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Sanguansook P, Tuangpermsub S, Leelakarnsakul B, Phaisansomsuk S, Hunprasit V, Del Río L, Niyomtham W, Prapasarakul N, Sukhumavasi W. Zoonotic Enteric Nematodes and Dermatophytes in Cat Cafés: An Investigation in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand. Vet Sci 2024; 11:358. [PMID: 39195812 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11080358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cat cafés have gained significant popularity worldwide, offering a unique interface between humans and cats. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of potentially zoonotic endoparasites and dermatophytes from cats living in cat cafés situated in the Bangkok metropolitan area in 2017-2018. Cat fecal samples were subjected to microscopic examination employing centrifugal flotation and centrifugal sedimentation techniques. The hair samples from every cat were cultured on a dermatophyte test medium and Sabouraud dextrose agar and subsequently confirmed by visualization of the typical colony and macroconidia morphology. Findings from 11 cat cafés indicated an 18.2% (2/11) prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, including Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp., Physaloptera spp., and Eucoleus aerophilus. Dermatophytes were prevalent in 16.2% (32/198) of the total number of cats tested, with Microsporum canis being the sole species identified. Notably, the presence of dermatophyte was significantly correlated with the presence of skin lesions and the cats' origin. In summary, the findings of this study have provided evidence of potentially zoonotic endoparasites and dermatophytes in cats residing in cat cafés. Therefore, it is imperative to heighten awareness and encourage preventive measures among cat café owners and customers to halt the dissemination of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phakjira Sanguansook
- Bachelor Degree Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Siwaporn Tuangpermsub
- Bachelor Degree Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Boonyakorn Leelakarnsakul
- Bachelor Degree Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sutida Phaisansomsuk
- Bachelor Degree Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Vachira Hunprasit
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Laura Del Río
- Department of Animal Health, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 31000 Murcia, Spain
| | - Waree Niyomtham
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Animal Pathogens, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nuvee Prapasarakul
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Animal Pathogens, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Woraporn Sukhumavasi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Feline Infectious Disease and Health for Excellence Research Unit, Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Center of Excellence in Animal Vector-Borne Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Silva LSAD, Dias IHL, Fonseca ÁLS, Enk MJ, Nogueira JFC, Guimarães RJDPSE, Goveia CDO. Epidemiological profile of human toxocariasis in patients examined at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC/SVSA/MS) between 2014 and 2019. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 105:102112. [PMID: 38142560 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxocariasis is caused by nematodes of Toxocara genus, which infest dogs and cats, with humans serving as paratenic hosts. METHODS The epidemiological profile of patients examined for toxocariasis between October 2014 and October 2019 at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC) was outlined. The frequency of anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were evaluated using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS From a total of 734 samples, 56% were from male (p < 0.05). Regarding age, the group with the most solicitations were from ≤11 years old individuals (p < 0.05). Pará state had the highest number of exams requested (92%), with the majority from residents of urban areas, accounting for 81.5% of samples (p < 0.05). The overall toxocariasis seroprevalence was 41.8%, the male sex being the most frequent with 60.9% (p < 0.05). The most affected age group was ≤11 years old, with a total of 67.8% of positive samples (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The high rates obtained emphasize the need for complementary studies on toxocariasis in Brazil, especially in Pará state, contributing to epidemiological surveillance actions in the control of this infection. Besides, health campaigns for domestic and stray animals, also can contribute to a more effective surveillance in controlling parasitic infections and encourages the One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabelle Helena Lima Dias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária na Amazônia (PPGBPA), Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA) 2623, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Álvaro Luan Santana Fonseca
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária na Amazônia (PPGBPA), Universidade do Estado do Pará (UEPA) 2623, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Martin Johannes Enk
- Laboratório de Parasitoses Intestinais e Esquistossomose, Instituto Evandro Chagas s/n, Ananindeua PA, Brazil
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Mubarak AG, Mohammed ES, Elaadli H, Alzaylaee H, Hamad RS, Elkholy WA, Youseef AG. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Toxocara canis in dogs and humans in Egypt: A comparative approach. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2475-2484. [PMID: 37772411 PMCID: PMC10650255 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs are the most popular pet animals worldwide, and their frequent and close contact with humans poses an increased risk of zoonotic parasite transmission. Toxocara canis infection is a highly pervasive and economically significant zoonotic infection transmitted by dogs worldwide, commonly in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in developing countries. OBJECTIVES This study evaluates the epidemiological profile and associated risk factors of T. canis exposure among humans and T. canis infection in domestic dogs in two climatically different governorates in Egypt. METHODS Faecal samples from 360 domiciled dogs were examined using the flotation technique to detect T. canis eggs. In addition, 276 human serum samples were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay over a period of 10 months from May 2021 to February 2022 in the Alexandria and Qena Governorates, Egypt. RESULTS Shedding of T. canis was identified in 33.33% (120/360) of dogs and the overall seroprevalence in the human population was 20.65% (57/276). Lower Egypt, represented by the Alexandria Governorate, had higher canine infection (39.47%) and human seropositivity (29.87%) rates than those of Upper Egypt, represented by Qena Governorate (26.47% and 9.02% in dogs and humans, respectively). Statistical analysis of the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants revealed that handwashing, washing of vegetables and fruits and sex were associated with human T. canis exposure. CONCLUSION The prevalence rates of confirmed T. canis infection in the Egyptian dogs population and the associated human seropositivity rates reflect its importance as a public health concern and support the call to increase public awareness of this issue. The risk factors identified in this study can contribute to the development of more effective control and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Gaber Mubarak
- Department of ZoonosesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineSouth Valley UniversityQenaEgypt
| | - Eman Sayed Mohammed
- Department of ParasitologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineSouth Valley UniversityQenaEgypt
| | - Haitham Elaadli
- Department of Animal Hygiene and ZoonosesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAlexandria UniversityAlexandriaEgypt
| | - Hind Alzaylaee
- Department of BiologyCollege of SciencePrincess Nourah bint Abdulrahman UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Rabab S. Hamad
- Biological Sciences DepartmentCollege of ScienceKing Faisal UniversityAl AhsaSaudi Arabia
- Central LaboratoryTheodor Bilharz Research InstituteGizaEgypt
| | - Walaa A. Elkholy
- Department of ParasitologyFaculty of Medicine for GirlsAl‐Azhar UniversityCairoEgypt
| | - Asmaa Gahlan Youseef
- Department of ZoonosesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineSouth Valley UniversityQenaEgypt
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Environmental Contamination by Parasites in Public Parks in Belgrade in the Context of One Health Approach. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2022-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This paper studies the presence of developmental forms of gastrointestinal parasites in soil and sand samples, as well as in dog feces collected from public green spaces in Belgrade. The paper incorporates the spread analysis of contamination over different segments of parks. Four public green spaces in Belgrade were chosen, all containing an open-spaced children’s playground and a fenced dog park. Sample analysis of soil/sand was examined using qualitative methods without concentration (native slide) and with concentration (passive sedimentation and gravitational centrifugal flotation). In total, 106 samples have been collected out of which 60 samples of soil, 36 of dog faeces and ten samples of sand. Seven different agents have been detected, out of which five nematodes - Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina and two protozoa - Isospora spp. and Giardia intestinalis. The overall prevalence of contamination of soil samples was 31.67% and a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of ancylostoma eggs was found between different locations. The most common agent detected in the dog’s faeces was Isospora spp., with a prevalence of 5.56%, followed by Giardia intestinalis and ancylostomatids with a prevalence of 2.78% each. The sand samples had no parasitic elements found. The contamination by parasites and by dogs’ faeces was equally dispersed in all segments of the examined locations.
There is a great need to raise public awareness on the issue, and by the joint action of veterinarians, medical doctors, pet owners and people using public parks for recreation - a precondition is created for the sustainability of the “One Health” concept which implies the preservation of the environment and human and animal health.
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Serosurvey of anti-Toxocara antibodies and risk factors in adolescent and adult pregnant women of southeastern Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009571. [PMID: 34347773 PMCID: PMC8336820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is worldwide endemic parasitic anthropozoonosis with high risk to those in in vulnerable populations and particularly during pregnancy and childhood. Although the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies has been extensively studied, risk factors of pregnant women of different ages remains to be established. This study was designed to i) assess the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in pregnant women that presented to the public health system in a city of southeastern Brazil, and ii) determine the risk factors for toxocariasis in adolescent and adult pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 280 pregnant women (71 aged up to and including 17 years [adolescents] and 209 aged 18 years and older [adults]). Pregnant women voluntarily agreed to complete a socioeconomic questionnaire and provide serum samples. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were screened by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the risks for toxocariasis. Overall, 20.7% of pregnant women were seropositive (33.8% of adolescents and 16.3% of adults). Prevalence in pregnant adolescents was 2.6-fold higher than in adults (Odds ration [OR]: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.42-4.86, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that contact with soil (p = 0.01; OR = 4.76) and being in the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.03; OR = 0.17) had significantly greater risk of toxocariasis for adolescents, and attainment of elementary through middle school education level (p = 0.05; OR = 8.33) was a risk factor in adult pregnant women. Toxocariasis is likely underreported and neglected in adolescent pregnant women; this age group should always be monitored for toxocariasis and correspondent clinical signs, particularly at late pregnancy.
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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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Cabral Monica T, Evers F, de Souza Lima Nino B, Pinto-Ferreira F, Breganó JW, Ragassi Urbano M, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Freire RL, Navarro IT, Mitsuka-Breganó R. Socioeconomic factors associated with infection by Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara canis in children. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1589-1595. [PMID: 33908184 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The intense contact of children with domestic animals or environments contaminated with faeces of these animals, together with habits related to lack of hygiene, can facilitate infection by zoonoses. The study evaluated the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis in schoolchildren in the city of Jataizinho, Paraná. Of the 412 children aged 4-15 years, 56.8% (234/412) presented antibodies reactive to Toxoplasma gondii, 42.5% (175/412) presented antibodies reactive to Toxocara canis, and 27.4% (113/412) were reactive for the two species. The analysis of risk factors showed that prevalence of toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis was associated with the level of education of the child's mother (less than eight years of schooling), age range (10-15 years) and the presence of cats in the residence. In addition, family income (up to a minimum wage), presence of a dog, the habit of playing in soil/sand and eosinophilia were associated with Toxocara canis infection. There was an association between the two zoonoses (p < .01), indicating the existence of coinfection. The results show high prevalence of these two important zoonoses, alerting to the need of implementing control measures in order to reduce the incidence and risks of sequelae in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Cabral Monica
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine - State University of Londrina - UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Evers
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine - State University of Londrina - UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Pinto-Ferreira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine - State University of Londrina - UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | - José Wander Breganó
- Center of Health Sciences - State University of Londrina - UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | - Roberta Lemos Freire
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine - State University of Londrina - UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Regina Mitsuka-Breganó
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine - State University of Londrina - UEL, Londrina, Brazil
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Rezaiemanesh MR, Afzalaghaee M, Hamidi S, Eshaghzadeh A, Paydar M, Hejazi SH. Prevalence of toxocariasis and its related risk factors in humans, dogs and cats in northeastern Iran: a population-based study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 113:399-409. [PMID: 30892638 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is one of the most common zoonotic infections in dogs and cats. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies and identify the epidemiological and clinical features and related risk factors of toxocariasis in the general population along with the prevalence of this infection in dogs and cats in northeast Iran. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, anti-Toxocara antibodies from 1150 urban and rural participants were examined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the stool specimens of 538 dogs and 236 cats were tested using the formalin-ether concentration technique. Sociodemographic data and related risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire and the data on clinical manifestations were obtained from personal health records. RESULTS Anti-Toxocara antibodies were detected in 7.2% (83/1150) of the study population. Risk factors for seropositivity based on multivariable analysis were younger age (p=0.019), living in rural areas (p=0.048), occupations with high exposure risk to toxocariasis (p=0.001), contact with dogs or cats (p=0.003), contact with soil (p=0.001), history of geophagy (p=0.001) and the consumption of raw or undercooked liver (p=0.001). The prevalence of symptoms such as asthma, shortness of breath, blurred vision, abdominal pain and epilepsy were significantly higher in seropositive individuals compared with seronegative ones. Toxocara eggs were found in 15.1% (81/538) of dogs and 34.7% (82/236) of cats. A significant relationship was found between infection in dogs and cats and age, type, place of residence and anthelmintic consumption. CONCLUSIONS Identification of anti-Toxocara antibodies in the general population and the presence of confirmed infections in dogs and cats indicates exposure to Toxocara infection as a public health problem in northeast Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Rezaiemanesh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Monavar Afzalaghaee
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Hamidi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Ameneh Eshaghzadeh
- Health Network Laboratory of Roshtkhar, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad Iran
| | - Maryam Paydar
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran.,Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Parvin T, Minhaj Uddin I, Islam Bhuyian MS, Saxton R, Zohura F, Sultana M, Johura FT, Monira S, Hasan MT, Papri N, Haque MA, Biswas SK, Sack DA, Perin J, Alam M, George CM. Prospective cohort study of child mouthing of faeces and fomites in Dhaka, Bangladesh (CHoBI7 Program). Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:976-984. [PMID: 32406964 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise childhood mouthing and handling behaviours and to assess the association between hand-to-object and object-to-mouth contacts and diarrhoea prevalence in young children in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted among 494 children under 5 years of age in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study was nested within the randomised controlled trial of the Cholera Hospital-Based Intervention for 7 Days (CHoBI7) mobile health (mHealth) program. The CHoBI7 mHealth program focuses on promoting handwashing with soap and water treatment to diarrhoea patients and their household members through mobile messages and a single in person visit. Mouthing and handling of faeces and fomites among young children was measured by five-hour structured observation and caregiver reports. Diarrhoea surveillance data was collected monthly for 12 months. RESULTS Fifty five percent of caregivers reported that their child put a visibly dirty fomite (object or soil) in their mouth in the past week. Caregivers reported that 50% of children had mouthed visibly dirty objects, 26% had mouthed dirt, and 2% had mouthed faeces. Forty five percent of children were observed mouthing a visibly dirty fomite during structured observation, 40% of children were observed mouthing a visibly dirty object, 10% were observed mouthing soil, and one child (0.2%) was observed mouthing faeces. Mouthing of visibly dirty fomites was highest for children 12-18 months of age with 69% of these children having caregiver reports and 54% having observed events. Children with caregiver reports of mouthing faeces had a significantly higher odds of diarrhoea over the subsequent month (Odds Ratio: 4.54; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.06, 19.48). CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that mouthing of contaminated fomites among young children is frequent in urban environments in Bangladesh, and that mouthing faeces is associated with a significantly higher odds of diarrhoea. Interventions are urgently needed to protect young children from faecal pathogens in their play spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmina Parvin
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ismat Minhaj Uddin
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Ronald Saxton
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fatema Zohura
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Marzia Sultana
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema-Tuz Johura
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shirajum Monira
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Tasdik Hasan
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh.,University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nowshin Papri
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ahshanul Haque
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shwapon K Biswas
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh
| | - David A Sack
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie Perin
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Munirul Alam
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christine Marie George
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Araújo GMS, Walcher DL, Previtali IF, Lehman LM, Costa MP, Susin LO, Avila LFC, Scaini CJ. Frequency of enteroparasitic infections and serum positivity for Toxocara spp. in children from a public day care center in Southern Brazil. BRAZ J BIOL 2020; 80:305-310. [PMID: 31291402 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.200952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Day care centers play an important social role in children's early education and development. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections and infection with Toxocara spp. in children from a day care center in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted using fecal samples from 50 children, ages three to six years, using Ritchie, Faust, Rugai, and Kinyoun's techniques. A closed and structured epidemiological questionnaire was used to collect data from the parents/guardians of the children. Serological studies for detection of antibodies to Toxocara spp. by immunoenzymatic assays using Toxocara excretion and secretion antigen (TES) were conducted on sera collected from 41 children. Results: The frequency of enteroparasites was 18%, with 43.9% of the children testing seropositive for Toxocara spp. Low family income and low literacy levels of parents/guardians were common factors between the families of the parasite-positive children. For the children who tested positive for Toxocara spp., most of the parents/guardians reported using only water for sanitizing raw vegetables and fruits. Conclusions: The high seropositivity rates for Toxocara spp. indicate that children were exposed to this parasite, and it is important to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, the seropositivity for enteroparasites and the interviews with the parents/guardians indicate the need to educate the studied population regarding the modes of intestinal parasite transmission and the prophylactic measures needed to prevent their dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M S Araújo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Área Interdisciplinar de Ciências Biomédicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, Centro, CEP , Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - D L Walcher
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, Campus Universitário Capão do Leão, CEP , Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil
| | - I F Previtali
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Área Interdisciplinar de Ciências Biomédicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, Centro, CEP , Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - L M Lehman
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Área Interdisciplinar de Ciências Biomédicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, Centro, CEP , Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - M P Costa
- Área de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, Centro, CEP , Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - L O Susin
- Área de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, Centro, CEP , Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - L F C Avila
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Área Interdisciplinar de Ciências Biomédicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, Centro, CEP , Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
| | - C J Scaini
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Área Interdisciplinar de Ciências Biomédicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, Centro, CEP , Rio Grande, RS, Brasil
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Wang S, Li H, Yao Z, Li P, Wang D, Zhang H, Xie Q, Zhang Z, Li X. Toxocara infection: seroprevalence and associated risk factors among primary school children in central China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:30. [PMID: 32374716 PMCID: PMC7202827 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease that poses a threat to public health worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among primary school children in Henan province, central China, which was previously unknown. Sera from 2451 primary school children were collected from September 2015 to October 2018, and evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 5.14% (126/2451). The main risk factors related to Toxocara infection identified in this study were the age of children, residence area of children, contact with cats or dogs, and exposure to soil. Hand washing before eating was considered to be a protective factor. These findings demonstrate that Toxocara infection is relatively common among primary school children in Henan province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Haoran Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Zhijun Yao
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Pengju Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Haizhu Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Qing Xie
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003 Henan, PR China - MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 Jiangsu, PR China
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12
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Phasuk N, Punsawad C. Seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection and associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural Southern Thailand. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:23. [PMID: 32336929 PMCID: PMC7175560 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00211-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by a parasite in the genus Toxocara and is transmitted mainly by the accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara canis (dog roundworm) or T. cati (cat roundworm) eggs. Several studies reported that children were the main population at risk for T. canis infection. Currently, no reports on the seroprevalence of T. canis infection in Thailand are available, and its status remains unknown among children who live in rural areas of southern Thailand. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. canis infection and its associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in rural areas of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. METHODS A total of 177 schoolchildren between 6 and 13 years of age were recruited between June and July 2019. Serum anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit. A questionnaire administered by direct interviews was used to collect demographic and behavioral risk factor data. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence of T. canis infection was 58.2% (103 of 177). The univariate analysis revealed that schoolchildren who did not practice handwashing before a meal (crude odds ratio (COR) = 3.67, 95% CI 1.93-6.95, P < 0.001), did not practice hand washing after animal contact (COR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.53-5.47, P = 0.001), and drank untreated water (COR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.00-3.48, P = 0.049) had an increased risk of acquiring T. canis infection. However, after adjusting for confounders, only a lack of handwashing before a meal remained a significant risk factor (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.20, 95% CI 1.11-4.34, P = 0.023). Age, sex, owning a dog, and eating fresh vegetables were not significantly associated with T. canis infection in the current study. CONCLUSIONS This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among schoolchildren in Thailand. The high rate of Toxocara seropositivity reflected high levels of exposure to T. canis among schoolchildren in rural areas of southern Thailand. The results also provide baseline data regarding modifiable risk behaviors for effective T. canis infection prevention strategies in southern Thailand, especially strengthening hand washing practices among schoolchildren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonthapan Phasuk
- School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Chuchard Punsawad
- School of Medicine, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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13
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Prevalence of geophagy and knowledge about its health effects among native Sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean and South America healthy adults living in France. Eat Weight Disord 2020; 25:465-469. [PMID: 30547293 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-0624-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Geophagy is widespread among women from Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and the Caribbean and may persist in western countries. This practice may be associated with adverse effects such as anaemia, constipation or intestinal occlusion. We aimed to determine the prevalence of geophagy and the level of knowledge about its health effects among healthy adults originating from these countries and attending a travel medicine and international vaccination consultation in France. Among 101 travellers enrolled in the study, 83 (82.1%) were born in Sub-Saharan Africa and 13 (12.8%) in South America or the Caribbean. The mean duration of residence in France was 15.6 ± 10.4 years. Previous or current geophagy was present in 42 travellers [previous geophagy in 31 (30.7%) and current consumption in 11 (10.9%)]; 38 (90.5%) were women. The rate of awareness of harmful effects of geophagy as the risk of iron-deficient anaemia (18.8%) and soil-transmitted intestinal parasitic infections (11.9%) was low overall. Women with previous or current geophagy more often had history of iron therapy compared to those who never consumed, both during pregnancy (50.0 versus 14.3%; p = 0.0009) and outside pregnancy (47.4 versus 2.8%; p < 0.0001). Despite a long period of residence in France, geophagy was still a current practice among 10.9% of Sub-Saharan, South American and Caribbean travellers, who are poorly informed of its harmful effects. Therefore, specific information tailored to Sub-Saharan, South American and Caribbean about the risks of geophagy should be implemented in western countries.Level of evidence Level V, descriptive cross-sectional survey.
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Noordin R, Yunus MH, Tan Farrizam SN, Arifin N. Serodiagnostic methods for diagnosing larval toxocariasis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:131-152. [PMID: 32381194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a human infection primarily caused by larvae of Toxocara canis from dogs, and also by T. cati from cats. Children have a more significant risk of acquiring the infection due to their closer contact with pets, and greater chances of ingesting soil. Diagnosis of toxocariasis is based on clinical, epidemiological, and serological data. Indirect IgG ELISA is a widely used serodiagnostic method for toxocariasis, with native T. canis TES most commonly used as the antigen. Western blots, using the same antigen, can be used to confirm positive ELISA findings to reduce false-positive results. Improvements in Toxocara serodiagnosis include the use of recombinant TES antigens, simpler and more rapid assay formats, and IgG4 subclass detection. Also, incorporation of recombinant T. cati TES protein increases the diagnostic sensitivity. Development of antigen detection tests using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, or aptamers can complement the antibody detection assays, and enhance the effectiveness of the serodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Hafiznur Yunus
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Naqiuyah Tan Farrizam
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Norsyahida Arifin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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15
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Electrochemical microfluidic immunosensor based on TES-AuNPs@Fe3O4 and CMK-8 for IgG anti-Toxocara canis determination. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1096:120-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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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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Tiewsoh JBA, Khurana S, Mewara A, Sehgal R, Singh A. Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Patients with Toxocariasis Encountered at a Tertiary Care Centre in North India. Indian J Med Microbiol 2018; 36:432-434. [DOI: 10.4103/ijmm.ijmm_18_259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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18
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Araújo AC, Villela MM, Sena-Lopes Â, Farias NADR, Faria LMJD, Avila LFDC, Berne MEA, Borsuk S. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara canis in a human rural population of Southern Rio Grande do Sul. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2018; 60:e28. [PMID: 29972461 PMCID: PMC6029849 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201860028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the growing population of pets, especially homeless dogs and cats, zoonoses still represent a significant public health problem. Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. are epidemiologically important zoonotic agents as they are etiological factors of human toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis, respectively. These parasites remain neglected even though they are substantially prevalent in rural areas. The aim of this study was to investigate T. gondii and T. canis seroprevalence and risk factors of seropositivity in a rural population in Pelotas municipality, Brazil. The study participants (n=344) were patients of a Basic Healthcare Unit (BHU) located in Cerrito Alegre. Blood samples were collected and tested for T. gondii antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and T. canis antibodies by an indirect ELISA that targets an excreted-secreted antigen (TES). T. gondii seropositivity was 53.2%, with higher titers (1:256 - 1:1,024) in individuals who habitually eat pork, beef, or chicken, while T. canis seropositivity was 71.8% and concomitant T. gondii and T. canis seropositivity was 38.3%. Among the seropositivity risk factors assessed, only habitual undercooked meat consumption was significant (p = 0.046; OR = 3.7) for T. gondii and none of them were associated with T. canis seropositivity. Both parasites have a high prevalence in rural areas, which reinforces the need to invest in rural community education and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelita Campos Araújo
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcos Marreiro Villela
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ângela Sena-Lopes
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Nara Amélia da Rosa Farias
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Laura Maria Jorge de Faria
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luciana Farias da Costa Avila
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabeth Aires Berne
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Sibele Borsuk
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Martínez M, Montero J, Pineda A, Mijares V, Lares M, Catalano E, Ferrer E. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of toxocariasis in school children from Aragua State, Venezuela. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2018; 112:255-263. [DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/try051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- María Martínez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas ‘Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso’ (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Jesica Montero
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Adriana Pineda
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Víctor Mijares
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - María Lares
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas ‘Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso’ (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Emily Catalano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas ‘Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso’ (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Elizabeth Ferrer
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas ‘Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso’ (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela
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Chou CM, Lee YL, Liao CW, Huang YC, Fan CK. Enhanced expressions of neurodegeneration-associated factors, UPS impairment, and excess Aβ accumulation in the hippocampus of mice with persistent cerebral toxocariasis. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:620. [PMID: 29273062 PMCID: PMC5741903 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2578-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease mainly caused by Toxocara canis. Humans can be infected by accidental ingestion of T. canis embryonated ovum-contaminated food, water, or encapsulated larvae in paratenic hosts' viscera or meat. Since humans and mice are paratenic hosts of T. canis, the wandering larvae might cause mechanical tissue damage and excretory-secretory antigens may trigger inflammatory injuries to local organs. Long-term residence of T. canis larvae in a paratenic host's brain may cause cerebral toxocariasis (CT) that contributes to cerebral damage, neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders in mice and clinical patients. Since the hippocampus has been long recognized as being responsible for learning and memory functions, parasitic invasion of this site may cause neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. The present study intended to assess pathological changes, expressions of neurodegeneration-associated factors (NDAFs), including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), transglutaminase type 2 (TG2), claudin-5, substance P (SP) and interleukin (IL)-1β, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) function in the hippocampus and associated cognitive behavior in ICR mice orally inoculated with a high, medium or low-dose of T. canis embryonated ova during a 20-week investigation. RESULTS Results indicated although there were insignificant differences in learning and memory function between the experimental mice and uninfected control mice, possibly because the site where T. canis larvae invaded was the surrounding area but not the hippocampus per se. Nevertheless, enhanced expressions of NDAF, persistent UPS impairment and excess amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation concomitantly emerged in the experimental mice hippocampus at 8, 16 and 20 weeks post-infection. CONCLUSIONS We thus postulate that progressive CT may still progress to neurodegeneration due to enhanced NDAF expressions, persistent UPS impairment and excess Aβ accumulation in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Mei Chou
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.,Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Liao
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.,Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Huang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
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21
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Jõgi NO, Svanes C, Siiak SP, Logan E, Holloway JW, Igland J, Johannessen A, Levin M, Real FG, Schlunssen V, Horsnell WGC, Bertelsen RJ. Zoonotic helminth exposure and risk of allergic diseases: A study of two generations in Norway. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 48:66-77. [PMID: 29117468 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal and human studies indicate that definitive host helminth infections may confer protection from allergies. However, zoonotic helminths, such as Toxocara species (spp.), have been associated with increased allergies. OBJECTIVE We describe the prevalence of Toxocara spp. and Ascaris spp. seropositivity and associations with allergic diseases and sensitization, in 2 generations in Bergen, Norway. METHODS Serum levels of total IgG4, anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 and Ascaris spp. IgG4 were established by ELISA in 2 cohorts: parents born 1945-1972 (n = 171) and their offspring born 1969-2003 (n = 264). Allergic outcomes and covariates were recorded through interviews and clinical examinations including serum IgEs and skin prick tests. RESULTS Anti-Ascaris spp. IgG4 was detected in 29.2% of parents and 10.3% of offspring, and anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 in 17.5% and 8.0% of parents and offspring, respectively. Among offspring, anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 was associated with pet keeping before age 15 (OR = 6.15; 95% CI = 1.37-27.5) and increasing BMI (1.16[1.06-1.25] per kg/m2 ). Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with wheeze (2.97[1.45- 7.76]), hayfever (4.03[1.63-9.95]), eczema (2.89[1.08-7.76]) and cat sensitization (5.65[1.92-16.6]) among offspring, but was not associated with allergic outcomes among parents. Adjustment for childhood or current pet keeping did not alter associations with allergies. Parental Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with increased offspring allergies following a sex-specific pattern. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE Zoonotic helminth exposure in Norway was less frequent in offspring than parents; however, Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with increased risk of allergic manifestations in the offspring generation, but not among parents. Changes in response to helminth exposure may provide insights into the increase in allergy incidence in affluent countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- N O Jõgi
- University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - C Svanes
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - E Logan
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J W Holloway
- Human Development & Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J Igland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - A Johannessen
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - M Levin
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - F G Real
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - V Schlunssen
- Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - W G C Horsnell
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine/Division of Immunology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Laboratory of Molecular and Experimental Immunology and Neurogenetics, UMR 7355, CNRS-University of Orleans and Le Studium Institute for Advanced Studies, Orléans, France
| | - R J Bertelsen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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22
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Rubinsky-Elefant G, Yamamoto JH, Hirata CE, Prestes-Carneiro LE. Toxocariasis: critical analysis of serology in patients attending a public referral center for ophthalmology in Brazil. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2017; 62:77-83. [PMID: 29071468 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-017-0543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the contribution of IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies in the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis (OT) in serum samples of patients attending a public referral center for ophthalmology in Brazil and to determine the most frequent ocular signs and symptoms. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective descriptive study of a cohort of outpatients followed from December 1989 to May 2006. METHODS IgG anti-Toxocara antibody titers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were correlated with the clinical and funduscopic findings. RESULTS Of the diagnoses for the 126 patients, 42 were considered as probable OT, 48 as negative, and 36 as inconclusive. The median IgG anti-Toxocara antibody titers of the patients with probable OT were significantly higher than those of the patients in the negative or inconclusive groups (P = 0.0001). Higher titers were observed more frequently in patients in the probable OT group (P = 0.01) than in the negative group, in which titers were absent or lower in most patients (P < 0.0001). The right eye was affected more in the OT group than in the negative group (P = 0.01), and inflammation was located mostly in the intermediate and posterior poles. The mean age of the patients diagnosed with probable OT was significantly lower (mean, 8 years) than that of the negative patients (mean, 14.5 years) (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of antibodies could help with the diagnosis of OT in patients with symptoms and clinical signs; however, negative results cannot exclude possible OT. Conversely, patients with negative serology or low titers make the diagnosis of OT less likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guita Rubinsky-Elefant
- Laboratory of Seroepidemiology and Immunobiology, Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joyce H Yamamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinics Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos E Hirata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinics Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz E Prestes-Carneiro
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Department, University of Oeste Paulista, José Bongiovani 700, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-680, Brazil.
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Penakalapati G, Swarthout J, Delahoy MJ, McAliley L, Wodnik B, Levy K, Freeman MC. Exposure to Animal Feces and Human Health: A Systematic Review and Proposed Research Priorities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:11537-11552. [PMID: 28926696 PMCID: PMC5647569 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b02811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Humans can be exposed to pathogens from poorly managed animal feces, particularly in communities where animals live in close proximity to humans. This systematic review of peer-reviewed and gray literature examines the human health impacts of exposure to poorly managed animal feces transmitted via water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related pathways in low- and middle-income countries, where household livestock, small-scale animal operations, and free-roaming animals are common. We identify routes of contamination by animal feces, control measures to reduce human exposure, and propose research priorities for further inquiry. Exposure to animal feces has been associated with diarrhea, soil-transmitted helminth infection, trachoma, environmental enteric dysfunction, and growth faltering. Few studies have evaluated control measures, but interventions include reducing cohabitation with animals, provision of animal feces scoops, controlling animal movement, creating safe child spaces, improving veterinary care, and hygiene promotion. Future research should evaluate: behaviors related to points of contact with animal feces; animal fecal contamination of food; cultural behaviors of animal fecal management; acute and chronic health risks associated with exposure to animal feces; and factors influencing concentrations and shedding rates of pathogens originating from animal feces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauthami Penakalapati
- Department of Environmental
Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Jenna Swarthout
- Department of Environmental
Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Miranda J. Delahoy
- Department of Environmental
Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Lydia McAliley
- Department of Environmental
Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Breanna Wodnik
- Department of Environmental
Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Karen Levy
- Department of Environmental
Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
| | - Matthew C. Freeman
- Department of Environmental
Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 United States
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Matos Fialho PM, Correa CRS, Lescano SZ. Seroprevalence of Toxocariasis in Children with Urticaria: A Population-based Study. J Trop Pediatr 2017; 63:352-357. [PMID: 28077610 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmw094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study described the prevalence of IgG class antibodies against Toxocara spp. and their association with urticaria in 2- to 12-year-old children. METHODS This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2012 and September 2014. The study sample comprised 168 children. Blood samples were collected to verify the presence of toxocariasis by using ELISA to detect IgG antibodies. The guardians of the children were interviewed to characterize the presence or absence of other diseases, such as urticaria. RESULTS The presence of urticaria was observed in 38% of participants. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in this population was 16%. This study confirmed a positive association between urticaria and positive serology for Toxocara and a negative independent association with canine contact and the number of household residents. CONCLUSIONS There are no previous reports in the literature of a population-based study that correlates the presence of urticaria with serology for toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susana Zevallos Lescano
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM 06), Universidade de São Paulo, Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403000, Brazil
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Mihalca AD, Traub RJ, Lappin M, Baneth G. Zoonotic Parasites of Sheltered and Stray Dogs in the Era of the Global Economic and Political Crisis. Trends Parasitol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Farmer A, Beltran T, Choi YS. Prevalence of Toxocara species infection in the U.S.: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005818. [PMID: 28759601 PMCID: PMC5552322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is one of the most common neglected infections of poverty in the U.S. with a reported National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994) seroprevalence of 13.9% based on enzyme immunoassay testing. We reviewed NHANES data from 2011–2014 to assess current levels. Sera collected from NHANES 2011–2014 participants six years and older were tested for exposure using rTc-CTL-1 antigen, a more sensitive and specific recombinant antigen for IgG antibodies for Toxocara spp. These results were subdivided into children (age 6–17) and adults (age ≥ 18) and then compared between various sociodemographic characteristics. Given prior associations of Toxocara exposure with atopic disease and lead exposure, we also reviewed laboratory values including complete blood counts and blood and urine lead levels. Data from 13,509 individuals with Toxocara antibody results were examined including 3337 children (15.2%) and 10172 adults (84.8%). Overall seroprevalence was 5.1%. In adults increased antibody positivity occurred with non-White ethnicity, male gender, less than college-level education and lower income. Among children, increased antibody positivity was solely related to a lack of health insurance. Additionally, seropositivity was associated with increased blood lead and eosinophil levels in adults and both blood and urine lead levels in children. Relative to NHANES III (1988–1994), current data suggest an overall decrease in Toxocara spp. seroprevalence from 13.9% to 5.1%, however this may be artificially lowered due to difference in testing methods used. Persistent disparities appear to be associated with at-risk populations such as minority ethnicity and low socioeconomic status. Toxocariasis is a pervasive helminth infection transmitted to humans via embryonated eggs from soil contaminated by the feces of dogs and cats (Toxocara canis and T. cati, respectively). The most recent seroprevalence study of Toxocara infection in the United States used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III data collected from 1988 to 1994. At-risk groups identified included male gender, non-White ethnicity and low education and socioeconomic status. Since the original study, dogs and cats have increased in number and an improved testing platform has been created using rTc-CTL-1 antigen to Toxocara spp. with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 99%, respectively. In this study, we assessed current seroprevalence based on the NHANES data from 2011 to 2014 using the more specific testing platform. Although overall seroprevalence appears to have decreased from 13.9% to 5.1%; persistent disparities remain associated with at-risk populations including minority ethnicity and low socioeconomic status. Continued work is needed to improve awareness of disease transmission and treatment amongst the general population as well as veterinarians who may care for dogs and cats within the United States and take responsibility for education of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Farmer
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Beltran
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Young Sammy Choi
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States of America
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Rojas TO, Romero C, Heredia R, Bautista LG, Sheinberg G. Identification of Toxocara spp. eggs in dog hair and associated risk factors. Vet World 2017; 10:798-802. [PMID: 28831225 PMCID: PMC5553150 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.798-802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to identify the presence of eggs of Toxocaraspp. in dog hair and to identify any risk factors associated with this. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 96 dogs were sampled collecting hair from the head, perianal and hindquarters. Epidemiologic data from each animal were recorded to identify risk factors. The samples of hair were washed with solutions of distilled water, phosphate-buffered saline and Tween 20 detergent. Microscopic analysis was subsequently performed for the identification of eggs. RESULTS Out of the total dogs, 41.7% were positive for the presence of parasite egg in their hair. Toxocara eggs were found in hair from the head (14.5%), tail (20.8%), and limbs (10.4%). Dogs, younger than 12 months old, showed higher values (4.7%) of egg presence in the perianal area (p<0.05). The principal risk factors for the presence of eggs in hair were not deworming (odds ratio [OR]=3.60, p<0.004) and not brushing (OR=2.26, p<0.12). CONCLUSION These results show that in the state of Mexico there is a high percentage of dogs contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs in their hair. This should be seriously considered due to the potential problems of toxocariasis and the risk to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania O Rojas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Camilo Romero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Academician of Animal Health, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Rafael Heredia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Linda G Bautista
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Academician of Animal Health, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Galia Sheinberg
- Department of Dermatology, Veterinary Center Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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Frequency of Toxocara spp. antibodies in umbilical cords of newborns attended atthe University Hospital in Southern Brazil and factors associated with infection. Acta Trop 2017; 170:43-47. [PMID: 28188768 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a neglected and geographically widespread parasitic disease. The detection of specific antibodies associated with this disease is required to confirm its clinical diagnosis and to aid in prevention. Although helminth infection during pregnancy can promote foetal immune responses with long-term effects, specific information regarding the risk of Toxocara spp. infection to the human foetus during pregnancy is lacking. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the frequency of antibodies against Toxocara spp. in umbilical cord serum samples to determine the neonatal risk factors associated with Toxocara spp. infection. A cross-sectional study of the frequency of specific antibodies against Toxocara spp. was performed on umbilical cord samples of 280 neonates. A cord blood sample was obtained from each newborn after parturition, and serum samples were examined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Epidemiological data were obtained through a questionnaire regarding obstetric history (abortion history, premature birthhistory, and pregnancy and birth numbers), general aspects (animal contact anddiet) and socio-economic factors. The frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies in the umbilical cords of neonates was 20% in serum pre-adsorbed with Ascaris spp. antigen. Family income and dog ownership were considered risk factors associated with infection. No association was found between reproductive disorders and Toxocara seropositivity. The 20% frequency rate of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies in sera from umbilical cords of newborns can be related to IgG binding at the maternal-foetal interface, requiring greater care during pregnancy. Anti-Toxocara IgM and IgE antibodies no were found in umbilical cord serum samples, indicating that no vertical transmission of these parasites occurred in this population. Studies regarding antibodies against Toxocara spp. in umbilical cord sera are important for determining neonatal exposure to these parasites.
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Morita T, Perin J, Oldja L, Biswas S, Sack RB, Ahmed S, Haque R, Bhuiyan NA, Parvin T, Bhuyian SI, Akter M, Talukder KA, Shahnaij M, Faruque AG, George CM. Mouthing of Soil Contaminated Objects is Associated with Environmental Enteropathy in Young Children. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:670-678. [PMID: 28319300 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise childhood mouthing behaviours and to investigate the association between object-to-mouth and food-to-mouth contacts, diarrhoea prevalence and environmental enteropathy. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted of 216 children ≤30 months of age in rural Bangladesh. Mouthing contacts with soil and food and objects with visible soil were assessed by 5-h structured observation. Stool was analysed for four faecal markers of intestinal inflammation: alpha-1-antitrypsin, myeloperoxidase, neopterin and calprotectin. RESULTS Overall 82% of children were observed mouthing soil, objects with visible soil, or food with visible soil during the structured observation period. Sixty two percent of children were observed mouthing objects with visible soil, 63% were observed mouthing food with visible soil, and 18% were observed mouthing soil only. Children observed mouthing objects with visible soil had significantly elevated faecal calprotectin concentrations (206.81 μg/g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.27, 407.36). There was also a marginally significant association between Escherichia coli counts in soil from a child's play space and the prevalence rate of diarrhoea (diarrhoea prevalence ratio: 2.03, 95% CI 0.97, 4.25). CONCLUSION These findings provide further evidence to support the hypothesis that childhood mouthing behaviour in environments with faecal contamination can lead to environmental enteropathy in susceptible paediatric populations. Furthermore, these findings suggest that young children mouthing objects with soil, which occurred more frequently than soil directly (60% vs. 18%), was an important exposure route to faecal pathogens and a risk factor for environmental enteropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Morita
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie Perin
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren Oldja
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shwapon Biswas
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Internal Medicine, Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Rangpur, Bangladesh
| | - R Bradley Sack
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shahnawaz Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nurul Amin Bhuiyan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmina Parvin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mahmuda Akter
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kaisar A Talukder
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Shahnaij
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abu G Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christine Marie George
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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30
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Medawar V, Messina GA, Fernández-Baldo M, Raba J, Pereira SV. Fluorescent immunosensor using AP-SNs and QDs for quantitation of IgG anti- Toxocara canis. Microchem J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2016.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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31
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Gabrielli S, Tasić-Otašević S, Ignjatović A, Fraulo M, Trenkić-Božinović M, Momčilović S, Cancrini G. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxocara canis Infection in Serbia During 2015. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2016; 14:43-49. [PMID: 27893948 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report data on the Toxocara seroprevalence evidenced in 2015 from samples of 40 children and 298 adults of the population living in different areas of Serbia, and on possible association of certain variables with infection. Detection of specific antibodies was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; all ambiguous results and part of the positive and negative sera were further analyzed by confirmatory Western blot test. An overall 23.5% seroprevalence was noticed, which was confirmed in 13.0% of the examined population with no significant difference regarding the age (children = 10.0%; adults = 13.4%) or by country area (East = 18.2%; North = 15.5%, Southeastern = 9.5%; p = 0.005). In contrast, the group of adult women proved more reactive than men (p = 0.001), and subjects both who spend spare time in square/parks (p = 0.041) and with positive onychophagy (p = 0.001) habit turned out more exposed to the infection. Possible reasons of these differences were analyzed, and the medical, veterinary, and economic impact of this soil-transmitted zoonosis were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- 1 Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Suzana Tasić-Otašević
- 2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš , Niš, Serbia .,3 Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš , Niš, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatović
- 3 Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš , Niš, Serbia .,4 Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš , Niš, Serbia
| | - Maurizio Fraulo
- 1 Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefan Momčilović
- 2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš , Niš, Serbia
| | - Gabriella Cancrini
- 1 Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome, Italy
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32
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Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in Korean, Manchu, Mongol, and Han ethnic groups in northern China. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:3101-3107. [PMID: 27457773 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816001631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a very prevalent zoonotic disease worldwide. Recently, investigators have focused more on Toxocara spp. seroprevalence in humans. Information regarding Toxocara seroprevalence in people from different ethnic backgrounds in China is limited. For this study, blood samples were collected from a total of 802 Han, 520 Korean, 303 Manchu, and 217 Mongol subjects from Jilin and Shandong provinces. The overall Toxocara seroprevalence was 16·07% (14·21% Han, 20·58% Korean, 11·22% Manchu, 18·89% Mongol). Living in suburban or rural areas, having dogs at home, exposure to soil, and consumption of raw/undercooked meat were risk factors for Toxocara infection. Exposure to soil was identified as the major risk factor for Toxocara seropositivity in all of the tested ethnicities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning Toxocara infection in Manchus and Mongols in China. The present study provided baseline data for effective prevention strategies of toxocariasis in northeast China and recommends improvements in personal hygiene standards to achieve this goal.
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33
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Ma G, Luo Y, Zhu H, Luo Y, Korhonen PK, Young ND, Gasser RB, Zhou R. MicroRNAs of Toxocara canis and their predicted functional roles. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:229. [PMID: 27108220 PMCID: PMC4842261 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxocara canis is the causative agent of toxocariasis of humans and other animals. This parasitic nematode (roundworm) has a complex life cycle, in which substantial developmental changes and switches occur. As small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in a wide range of organisms, we explored these RNAs in T. canis to provide a basis for future studies of its developmental biology as well as host interactions and disease at the molecular level. Methods We conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses to define sRNAs in individual male and female adults of T. canis. Results Apart from snRNA and snoRNA, 560 and 619 microRNAs (miRNAs), including 5 and 2 novel miRNAs, were identified in male and female worms, respectively, without piRNAs being detected in either sex. An analysis of transcriptional profiles showed that, of 564 miRNAs predicted as being differentially transcribed between male and female individuals of T. canis, 218 miRNAs were transcribed exclusively in male and 277 in female worms. Functional enrichment analysis predicted that both male and female miRNAs were mainly involved in regulating embryonic morphogenesis, hemidesmosome assembly and genetic information processing. The miRNAs differentially transcribed between the sexes were predicted to be associated with sex determination, embryonic morphogenesis and nematode larval development. The roles of miRNAs were predicted based on gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway annotations. The miRNAs Tc-miR-2305 and Tc-miR-6090 are proposed to have roles in reproduction, embryo development and larval development, and Tc-let-7-5p, Tc-miR-34 and Tc-miR-100 appear to be involved in host-parasite interactions. Together with published information from previous studies, some miRNAs (such as Tc-miR-2861, Tc-miR-2881 and Tc-miR-5126) are predicted to represent drug targets and/or associated with drug resistance. Conclusions This is the first exploration of miRNAs in T. canis, which could provide a basis for fundamental investigations of the developmental biology of the parasite, parasite-host interactions and toxocariasis as well as applied areas, such as the diagnosis of infection/disease, drug target discovery and drug resistance detection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1508-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Yongfang Luo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Honghong Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yongli Luo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Rongqiong Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China.
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Fialho PMM, Corrêa CRS. A Systematic Review of Toxocariasis: A Neglected But High-Prevalence Disease in Brazil. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 94:1193-9. [PMID: 26834201 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is an anthropozoonosis that occurs in all parts of the world. In particular, this disease can often be found in developing countries and in regions, where basic sanitation conditions are poor. However, industrialized countries have reported seroprevalence rates as high as 14.2% in humans. The definitive hosts of the disease are dogs and cats, whereas humans are a paratenic host. To determine the burden of toxocariasis in Brazil, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a systematic review of the literature. Using keywords and applying the established criteria, we identified 160 publications and selected 22 articles for further analysis. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in various regions of the country ranged from 4.2% to 65.4%. The highest prevalence was found in the northeast region, although the majority of the studies identified were from the southeast region. The findings suggest the importance of raising awareness among health professionals and public authorities about the fact that toxocariasis is a health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Mayara Matos Fialho
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Silveira Corrêa
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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35
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Cong W, Meng QF, You HL, Zhou N, Dong XY, Dong W, Wang XY, Qian AD, Zhu XQ. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxocara infection among children in Shandong and Jilin provinces, China. Acta Trop 2015; 152:215-219. [PMID: 26384456 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the Toxocara serology in children in Shandong and Jilin provinces, China using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall Toxocara seroprevalence among the study population (n=1458) was 19.3%, sick children (26.4%) had significantly higher seroprevalence than clinically healthy children (14.4%) (P<0.05), and the highest Toxocara seroprevalence was found in children suffering from chronic cough (40.6%), followed by recurrent abdominal pain (40.0%), recurrent headache (38.1%), slight fever (36.2%), and recurrent vomiting (31.6%). Place of residence, education level, type of school, keeping dogs at home, contact with dogs and cats and exposure with soil were found to be associated with Toxocara infection. Our findings show that children infection with Toxocara is common in Shandong and Jilin provinces, eastern and northeastern China, indicating an immediate need for implementing strategies and measures to prevent and control Toxocara infection in children in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Qing-Feng Meng
- Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Changchun, Jilin Province 130000, PR China
| | - Hai-Long You
- The First Affilliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130000, PR China
| | - Na Zhou
- Affilliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Dong
- Wendeng Stomatological Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province 264400, PR China
| | - Wei Dong
- Weihaiwei People's Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province 264200, PR China
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Wendeng Municipal Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province 264400, PR China
| | - Ai-Dong Qian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China.
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Lim PKC, Yamasaki H, Mak JW, Wong SF, Chong CW, Yap IKS, Ambu S, Kumarasamy V. Field evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test to detect antibodies in human toxocariasis. Acta Trop 2015; 148:32-7. [PMID: 25910623 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis which is caused mainly by the larvae of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, is a worldwide zoonotic disease that can be a potentially serious human infection. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using T. canis excretory-secretory (TES) antigens harvested from T. canis larvae is currently the serological test for confirming toxocariasis. An alternative to producing large amounts of Toxocara TES and improved diagnosis for toxocariasis is through the development of highly specific recombinant antigens such as the T. canis second stage larva excretory-secretory 30 kDa protein (recTES-30). The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a rapid diagnostic kit (RDT, named as iToxocara kit) in comparison to recTES-30 ELISA in Serendah Orang Asli village in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 133 subjects were included in the study. The overall prevalence rates by ELISA and RDT were 29.3% and 33.1%, respectively, with more positive cases detected in males than females. However, no association was found between toxocariasis and gender or age. The percentage sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of RDT were 85.7%, 90.1%, 80% and 93.2%, respectively. The prevalence for toxocariasis in this population using both ELISA and RDT was 27.1% (36/133) and the K-concordance test suggested good agreement of the two tests with a Cohen's kappa of 0.722, P<0.01. In addition, the followed-up Spearman rank correlation showed a moderately high correlation at R=0.704 and P<0.01. In conclusion, the RDT kit was faster and easier to use than an ELISA and is useful for the laboratory diagnosis of hospitalized cases of toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K C Lim
- School of Medical Sciences, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - H Yamasaki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
| | - J W Mak
- School of Medical Sciences, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - S F Wong
- School of Medical Sciences, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - C W Chong
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - I K S Yap
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - S Ambu
- School of Medical Sciences, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - V Kumarasamy
- School of Medical Sciences, International Medical University, 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Traub RJ, Irwin P, Dantas-Torres F, Tort GP, Labarthe NV, Inpankaew T, Gatne M, Linh BK, Schwan V, Watanabe M, Siebert S, Mencke N, Schaper R. Toward the formation of a Companion Animal Parasite Council for the Tropics (CAPCT). Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:271. [PMID: 25963851 PMCID: PMC4432817 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0884-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This letter advises the imminent formation of the Companion Animal Parasites Council for the Tropics (CAPCT). The CAPCT consists of region-specific (e.g., Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, Africa) experts comprising academics, veterinarians, parasitologists, physicians and allied industry partners that will work together to inform, guide and develop best-practice recommendations for the optimal diagnosis, treatment and control of companion animal parasites in the tropics, with the aim of protecting the health of pets and that of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Traub
- The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Peter Irwin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 50740465, Recife, Brazil. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Gabriela Pérez Tort
- Hospital Veterinario de Virreyes and Enfermedades Parasitarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Norma Vollmer Labarthe
- Programa Institucional Biodiversidade e Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040360, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, 10903, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Mukulesh Gatne
- Department Veterinary Parasitology, Bombay Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Bui Khanh Linh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Volker Schwan
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
| | - Malaika Watanabe
- Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Malaysia.
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Joob B, Wiwanitkit V. Toxocara infection in gardener. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(15)30343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Toxocariasis diagnosed in international travelers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium, from 2000 to 2013. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003559. [PMID: 25746418 PMCID: PMC4351981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although infection with Toxocara canis or T. catis (commonly referred as toxocariasis) appears to be highly prevalent in (sub)tropical countries, information on its frequency and presentation in returning travelers and migrants is scarce. In this study, we reviewed all cases of asymptomatic and symptomatic toxocariasis diagnosed during post-travel consultations at the reference travel clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. Toxocariasis was considered as highly probable if serum Toxocara-antibodies were detected in combination with symptoms of visceral larva migrans if present, elevated eosinophil count in blood or other relevant fluid and reasonable exclusion of alternative diagnosis, or definitive in case of documented seroconversion. From 2000 to 2013, 190 travelers showed Toxocara-antibodies, of a total of 3436 for whom the test was requested (5.5%). Toxocariasis was diagnosed in 28 cases (23 symptomatic and 5 asymptomatic) including 21 highly probable and 7 definitive. All but one patients were adults. Africa and Asia were the place of acquisition for 10 and 9 cases, respectively. Twelve patients (43%) were short-term travelers (< 1 month). Symptoms, when present, developed during travel or within 8 weeks maximum after return, and included abdominal complaints (11/23 symptomatic patients, 48%), respiratory symptoms and skin abnormalities (10 each, 43%) and fever (9, 39%), often in combination. Two patients were diagnosed with transverse myelitis. At presentation, the median blood eosinophil count was 1720/μL [range: 510-14160] in the 21 symptomatic cases without neurological complication and 2080/μL [range: 1100-2970] in the 5 asymptomatic individuals. All patients recovered either spontaneously or with an anti-helminthic treatment (mostly a 5-day course of albendazole), except both neurological cases who kept sequelae despite repeated treatments and prolonged corticotherapy. Toxocariasis has to be considered in travelers returning from a (sub)tropical stay with varying clinical manifestations or eosinophilia. Prognosis appears favorable with adequate treatment except in case of neurological involvement.
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Human toxocariasis: current advances in diagnostics, treatment, and interventions. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:456-64. [PMID: 25089038 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a neglected zoonosis caused by the nematodes Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. This disease is widespread in many countries, reaching high prevalence independently of the economic conditions. However, the true number of cases of toxocariasis is likely to be underestimated owing to the lack of adequate surveillance programs. Although some diagnostic tests are available, their sensitivity and specificity need to be improved. In addition, treatment options for toxocariasis are limited and are non-specific. Toxocariasis is listed as one of the five most important neglected diseases by the CDC. This review presents recent advances related to the control of toxocariasis, including new immunodiagnostics, therapies, and drug formulations, as well as novel interventions using DNA vaccines, immunomodulators, and probiotics.
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