara exposure identified in this study warrants for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - Jesus Hernandez-Tinoco
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm", Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - Luis Francisco Sanchez-Anguiano
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera-Damm", Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
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Toxocara infection in gardeners: a case control seroprevalence study. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2014; 7S1:S79-81. [DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(14)60207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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