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Ulloque-Badaracco JR, Hernandez-Bustamante EA, Alarcón-Braga EA, Huayta-Cortez M, Carballo-Tello XL, Seminario-Amez RA, Rodríguez-Torres A, Casas-Patiño D, Herrera-Añazco P, Benites-Zapata VA. Seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1181230. [PMID: 37441649 PMCID: PMC10335805 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1181230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The current study aimed to quantitatively synthesize available evidence regarding the seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods A systematic research involving six electronic databases was conducted using a research strategy that combined MeSH terms with free terms. Article selection and information extraction were performed using a double and independent approach. The Newcastle-Ottawa tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included articles. The meta-analysis used the random-effects approach, with subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis for risk of bias also being performed. Results We included 101 articles with a total of 31,123 participants. The studies were conducted between 1990 and 2022, with Brazil accounting for the largest number of studies (n = 37). The overall seroprevalence of human toxocariasis was 31.0% (95% CI: 27.0-35.0%, I2 = 99%). The prevalence of the main characteristics observed in seropositive patients were as follows: ocular toxocariasis (30.0%), asymptomatic (26.0%), and presence of dogs at home (68.0%). In addition, the seroprevalence was lower in studies including only adults than in those including children or both. In contrast, no differences in seroprevalences were found between studies conducted in the community and hospital. Conclusion The overall seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Latin America and the Caribbean was high. Notably, our findings showed that the seroprevalence was increased among populations who kept a dog at home but was decreased in populations comprising only adults. Our findings can be used to establish epidemiological surveillance strategies for the prevention and early identification of toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique A. Hernandez-Bustamante
- Sociedad Cientifica de Estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru
- Grupo Peruano de Investigación Epidemiológica, Unidad Para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | | | - Alejandra Rodríguez-Torres
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, CU Amecameca, Mexico
- Red Internacional en Salud Colectiva y Salud Intercultural, Amecameca, Mexico
| | - Donovan Casas-Patiño
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, CU Amecameca, Mexico
- Red Internacional en Salud Colectiva y Salud Intercultural, Amecameca, Mexico
| | - Percy Herrera-Añazco
- Universidad Privada del Norte, Trujillo, Peru
- Red Peruana de Salud Colectiva, Lima, Peru
| | - Vicente A. Benites-Zapata
- Unidad de Investigación Para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
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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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Trashin S, Morales-Yánez F, Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam S, Paredis L, Carrión EN, Sariego I, Muyldermans S, Polman K, Gorun SM, De Wael K. Nanobody-Based Immunosensor Detection Enhanced by Photocatalytic-Electrochemical Redox Cycling. Anal Chem 2021; 93:13606-13614. [PMID: 34585567 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Detection of antigenic biomarkers present in trace amounts is of crucial importance for medical diagnosis. A parasitic disease, human toxocariasis, lacks an adequate diagnostic method despite its worldwide occurrence. The currently used serology tests may stay positive even years after a possibly unnoticed infection, whereas the direct detection of a re-infection or a still active infection remains a diagnostic challenge due to the low concentration of circulating parasitic antigens. We report a time-efficient sandwich immunosensor using small recombinant single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies specific to Toxocara canis antigens. An enhanced sensitivity to pg/mL levels is achieved by using a redox cycle consisting of a photocatalytic oxidation and electrochemical reduction steps. The photocatalytic oxidation is achieved by a photosensitizer generating singlet oxygen (1O2) that, in turn, readily reacts with p-nitrophenol enzymatically produced under alkaline conditions. The photooxidation produces benzoquinone that is electrochemically reduced to hydroquinone, generating an amperometric response. The light-driven process could be easily separated from the background, thus making amperometric detection more reliable. The proposed method for detection of the toxocariasis antigen marker shows superior performances compared to other detection schemes with the same nanobodies and outperforms by at least two orders of magnitude the assays based on regular antibodies, thus suggesting new opportunities for electrochemical immunoassays of challenging low levels of antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Morales-Yánez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Linda Paredis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erik N Carrión
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Center for Functional Materials, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey 07079, United States
| | - Idalia Sariego
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kouri, 17100 Havana, Cuba
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katja Polman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sergiu M Gorun
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Center for Functional Materials, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey 07079, United States
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A prospective seroepidemiological study of toxocariasis during early childhood in coastal Ecuador: potential for congenital transmission and risk factors for infection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:95. [PMID: 33546758 PMCID: PMC7863445 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04575-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although Toxocara spp. infection has a worldwide distribution, to our knowledge, no data from birth cohorts have been reported in published studies on the potential for congenital transmission and determinants of infection in early childhood. Methods We followed 290 mother-infant pairs from birth to 5 years of age through periodic collection of data and samples at birth, 7 and 13 months and 2, 3 and 5 years of age. Data on potential risk factors and confounders were collected by maternal questionnaire. Blood for plasma was collected from the mother at time of birth and periodically from the child for detection of anti-Toxocara spp. immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using a Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Stool samples were collected from the mother around the time of birth and periodically from the child for microscopic detection of soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Associations between potential risk factors and Toxocara spp. seroprevalence and seroconversion were estimated using multivariable logistic regression and generalized estimating equations. Results Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was 80.7% in mothers and in children was 0%, 9.3%, 48.4%, 64.9%, and 80.9% at 7 months, 13 months, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Risk factors significantly associated with increases in seroprevalence over the first 5 years of life in multivariable analyses were age [Odds ratio (OR) 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–2.27, P < 0001], male sex (female vs. male: OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48–0.89, P = 0.006), maternal ethnicity (non-Afro vs. Afro-Ecuadorian: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.91, P = 0.011), lower maternal educational and socioeconomic level, and childhood STH (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.51–3.47, P < 0.001). Seroconversion rates for infection were greatest at 2 years of age (3.8%/month). Factors associated significantly with seroconversion at 2, 3 or 5 years were childhood STH infection, male sex, and more frequent domestic cat exposure. Conclusions Our data, from an area of high Toxocara spp. endemicity, indicate no congenital transmission but high rates of seroconversion after 13 months of age reaching maternal levels of seroprevalence by 5 years of age. Factors associated with seroprevalence and seroconversion included STH infections, domestic cats, maternal ethnicity, male sex, STH infections, and markers of greater poverty.![]()
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Abdel Aziz AR, Hassan AA, Elmahallawy EK, Elshahawy IS, Almuzaini AM. Prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in dogs in northern and southern Egypt. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 17:100305. [PMID: 31303215 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the parasitic roundworms, Toxocara canis, commonly found in the intestine of dogs. Identification of frequent shedders for Toxocara canis eggs and the associated risk factors overwhelmingly remain an important cornerstone of conducting evidence-based deworming regimens to reduce the environmental contamination with the parasite eggs. The present study was undertaken to prevalence rate of shedding of Toxocara canis eggs in dogs in Egypt combined with the possible risk factors naturally associated with the infection A total number of 296 fecal samples of dogs were collected in the period from July 2016 to June 2017 and properly screened for the presence of possible infection with an. Importantly, The overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs was 53.04% whereas, seasonal dynamics, dog breeds, the irregular anthelmintic use, defecation sites, and unconfined management of dogs were among the risk factors with a significant association with Toxocara canis infection. Taken together, our present data reveal the high overall prevalence of Toxocara canis eggs shedding in in several Egyptian provinces and provide novel information that should pay our attention of the local authorities combined with the public engagement towards implementation of effective control strategies against this disease of zoonotic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Abdel Aziz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt.
| | - Amal A Hassan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour 21634, Egypt
| | - E Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Ismail Saad Elshahawy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Abdulaziz M Almuzaini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Awadallah MAI, Salem LMA. Zoonotic enteric parasites transmitted from dogs in Egypt with special concern to Toxocara canis infection. Vet World 2015; 8:946-57. [PMID: 27047182 PMCID: PMC4774761 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.946-957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This work aimed to study the role played by dogs in transmitting zoonotic enteric parasites to humans in Egypt and to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of such infection in dogs. Serodiagnosis of anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among human beings as well as analyzing risk factors predispose to Toxocara canis infection in human beings are another objectives of this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS From June to December 2013, a total of 130 fecal samples from 4 dog populations (Military, nomadic and domiciled dogs from rural and high standard districts) and 150 stool samples of 6 occupational groups were examined for the presence of enteric parasitic infection. Moreover, 150 serum samples were collected from humans from whom stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of anti-T. canis antibodies. RESULTS Enteric parasites were detected in 30% of fecal samples from 4 dog populations in Egypt. High infectivity had been reported in nomadic dogs (63.33%) (Crude odds ratios [COR]=67.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]=8.09-560.8, p<0.000), followed by domiciled dogs from rural areas (40%) (COR=26, 95% CI=3.14-215.54, p=0.003), domiciled dogs from high standard areas (23.33%) (COR=11.87, 95% CI=1.37-102.69, p=0.025) and military dogs (2.5%). Twelve species of enteric parasites were identified, Ancylostomatidae (6.15%), T. canis and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.38%, each), Heterophyes spp. (3.85%), Toxocara leonina and Blastocystis spp. (3.07%), Taenidae eggs (2.31%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.54%) and Entamoeba canis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Paragonimus spp. (0.77%, each). Univariate logestic regression revealed significant association of age (COR=4.73, 95% CI=2.13-10.53, p<0.000), gender (COR=2.63, 95% CI=1.22-5.68, p<0.014), housing system (COR=5.10, 95% CI=2.04-12.75), p<0.000) with enteric parasitic infection in dogs. However, breeds (COR=6.91, 95% CI=0.88-54.52, p=0.067) and type of feeding (COR ranged from 3.5 to 7.62, p>0.05) did not seem to have a significant association among the examined dogs. Enteric parasitic infection was reported in 31/150 human stools (20.67%). Students were the most affected groups (37.14%), followed by nomadic people (24%), house wives (20%), house guarders and military workers (12%, each), and employees (10%). The identified parasites were Cryptosporidium spp. (9.33%), Ascaris lumbercoides (3.33%), Heterophyes spp. and Ancylostoma spp. (2.66%, each) and Paragonimus spp. and Hymenolepis nana (1.33%, each). Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 36/150 (24%) serum samples investigated. Toxocara IgG antibodies were more prevalent in males (26.66%) than females (20%). Seroprevalence was highest (17/35, 48.57%) in 7-15 years old (COR=6.93, 95% CI=1.75-27.43, p=0.006). Seroprevalence values for T. canis antibodies were higher in those; raising dogs (29.85%), eating raw vegetables (25.21%) and not washing hands before meals (25.45%). T. canis antibodies were detected in 25% of those contacted with soil compared to 30% of those did not. Students were mostly affected (34.29%), followed by nomadic people (32%), house guarders (28%), housewives (20%), military workers (13%), and employees (10%). CONCLUSION Detection of enteric parasites in dogs and humans in Egypt substantiates the role posed by dogs in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans and knock an alarm for common sources of infection for humans and dogs. Common sources may be infected fish or contaminated vegetables that are consumed by dogs or humans or even infected rodents that may contaminate their feed. This pilot study necessitate the need for similar studies and tracing such infection in fish, vegetables, rodent that may be responsible for infecting humans and dogs in order to understand the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infection transmitted from dogs to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa A I Awadallah
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Lobna M A Salem
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
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Schoenardie ER, Scaini CJ, Pepe MS, Borsuk S, de Avila LFDC, Villela M, Berne MEA. Vertical transmission of Toxocara canis in successive generations of mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:623-6. [PMID: 24473895 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612013000400030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Visceral toxocariasis is a neglected zoonosis caused by Toxocara canis larvae in unusual hosts. In dogs, the definitive host, the infection occurs mainly through transplacental and transcolostral transmission. Studies on experimental models have shown that vertical transmission may result from acute infections. Considering that toxocariasis is characterized as a chronic infection, with possible reactivation of larvae present in the brain, this study evaluated the presence of larvae in the brain of female BALB/c mice and their offspring with chronic infection during three successive pregnancies. ELISA-TES was used to evaluate the antibody levels. T. canis larvae were detected in the brain tissue of the mice during the three successive generations evaluated. The offspring's IgG level gradually decreased, and mean absorbance (ABS) above the cutoff point (0.070) was observed only at 30 (0.229) and 50 (0.096) days of age, while IgM was not detected. The infections in the offspring confirmed that vertical transmission of T. canis larvae occurred during chronic toxocariasis in three successive generations of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizandra Roselaine Schoenardie
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, PelotasRS, Brasil, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Carlos James Scaini
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio GrandeRS, Brasil, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - Michele Soares Pepe
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, PelotasRS, Brasil, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Sibele Borsuk
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL, PelotasRS, Brasil, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Luciana Farias da Costa de Avila
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, PelotasRS, Brasil, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Marcos Villela
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, PelotasRS, Brasil, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Maria Elisabeth Aires Berne
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, PelotasRS, Brasil, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas -UFPEL, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
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Oliart-Guzmán H, Delfino BM, Martins AC, Mantovani SAS, Braña AM, Pereira TM, Branco FLCC, Ramalho AA, Campos RG, Fontoura PS, de Araujo TS, de Oliveira CSM, Muniz PT, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Codeço CT, da Silva-Nunes M. Epidemiology and control of child toxocariasis in the western Brazilian Amazon - a population-based study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 90:670-81. [PMID: 24515946 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. infection and the seroconversion rate in the Amazon have been poorly investigated. This study analyzed individual and household-level risk factors for the presence of IgG antibodies to Toxocara spp. in urban Amazonian children over a period of 7 years and evaluated the seroconversion rates over a 1-year follow-up. In children < 59 months of age, the overall prevalence rate was 28.08% in 2003 and 23.35% in 2010. The 2010-2011 seroconversion rates were 13.90% for children 6-59 months of age and 12.30% for children 84-143 months of age. Multilevel logistic regression analysis identified child age, previous wheezing, and current infection with hookworm as significant associated factors for Toxocara spp. seropositivity in 2003. In 2010, age, previous helminthiasis, and having a dog were associated with seropositivity, whereas having piped water inside the household was a protective factor. Control programs mainly need to target at-risk children, water quality control, and animal deworming strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Oliart-Guzmán
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Desporto, Universidade Federal do Acre, Rio Branco - Acre, Brasil; Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, São Paulo, Brasil; Programa de Computação Científica, Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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de Almeida Carvalho EA, Rocha RL. Visceral Larva Migrans Syndromes Associated with Toxocariasis: Epidemiology, Clinical and Laboratory Aspects of Human Toxocariasis. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-013-0011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Kanobana K, Vereecken K, Junco Diaz R, Sariego I, Rojas L, Bonet Gorbea M, Polman K. Toxocara seropositivity, atopy and asthma: a study in Cuban schoolchildren. Trop Med Int Health 2013; 18:403-6. [PMID: 23397907 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence suggests that human toxocariasis (HT) could stimulate the onset of allergic diseases such as asthma. More specifically, in subjects having a hypothetical 'atopic genotype', HT could boost preexistent allergy symptoms. We tested the latter hypothesis in Cuba, a country where both asthma and HT are prevalent. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a group of Cuban school-aged children (n = 958), we investigated the association of Toxocara seropositivity and atopic status with asthma. Toxocara seropositivity was diagnosed with ELISA and atopy by allergen skin prick test. Both physician-diagnosed asthma and current wheeze, as determined by International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, were considered. Associations were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses, with either 'physician-diagnosed asthma' or 'current wheeze' as outcome variable. RESULTS 40.1% of the children were Toxocara seropositive. Prevalences were 21.7% for current wheeze and 32.7% for physician-diagnosed asthma. The odds of having asthma were almost two times higher in atopic children, but only reached borderline significance (OR=1.90, CI 95%: 0.95-3.80 for physician-diagnosed asthma and OR=1.94, CI 95%: 0.98-3.85 for current wheeze). Toxocara seropositivity and physician-diagnosed asthma were associated (OR=1.51, CI 95%: 1.01-2.26). Moreover, in children without antibodies to Toxocara, being atopic was significantly associated with having physician-diagnosed asthma (OR=2.53, CI 95%: 1.63-3.90), while this association was not present in Toxocara positives (OR=1.38, CI 95%: 0.82-2.37). CONCLUSION Our data confirm previous observations of higher Toxocara seropositivity rates in asthmatic children. Toxocara seropositivity appeared to abrogate the apparent association between atopy and asthma in Cuban children. Although this observation was limited to physician-diagnosed asthma, it challenges the hypothesis that HT stimulates the onset of allergic diseases such as asthma in atopic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kanobana
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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