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Ebrahimipour M, Parsa H, Kianifard N, Nasibi S, Rostami A. Understanding the research and practical needs required to control toxocariasis in Iran. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 25:e00351. [PMID: 38708129 PMCID: PMC11067375 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis (HT) is a widespread zoonotic infection globally, notably prevalent in tropical areas. Enhancing our understanding of toxocariasis can lead to increased attention towards the socioeconomic impact and control of this neglected zoonosis. We conducted a comprehensive review of all available articles and official documents on toxocariasis in Iran to identify research gaps and critical needs for its control. This review highlights that despite numerous studies exploring various aspects of toxocariasis in definitive and paratenic hosts, as well as humans and environmental contamination, significant data deficiencies and gaps persist across different regions in the country. These gaps involve investigating the worm burden and reinfection rates in definitive hosts, developing more sensitive methods to detect and differentiate of Toxocara species, and understanding the behavior of definitive host animals. Additionally, identifying potential paratenic hosts for HT and exploring the organ-specific affinity and survival duration of Toxocara larvae within these hosts are essential areas for exploration. It's also imperative to comprehend the sylvatic and domestic cycles of the parasite in paratenic hosts. Furthermore, assessing egg density in the environment, exploring potential new sources such as water, and identifying regions with optimal climatic conditions for the survival and development of Toxocara eggs are crucial for the formulation of effective prevention and control strategies. Identifying at-risk groups, developing early diagnosis techniques, employing imaging methods, and identifying long-term complications in humans are also crucial. Community health organizations should prioritize health education for the public and professionals. Furthermore, accurately estimating definitive host populations, monitoring and preventing their movements in public places, implementing regular deworming practices for pets and stray hosts, and recognizing the infection's significance as a health priority are critical. This comprehensive understanding advocates for a holistic "one health" approach to control of HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ebrahimipour
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Parsa
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Kianifard
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Nasibi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Foroutan M, Vafae Eslahi A, Soltani S, Kamyari N, Moradi-Joo E, Magnaval JF, Badri M. Seroprevalence and Potential Risk Factors of Toxocariasis among General Population in Southwest Iran: Implications on the One Health Approach. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:4246781. [PMID: 38380080 PMCID: PMC10878754 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4246781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases distributed worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and the associated risk factors among general populations living in urban and rural areas of Abadan and Khorramshahr cities in Khuzestan Province, Southwest Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and September 2022. There were 363 participants (190 females and 173 males) aged from <20 to ≥60 years old. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in serum samples were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A structured questionnaire was employed to collect information regarding sociodemographic status and probable risk factors associated with toxocariasis. It was found that the seroprevalence rate in males (15.0%, 95% CI = 10.47-21.11) was higher than in females (10.5%, 95% CI = 6.92-15.70). Moreover, we observed that the seroprevalence was higher in participants at younger ages compared to other age ranges (COR = 2.55, 95% CI = 0.92-7.12, p =0.073). The findings of the univariate analysis revealed that residency in rural areas (p < 0.001), using unpurified water (p < 0.001), contact with dog (p =0.002), contact with soil (p < 0.001), consumption of improperly washed vegetables (p < 0.001), and history of drinking untreated water (p < 0.001) were risk factors associated with toxocariasis. Further comprehensive studies with a focus on humans and animals should be designed in different areas of the Province. The data represented by the current study are useful to health policymakers to consider precise surveillance and effective prevention measures to control this zoonotic infection among general populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Research Center for Environmental Contaminants (RCEC), Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Aida Vafae Eslahi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Soltani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Naser Kamyari
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Moradi-Joo
- Department of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Jean-Francois Magnaval
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Paul Sabatier University, 37 Allees Jules-Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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Xu J, Han Q. Prevalence, Infection, and Risk to Human Beings of Toxocara canis in Domestic Food-Producing Animals. Vet Sci 2024; 11:83. [PMID: 38393101 PMCID: PMC10892340 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a significant food-borne zoonotic parasitic disease, and a range of birds and mammals are the paratenic hosts of Toxocara canis. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat and viscera of these paratenic hosts frequently leads to T. canis infection and the development of human toxocariasis. In this review, we will perform an analysis of relevant papers published in the National Center for Biotechnology Infrastructure database on the parasitism, migration, and infection of T. canis in chickens, pigeons, quail, pigs, cattle, sheep, and other food-producing animals, so as to make the public aware of the risk factors of human toxocariasis, improve the public's understanding of T. canis infection, and provide evidence for targeted prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Xu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China;
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China;
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Henke K, Ntovas S, Xourgia E, Exadaktylos AK, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Ziaka M. Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6972. [PMID: 37947530 PMCID: PMC10649795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis remains an important neglected parasitic infection representing one of the most common zoonotic infections caused by the parasite Toxocara canis or, less frequently, by Toxocara cati. The epidemiology of the disease is complex due to its transmission route by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Even though the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control classified toxocariasis amongst the top six parasitic infections of priority to public health, global epidemiological data regarding the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Although the vast majority of the infected individuals remain asymptomatic or experience a mild disease, the infection is associated with important health and socioeconomic consequences, particularly in underprivileged, tropical, and subtropical areas. Toxocariasis is a disease with multiple clinical presentations, which are classified into five distinct forms: the classical visceral larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis, common toxocariasis, covert toxocariasis, and cerebral toxocariasis or neurotoxocariasis. Anthelmintic agents, for example, albendazole or mebendazole, are the recommended treatment, whereas a combination with topical or systemic corticosteroids for specific forms is suggested. Prevention strategies include educational programs, behavioral and hygienic changes, enhancement of the role of veterinarians, and anthelmintic regimens to control active infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Henke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Sotirios Ntovas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, lnselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Xourgia
- Department of Heart Surgery, lnselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Jolanta Klukowska-Rötzler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Mairi Ziaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
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Pouryousef A, Sarkari B, Mootabi Alavi A, Omidian M, Mikaeili F. Deglycosylation of Excretory-Secretory Antigens of the Second-Stage Larvae of Toxocara cati Improves Its Efficacy in the Diagnosis of Human Toxocariasis. J Trop Med 2023; 2023:3024063. [PMID: 37492799 PMCID: PMC10365917 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3024063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxocariasis is an important zoonotic infection, especially in tropical areas. One of the significant challenges in the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is the cross-reaction of Toxocara antigens with other parasites due to their relatively similar glycan structures. Removing the glycan structure from Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) antigens may increase the efficacy of these antigens in the diagnosis of toxocariasis. The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of deglycosylated Toxocara cati excretory-secretory (dTES) antigens for the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. Methods Toxocara ES antigens were prepared from T. cati second-stage larvae and deglycosylated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The TES antigens, along with the dTES antigens, were used in an ELISA as well as a western blotting system for the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies. Sera samples collected from 30 confirmed cases of toxocariasis, 30 patients with other diseases, and 30 healthy subjects were evaluated by both systems. Results The sensitivity of TES and dTES ELISA for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis was 96.67% (95% CI = 82.78-99.92) and 93.33% (95% CI = 77.93-99.18), respectively, while the specificity of dTES (88.33%; 95% CI = 77.43-95.18) increased significantly compared to the TES (80.00%; 95% CI = 67.67-89.22). The sensitivity of both antigens was 100% (95% CI = 88.43-100) by the western blotting system. Moreover, the specificity of TES and dTES antigens was 95% (95% CI = 86.08-98.96) and 98.33% (95% CI = 91.06-99.96), respectively, when using the western blotting system. Conclusion Results of the current study indicate that the chemical removal of the glycan epitopes of T. cati ES antigens significantly reduces cross-reactivity rates with other parasitic infections. Considering the findings of the present study, the dTES antigens seem to be suitable antigens for the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Pouryousef
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Mootabi Alavi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Omidian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Santarém VA, do Couto AC, Lescano SZ, Roldán WH, Delai RR, Giuffrida R, Kmetiuk LB, Biondo AW, Dangoudoubiyam S, Dos Santos AP. Serosurvey of anti-Toxocara canis antibodies in people experiencing homelessness and shelter workers from São Paulo, Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:373. [PMID: 36253837 PMCID: PMC9574839 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05499-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being one of the most prevalent helminth parasitic zoonoses worldwide and particularly in socioeconomically vulnerable populations, toxocariasis remains to be fully investigated in persons experiencing homelessness. Accordingly, the present study has aimed to assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara spp. exposure in persons experiencing homelessness and shelter workers from a day-shelter in São Paulo city, Brazil. METHODS Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the risks for toxocariasis. RESULTS Overall, anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 89/194 (45.9%, 95% CI: 39.0-52.9%) persons experiencing homelessness, twice as high (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.245-3.873; P = 0.0089) than the frequency of 22/79 (27.8%, 95% CI: 19.2-38.6) in shelter workers. College education was the only protective factor for Toxocara spp. exposure (OR: 0.23; P = 0.018) revealed by logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS Although indicating a multifactorial origin of toxocariasis, the present study has assessed a highly vulnerable population with high disease risks and premature death. Thus, the living conditions of the homeless population have influenced the high prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies verified here compared with domiciled shelter workers. Despite being less exposed, shelter and other outdoor workers may present an occupational risk to toxocariasis. Future studies should establish whether such environmental exposure might occur in persons experiencing homelessness in other regions worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, SP, 19050-920, Brazil
| | - Anahi Chechia do Couto
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, 81531-970, Brazil
| | - Susana Zevallos Lescano
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, Butantã, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - William Henry Roldán
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, University of São Paulo, Butantã, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Ruana Renostro Delai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, 81531-970, Brazil. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil. .,Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Sriveny Dangoudoubiyam
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Andrea Pires Dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Pourshahbazi G, Khanahmad H, Khadivi R, Pestehchian N, Yousefi HA, Abdizadeh R, Mobarakeh SM, Boldaji FH, Darani HY. Environmental Contamination of Different Areas of Isfahan Province of Iran with Toxocara spp. Eggs using Molecular Methods. Adv Biomed Res 2022; 11:72. [PMID: 36325171 PMCID: PMC9621348 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_36_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Infective stage of this parasite for human develops on soil. So, in this work contamination of the soil of public environments in five geographical areas of Isfahan province of Iran has been investigated. Materials and Methods In this descriptive study, 355 soil samples were collected from parks, children's playgrounds, student dormitories, and university environments, and examined by Flotation method. The samples were then inspected using microscopic and molecular methods. Results From the 355 examined soil samples in 77 (21.69%), and 87 (24.50%) cases Toxocara eggs were detected by microscopic and molecular methods, respectively. In the molecular method, 31 (8.70%) cases of T. cati and 44 (12.39%) cases of T. canis were identified. Conclusion Toxocara eggs were identified in all areas of Isfahan province, although contamination rate was higher in Fereydun Shahr and Semirum counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Pourshahbazi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Reza Khadivi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nader Pestehchian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein A. Yousefi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Rahman Abdizadeh
- Departmant of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Somayeh Mousavi Mobarakeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hoseini Boldaji
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Yousofi Darani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Shahrekord, Iran,Address for correspondence: Prof. Hossein Yousofi Darani, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. E-mail:
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Massetti L, Wiethoelter A, McDonagh P, Rae L, Marwedel L, Beugnet F, Colella V, Traub RJ. Faecal prevalence, distribution and risk factors associated with canine soil-transmitted helminths contaminating urban parks across Australia. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:637-646. [PMID: 36007621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dog parks provide an ideal urban space where dogs and their owners can exercise, play, and socialize in a safe environment. However, these parks can also increase the risk of exposure to a series of infectious agents including canine soil-transmitted helminths (cSTHs) such as hookworms, roundworms, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris vulpis, which are endemic to Australia. In this study, we collected 1581 canine faecal samples in 190 urban parks across Australia and subjected these to faecal floatation and multiplex real-time PCRs (qPCR) to detect a range of cSTHs. In total, 44.2% of the parks sampled were contaminated with at least one species of cSTH, with hookworms being the most prevalent parasites (10.2%) followed by Trichuris spp. (1.3%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.2%). This is the first large-scale study investigating the contamination of urban parks with cSTHs in Australia, and the first nation-wide study to demonstrate the occurrence of Strongyloides spp. in canine faecal samples from urban areas in the country. This study reveals a high rate of contamination with cSTHs in dog parks in urban Australia, most of which having proven zoonotic potential. Preventive measures, including awareness-raising educational programs promoting responsible pet ownership, should be encouraged to minimise the health risks associated with cSTHs for both dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massetti
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia.
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Phillip McDonagh
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Louise Rae
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Lara Marwedel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | | | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
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Fata A, Hosseini SM, Woo SJ, Zibaei M, Berenji F, Farash BRH, Moghaddas E. Frequency of Toxocara Antibodies in Patients Clinically Suspected to Ocular Toxocariasis, Northeast of Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:305-311. [PMID: 34557246 PMCID: PMC8418656 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i2.6312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease in most countries including Iran. Among different clinical forms of toxocariasis, ocular toxocariasis (OT) is an important disease resulting in severe vision loss. However, the prevalence and incidence of OT are currently unclear in Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ocular toxocariasis among patients with uveitis in the Northeast of Iran. Methods: From 2015 to 2017, 510 patients with uveitis referred to Khatam-al-Anbia, a tertiary eye hospital at Mashhad, Iran were examined for OT. Serum samples of the suspected patients were obtained and evaluated for IgG against Toxocara canis using ELISA test. Anti-Toxocara IgG positive serums were further investigated using confirmatory Western blotting (WB) analysis. Results: Twenty patients had pathologic changes and clinical presentations in the anterior and posterior segments of their eyes and they were clinically diagnosed ocular toxocariasis. Among the 20 patients, 2 (10%) patients showed IgG antibody against Toxocara canis on ELISA as well as on WB test. The calculated prevalence of ocular toxocariasis was about 0.4%. Conclusion: Ocular toxocariasis can be diagnosed both clinically and serologically in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. Although OT is a rare pathologic eye disease, it should be considered as one of the important cause of infectious posterior uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolmajid Fata
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Mohammad Zibaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Fariba Berenji
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farash
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elham Moghaddas
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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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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Arefkhah N, Shadzi MR, Mikaeili F, Sarkari B, Esfandiari F, Goudarzi F. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis among nomads in Boyer-Ahmad County, southwest Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 114:372-377. [PMID: 31825495 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is caused by the larval stage of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence and the risk factors associated with Toxocara infection in nomads of Boyer-Ahmad County in the southwest of Iran. METHODS A total of 968 blood samples were collected from nomads. A structured questionnaire, containing sociodemographic data, was completed for each participant. Sera were evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies, using the T. canis excretory-secretory antigens prepared from the second stage larvae, in an ELISA system. RESULTS Among the 968 participants, 220 (22.7%) were males and 748 (77.3%) were females; the mean age was 40.71 y. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 14 (1.4%) of the 968 nomads. The association between Toxocara infection and gender, age, contact with dogs, residential area and level of education were not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study revealed a low prevalence rate of toxocariasis in nomadic communities in southwest Iran. Geographic location and climatic conditions as well as the lifestyle and sociodemographic features of the participants may contribute to the low prevalence rate of Toxocara infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Arefkhah
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shadzi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farideh Esfandiari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Goudarzi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Park S, Jung J, Chong YP, Kim SH, Lee SO, Choi SH, Kim YS, Kim MJ. Infectious Causes of Eosinophilic Meningitis in Korean Patients: A Single-Institution Retrospective Chart Review from 2004 to 2018. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:227-233. [PMID: 34218594 PMCID: PMC8255497 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.3.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Eosinophilic meningitis is defined as the presence of more than 10 eosinophils per μl in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or eosinophils accounting for more than 10% of CSF leukocytes in patients with acute meningitis. Parasites are the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide, but there is limited research on patients in Korea. Patients diagnosed with eosinophilic meningitis between January 2004 and June 2018 at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea were retrospectively reviewed. The etiology and clinical characteristics of each patient were identified. Of the 22 patients included in the study, 11 (50%) had parasitic causes, of whom 8 (36%) were diagnosed as neurocysticercosis and 3 (14%) as Toxocara meningitis. Four (18%) patients were diagnosed with fungal meningitis, and underlying immunodeficiency was found in 2 of these patients. The etiology of another 4 (18%) patients was suspected to be tuberculosis, which is endemic in Korea. Viral and bacterial meningitis were relatively rare causes of eosinophilic meningitis, accounting for 2 (9%) and 1 (5%) patients, respectively. One patient with neurocysticercosis and 1 patient with fungal meningitis died, and 5 (23%) had neurologic sequelae. Parasite infections, especially neurocysticercosis and toxocariasis, were the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis in Korean patients. Fungal meningitis, while relatively rare, is often aggressive and must be considered when searching for the cause of eosinophilic meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghee Park
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Jiwon Jung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Yong Pil Chong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Sung-Han Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Sang-Oh Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Choi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Yang Soo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Min Jae Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505,
Korea
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13
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Giudice PAF, Lescano SAZ, Gonzáles WHR, Giuffrida R, Bandeira FN, Kmetiuk LB, Pires Dos Santos A, Biondo AW, Santarém VA. Serosurvey and associated risk factors of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in bovines from slaughterhouses of southeastern Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:250. [PMID: 33975623 PMCID: PMC8111975 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04755-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis, caused by a nematode species of the genus Toxocara, has been described as one of the most prevalent zoonotic helminthiases worldwide. Human transmission may occur by ingesting Toxocara spp. larvae from raw or undercooked meat or organs; however, no comprehensive serosurvey study has been conducted to date investigating the role of cattle as paratenic hosts. The aim of the study reported here was to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies and associated risk factors in bovines from two slaughterhouses located in Presidente Prudente, southeastern Brazil. METHODS Blood samples were collected and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle farmers voluntarily responded to an epidemiologic questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 213 of the 553 (38.5%) bovine samples were assessed as seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies by indirect ELISA. Multivariate analysis revealed that the source of beef cattle and the presence of dogs or cats at the farm were associated with seropositivity. The use of feedlot systems was associated with lower likelihood of seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate a high level of anti-Toxocara seropositivity in slaughterhouse cattle, with potentially contaminated meat posing an infection risk to humans. In addition, the presence of dogs and cats where the slaughtered beef cattle were raised was statistically associated with bovine seropositivity, probably due to the overlapping environment at the farm and the lack of pet deworming. The use of feedlot systems was a protective factor likely due to the absence of dog and cat contact, elevated feeding troughs that avoid contact with contaminated soil or grass, and younger age at slaughter of feedlot cattle. In summary, bovines may be used as environmental sentinels of Toxocara spp. contamination, and high seropositivity of slaughterhouse cattle may indicate a potential risk of human toxocariasis through the ingestion of raw or undercooked contaminated meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Andreia Fabris Giudice
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Rodovia Raposo Tavares km 572-Bairro Limoeiro, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Rodovia Raposo Tavares km 572-Bairro Limoeiro, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Nobre Bandeira
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Rodovia Raposo Tavares km 572-Bairro Limoeiro, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Andrea Pires Dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Rodovia Raposo Tavares km 572-Bairro Limoeiro, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil.
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Lee JJ, Kang K, Lee WW, Kim BK, Park JM, Kwon O, Cho S. Cerebral Toxocara canis larval infection presenting as delayed encephalopathy and nonconvulsive status epilepticus: a case report. ENCEPHALITIS 2021; 1:51-55. [PMID: 37469762 PMCID: PMC10295886 DOI: 10.47936/encephalitis.2021.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult cerebral Toxocara canis larval infections are rare. Humans are infected by contacting soil that contains infectious eggs or by eating undercooked meat. We encountered a patient with cerebral T. canis infection who showed recurrent altered mentality with nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). A 71-year-old male was admitted with complaints of drowsy mentality and abnormal behavior. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed non-enhanced multiple gliosis and calcified lesions. Electroencephalography revealed NCSE, which was cured with valproate. However, he was readmitted because of recurrence of symptoms. On cerebrospinal fluid examination, T. canis antibodies were observed. Subsequently, he was treated with albendazole and corticosteroids. Although corticosteroid improved his symptoms, the therapy could not be continued because the patient developed septic shock. This is the first report of cerebral T. canis larval infection presenting as delayed encephalopathy and NCSE. In patients with unexplainable progressive encephalopathy, particularly when gliosis or calcified lesions are observed on neuroimaging, cerebral T. canis larval infection should be considered and treated promptly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ju Lee
- Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyusik Kang
- Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woong-Woo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Kun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Moo Park
- Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ohyun Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soohyun Cho
- Department of Neurology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
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15
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Song HB, Lee D, Jin Y, Kang J, Cho SH, Park MS, Park JH, Song WJ, Kang HR, Lee SH, Hong ST, Choi MH. Prevalence of Toxocariasis and Its Risk Factors in Patients with Eosinophilia in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:413-419. [PMID: 32871635 PMCID: PMC7462808 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.4.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Eosinophilia occurs commonly in many diseases including allergic diseases and helminthic infections. Toxocariasis has been suggested as one cause of eosinophilia. The present study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of toxocariasis in patients with eosinophilia and to identify the risk factors for toxocariasis. This prospective cohort study recruited a total of 81 patients with eosinophilia (34 males and 47 females) who visited the outpatient clinic at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2017 to February 2018 and agreed to participate in this study. The prevalence of toxocariasis was examined by T. canis-specific ELISA, and the various risk factors for toxocariasis were evaluated by a questionnaire survey. Among 81 patients with eosinophilia, 18 were positive for anti-T. canis antibodies (22.2%); 88.9% were male (16/18) and 11.1% were female (2/18). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that males (OR 21.876, 95% CI: 1.667–287.144) with a history of consuming the raw meat or livers of animals (OR 5.899, 95% CI: 1.004–34.669) and a heavy alcohol-drinking habit (OR 8.767, 95% CI: 1.018–75.497) were at higher risk of toxocariasis in patients with eosinophilia. Toxocariasis should be considered a potential cause of eosinophilia when the patient has a history of eating the raw meat or livers of animals in Korea. A single course of albendazole is recommended to reduce the migration of Toxocara larvae in serologically positive cases with eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Beom Song
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Deokho Lee
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Microbiology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea
| | - Jinwoo Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Shin-Hyeong Cho
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Osong 28159, Korea
| | - Min Sun Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea.,Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Woo-Jung Song
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Hye-Ryun Kang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Sang Hyub Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Hong
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Min-Ho Choi
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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16
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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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17
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Menegon YA, Pinheiro NB, Santos LM, Rodrigues PRC, Avila LFC, Conceição FR, Leite FPL. Toxocara canis infection may impair bovine herpesvirus type 5 immunization. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:268-270. [PMID: 32693251 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Helminths have developed complex mechanisms to suppress the host immune response. These mechanisms may impair the host vaccine response. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Toxocara spp. infection on the vaccine immune response to bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5). First, 30 heifers received two doses of an experimental BoHV-5 vaccine. At 42nd days after the primo vaccination the vaccine efficacy was evaluated, and the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies. Second, 20 Balb/c mice were divided into two groups, one infected with T. canis and the other without infection. After infection, both groups received two doses of vaccine. The vaccine immune response was assessed by BoHV-5 serum neutralization and splenic cytokines transcription by qPCR. All heifers positive for Toxocara spp. (40%) showed BoHV-5 SN titer ≤1:32, whereas heifers negative for Toxocara spp. (60%) had BoHV-5 SN titer ≥1: 128. Infected T. canis mice showed BoHV-5 SN titer ≤1:2, whereas mice not infected with T. canis BoHV-5 SN titer ≥1:8. Splenocytes from control mice stimulated with BoHV-5 had a significant (p < .05) mRNA transcription for the cytokines IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23, whereas the same cytokines were down-regulated in T. canis infected mice. These results suggest that Toxocara spp. infection may impair BoHV-5 immunization and should be considered for efficient herd immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y A Menegon
- Federal University of Pelotas, Center for Technological Development, Biotechnology, 96160-900 Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil
| | - N B Pinheiro
- Federal University of Pelotas, Parasitology Graduate Program, 96160-900 Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil
| | - L M Santos
- Federal University of Pelotas, Center for Technological Development, Biotechnology, 96160-900 Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil
| | - P R C Rodrigues
- Federal University of Pelotas, Veterinary School, Laboratory of Virology, 96160-900 Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil
| | - L F C Avila
- Federal University of Rio Grande, Medicine School, Laboratory of Parasitology, Rio Grande 96203-900, RS, Brazil
| | - F R Conceição
- Federal University of Pelotas, Center for Technological Development, Biotechnology, 96160-900 Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil
| | - F P L Leite
- Federal University of Pelotas, Center for Technological Development, Biotechnology, 96160-900 Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil; Federal University of Pelotas, Parasitology Graduate Program, 96160-900 Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil.
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18
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Moura MQD, Terto WDDS, Avila LFDC, Campos VF, Domingues WB, Pinheiro NB, Capella GDA, Strothmann AL, Scaini CJ, Berne MEA. Quantification of Toxocara canis DNA by qPCR in mice inoculated with different infective doses. Parasitol Int 2020; 78:102134. [PMID: 32416257 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The nematode Toxocara canis is of public health importance and is the main causative agent of toxocariasis in humans. This disease is difficult to diagnose due to several factors, including the possibility of cross-reactions with other nematodes in the ELISA. To overcome this problem, molecular tests have been recommended as an alternative to identify the parasite. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique was used in this study to identify and quantify the parasite load of T. canis in the mouse brain. To this end, 24 mice were divided into six groups, five of which were challenged with different infective doses of T. canis larvae (L3) (1000, 500, 250, 100 and 50 larvae), while the sixth group, uninfected, acted as negative control. Forty-five days after infection, the animals were euthanized to collect the brain, from which two portions of 20 mg of tissue were taken for DNA extraction, while the rest of the brain tissue was digested to quantify the number of larvae by microscopy. The number of DNA copies was calculated from the standard DNA quantification curve, showing values of E = 93.4%, R2 = 0.9655 and Y = -3.415. A strong positive correlation (R = 0, 81; p < .001) was found between the number of copies and the recovery of larvae from brain. However, the parasite's DNA was also identified even in animals from whose brain no larvae were recovered after tissue digestion. The results of this study therefore confirm that the qPCR technique can be a valuable tool for the detection and quantification of T. canis DNA in murine hosts, even in animals whose with tissues contain very few parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos James Scaini
- Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Brazil
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19
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Fecková M, Antolová D, Zaleśny G, Halánová M, Štrkolcová G, Goldová M, Weissová T, Lukáč B, Nováková M. Seroepidemiology of human toxocariasis in selected population groups in Slovakia: A cross-sectional study. J Infect Public Health 2020; 13:1107-1111. [PMID: 32404252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan helminthic zoonosis caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. The study aimed at a cross-sectional analysis of seropositivity to Toxocara spp. in selected groups of population in Slovakia and an estimate of the risk factors of infection. METHODS For the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on an excretory-secretory (E/S) antigen of Toxocara canis was used. RESULTS The overall seropositivity to Toxocara in 1489 evaluated sera was 3.7%. The seropositivity of Roma children/young people (40.3%) was significantly higher when compared with all other analysed groups. Among adult respondents, the positivity of farmers and hunters (5.5% and 5.1%, respectively) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the other analysed groups (veterinarians and veterinary assistants, soldiers, students of veterinary medicine, and students of other universities). Analysis of infection risk factors showed that living in a rural locality, everyday contact with soil, and everyday outdoor activities (12.7%, 8.8% and 8.3% positivity, respectively) can increase the risk of infection, but the observed differences were not significant. CONCLUSION The results underline the importance of preventive measures and the need for improving of knowledge of toxocariasis among professionals, as well as the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Fecková
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Grzegorz Zaleśny
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Halánová
- P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Štrkolcová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Goldová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Weissová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Lukáč
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Nováková
- Catholic University in Ružomberok, Námestie A. Hlinku 48, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia
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20
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Ikotun K, Sowemimo O, Chou CM, Ajenifuja K, Chuang TW, Asaolu S, Akinwale O, Gyang V, Nwafor T, Henry E, Fan CK. High seroprevalence of Toxocara antibodies in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at a university hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 114:301-307. [PMID: 31925444 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a neglected zoonotic disease and its impact on human health is underestimated. Studies investigating the occurrence of toxocariasis in pregnancy are very scarce in Nigeria. This study investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies as well as the possible risk factors in pregnant women who routinely attended an antenatal clinic in a university hospital in Ile-Ife, Osun state. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 413 participating pregnant women between October 2017 and February 2018. Epidemiological data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. The sera were screened for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies by western blot technique based on Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigens, targeting low molecular weight bands of 24-35 kDa, specifically for T. canis infection. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence was 92.49% (382/413). There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence rate of Toxocara spp. infection between pregnant women aged ≤30 y and those aged >30 y (91.63 vs 93.33%; OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.67, p=0.511). The seroprevalence rate increased with the number of miscarriages but there was no statistical significance (p>0.05). Moreover, no significant associations were found between Toxocara spp. seropositivity and other studied risk factors (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The high seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in pregnant Nigerian women needs comprehensive health education regarding personal hygiene and how to avoid exposure to this parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemisola Ikotun
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluyomi Sowemimo
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Kayode Ajenifuja
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology And Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Samuel Asaolu
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olaoluwa Akinwale
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Vincent Gyang
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Timothy Nwafor
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Henry
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Abstract
This review covers the systematics and nomenclature of the Ascaridoid genus toxocara, and more specifically the species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Also discussed is the discovery of the persistence of these larvae in the tissues of paratenic hosts, and the role that other species of this genus might or could play in other such hosts; including those where the life cycle has been described, i.e., Toxocara vitulorum, Toxocara pteropodis, Toxocara mackerrasae, and Toxocara tanuki. Also examined is the work that led to the realization that the larval stage leaving the egg actually being a third rather than a second stage larva. Also discussed on the work showing that the larvae can persist in paratenic host with remarkable longevity without undergoing any morphological change for years and that these larvae can be transmitted from one paratenic host to another by ingestion. People are usually infected by the ingestion of eggs containing third-stage larvae, but infections also occur on occasions from the ingestion of uncooked paratenic hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwight D Bowman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
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22
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Nguyen YTH, Hayata Y, Sonoda S, Nonaka N, Maruyama H, Yoshida A. Establishment of a serodiagnosis system for the detection of Toxocara spp. and Ascaris suum infection in chickens. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102022. [PMID: 31711975 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chickens are considered to act as paratenic hosts for agents, Toxocara canis, T. cati and Ascaris suum; which cause ascarid larva migrans syndrome (ascarid LMS) in humans. In addition, they are the definitive host for Ascaridia galli, considered not to be infective for humans. All ascarid parasites can have a high homology of antigenicity, leading to cross-reactivity in serodiagnostic assays. This study was conducted to establish a procedure for the serological detection of those roundworm infections in chickens. Twenty-five male Julia chickens were divided into five groups (n = 5); T. canis-, T. cati-, Ascaris suum- and Ascaridia galli-infected, and an uninfected control group. In Ascaris suum-soluble worm antigen preparation (As-SWAP) ELISA, all infected groups showed an elevation of anti-ascarid antibodies, indicating the usefulness of As-SWAP as a screening antigen for the detection of ascarid infections. For infecting species identification, T. canis-excretory/secretory (Tc-ES) and Ascaris suum-ES (As-ES) antigen ELISA were conducted by serial dilution sera. Toxocara spp.-infected sera showed stronger binding to Tc-ES than As-ES, while Ascaris suum and Ascaridia galli-infected sera bound to As-ES more strongly than Tc-ES. To discriminate between Ascaris suum and Ascaridia galli infection, sera were pre-incubated with Ascaridia galli-SWAP antigen and applied to Tc-ES and As-ES ELISAs. In this pre-adsorbed ES antigen ELISAs, only the Ascaris suum infected group showed positive binding to As-ES, resulting from the adsorption of cross-reactive antibodies in Ascaridia galli-infected sera. Finally, anti-Toxocara specific antibodies were confirmed by Tc-ES western blot (WB). Toxocara spp.-infected sera showed toxocariasis-specific band pattern in Tc-ES WB, while no specific band appeared on any strip incubated with Ascaris suum, Ascaridia galli-infected and uninfected sera. In conclusion, the serodiagnostic assays evaluated in this study are useful for the detection of ascarid infections in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Thi Hoang Nguyen
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy, Gia Lam, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Yayoi Hayata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Shino Sonoda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Centre for Animal Disease Control (CADIC), University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Maruyama
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Centre for Animal Disease Control (CADIC), University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.
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23
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A systematic review and meta-analysis of canine, feline and human Toxocara infections in sub-Saharan Africa. J Helminthol 2019; 94:e96. [PMID: 31679534 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati. Toxocariasis and its etiological agents are of global public health importance, whose burden appears underestimated, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The diversity in the transmission routes of these parasites contributes to disease prevalence and often hinders disease control measures. This study aimed to review the epidemiological distribution of Toxocara infections in SSA region. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). We identified 94 relevant, peer-reviewed articles, out of which, 75 articles were found eligible based on Toxocara infections in dogs, cats and humans. Overall, 27,102 samples were examined for T. canis in dogs, T. cati in cats and Toxocara serology in humans, out of which 6142 were positive for Toxocara infection: 3717 (13.7%) in dogs (faecal, 3487; necropsy, 180; hair, 50); 266 (1%) in cats (faecal, 101; necropsy, 165); and 2159 (8%) in humans (serology). Overall mean prevalences of 19% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14-23%), 9% (95% CI: 0-28%) and 36% (95% CI: 24-49%) were recorded in dogs, cats and humans, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was observed between studies and subgroups (I2 = 99%, P < 0.01). Findings from the review showed that studies on the epidemiology of Toxocara infections in the SSA region are limited. We strongly recommend focused, collaborative and coordinated studies to determine Toxocara spp. prevalence in various hosts, including food animals and the environment, through a 'One Health' approach across SSA countries.
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Sim DW, Son DJ, Cho E, Choi SK, Shin SS, Jun CH. What Are the Clinical Features and Etiology of Eosinophilic Liver Infiltration? Gut Liver 2019; 13:183-190. [PMID: 30376702 PMCID: PMC6430429 DOI: 10.5009/gnl18266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Although eosinophilic liver infiltration (ELI) is not rare, few data exist regarding its clinical characteristics and etiology. Therefore, we evaluated these aspects to better understand the clinical implications of this lesion type, which is reasonably common in Korea. Methods Patients suspected of having ELI, based on abdominal computed tomography results obtained between January 2010 and September 2017, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The presumptive etiologies of ELI were categorized as parasite infections, hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), malignancies, and unidentified. Clinical courses and treatment responses were also evaluated. Results The mean age of the enrolled patients (male, 237/328) was 62 years. Most patients (63%) were diagnosed incidentally and had peripheral eosinophilia (90%). Only 38% of the enrolled patients (n=126) underwent further evaluations to elucidate the etiology of the suspected ELI; 82 (25%) had parasite infections, 31 (9%) had HES, five (2%) had EGPA, and five (2%) had drug reactions in conjunction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Almost half of the other enrolled patients had cancer. Radiologic resolution was achieved in 191 patients (61%; median time to radiologic resolution, 185 days). Resolution of peripheral eosinophilia was achieved in 220 patients (79%). In most cases, the course of ELI was benign. Conclusions This large ELI study is unique in that the incidence rate, underlying diseases, and clinical courses were comprehensively evaluated. Clinicians should investigate the etiology of ELI, as several of the underlying diseases require intervention rather than observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Woon Sim
- Divisions of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology Department of Internal Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Dong Jun Son
- Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Eunae Cho
- Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sung Kyu Choi
- Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sang Soo Shin
- Department of Radiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chung Hwan Jun
- Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
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25
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Raissi V, Sohrabi Z, Getso M, Raiesi O, Hashemi Hafshejani S, Shabandoust H, Etemadi S. Risk factors and prevalence of toxocariasis in pregnant women and diabetic patients compared to healthy adults in Ilam province, western Iran. EXCLI JOURNAL 2018; 17:983-988. [PMID: 30564078 PMCID: PMC6295622 DOI: 10.17179/excli2018-1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara is one of the common intestinal nematodes in dogs and cats and is the agent of tissue migratory larvae in humans. Customarily, the prevalence of human toxocariasis hovers around 15.8 % in Iran. Furthermore, other research outcomes demonstrated a tendency for an outbreak of toxocariasis in Iran. Therefore, we carried out a cross-sectional study and assessed the seroprevalence of toxocariasis humans in Ilam Province, western of Iran. A total of 539 serum samples were collected between September 2017 and March 2018 from patients referred to the Health Centers of Ilam province, Iran. Serum samples were investigated for the presence of Toxocara using IgG antibodies, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) kit. Risk factors such as contact with cats and dogs, living in rural areas were investigated among the study population. Out of 539 total samples collected, 97 cases (17.99 %) were positive for anti-toxocara IgG antibodies. These antibodies were recovered from serum samples of otherwise healthy adults (15.54 %, 49/296), pregnant women (21.16 %, 40/189) and diabetic patients (14.81 %, 8/54). This study showed significant relationship between toxocariasis and contact with animal pets in all studied groups (P value ≤ 0.05) and a significant relationship between toxocariasis and living in rural areas among pregnant women (P value ≤ 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Raissi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sohrabi
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Getso
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Hashemi Hafshejani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hajar Shabandoust
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Soudabeh Etemadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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26
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Kwon JW, Lee SY, Jee D, Cho YK. Prognosis for ocular toxocariasis according to granuloma location. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202904. [PMID: 30161178 PMCID: PMC6117002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the prognosis for ocular toxocariasis (OT) according to the location of the granuloma and to identify factors associated with its recurrence within 1 year. Methods OT patients were classified according to the granuloma lesion. After grouping the patients as posterior or peripheral, we compared sex, age, intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), degree of inflammation, immunoglobulin E, eosinophil profiles, recurrence, and complications in each group. We also identified factors associated with recurrence within 1 year. Results A total of 29 (61.70%) patients had granuloma at the periphery, and 18 (38.30%) patients had granuloma around the posterior pole. There were no significant differences in ocular or systemic evaluations except the initial BCVA. The mean decimal BCVA of the posterior pole granuloma group was worse than that of the peripheral granuloma group (p = 0.042). After treatment, the mean BCVA of the posterior pole granuloma group improved significantly (p = 0.019), and the final mean BCVA was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.673). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that recurrence within a year was associated with age at diagnosis (p = 0.007). Conclusions The initial BCVA of OT patients differed according to the location of the granuloma, but the BCVA after treatment was not significantly different between the groups. Younger age was associated with recurrence within 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-woo Kwon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyun Jee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (DHJ); (YKC)
| | - Yang kyung Cho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (DHJ); (YKC)
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Wang Z, Shibata M, Nguyen YTH, Hayata Y, Nonaka N, Maruyama H, Yoshida A. Development of nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Ascaris suum contamination in meat and organ meats. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:622-626. [PMID: 29920343 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ascarid Larva Migrans Syndrome (ascarid LMS) is a clinical syndrome in humans, caused by the migration of animal roundworm larvae such as Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Ascaris suum. Humans may acquire infection by ingesting embryonated eggs, or infective larvae of these parasites in contaminated meat and organ meats. To detect these pathogenic contaminations, a novel nested multiplex PCR system was developed. Our novel nested multiplex PCR assay showed specific amplification of T. canis, T. cati and Ascaris spp. Detection limit of the nested multiplex PCR was tested with serial dilution of T. canis, T. cati or A. suum genomic DNA (gDNA) from 100 pg to 100 ag and found to be 10 fg, 1 fg and 100 fg, respectively. When larvae were spiked into chicken liver tissue, DNA of T. canis and A. suum was detected from the liver spiked with a single larva, while the assay required at least 2 larvae of T. cati. Moreover, the ascarid DNA was detected from the liver of mice infected with 100 and 300 eggs of T. canis, T. cati or A. suum. This nested multiplex PCR assay could be useful for the detection of contamination with ascarid larvae in meat and organ meats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Wang
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Miho Shibata
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Yen Thi Hoang Nguyen
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy, Gia Lam, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Yayoi Hayata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Maruyama
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.
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Molecular characterization of Toxocara spp. eggs isolated from public parks and playgrounds in Shiraz, Iran. J Helminthol 2018; 93:306-312. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x18000354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHuman toxocariasis, a worldwide parasitic disease, is caused by the larval stage of intestinal nematodes of dogs and cats, namely Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Human infection occurs by the accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs present in the soil, vegetables or on other contaminated surfaces, as well as via consumption of uncooked paratenic hosts, such as bird meat and giblets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contamination of soil in public parks and playgrounds in Shiraz using microscopy and molecular methods. A total of 150 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in various areas of Shiraz, southern Iran. The samples were treated with saturated zinc sulphate solution, and Toxocara spp. eggs were detected by microscopic observation followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To differentiate T. canis and T. cati eggs from each other, PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-rDNA region by SalI endonuclease enzyme was used. PCR-sequencing was performed to confirm the results of the PCR-RFLP method. Based on the flotation results of the 150 soil samples, six (4%) were found to be positive for Toxocara spp. eggs, whereas nested-PCR showed 24 samples to be positive (16%). Based on the PCR-RFLP method and the sequence of the ITS-rDNA region, a total of 23 out of 24 isolates were confirmed as T. cati and one out of 24 as T. canis. The results showed a higher number of soil samples to be positive for Toxocara by the molecular method than microscopy, and higher T. cati infection in soil samples, which could have an important role in human infection with toxocariasis in this region.
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Sowemimo OA, Lee YL, Asaolu SO, Chuang TW, Akinwale OP, Badejoko BO, Gyang VP, Nwafor T, Henry E, Fan CK. Seroepidemiological study and associated risk factors of Toxocara canis infection among preschool children in Osun State, Nigeria. Acta Trop 2017; 173:85-89. [PMID: 28591555 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is caused by the nematode, Toxocara canis and it is a poorly understood phenomenon in Nigeria. Seroepidemiological studies have not been previously carried out among the preschool aged children in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in pre-school children in four communities from Osun State, Nigeria between January and July 2016. A total of 308 children Aged 9 months and 5 years were studied comprising 53.2% (164/308) male and 46.8% (144/308) female. Blood samples were collected and screened for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies by Western blot analysis based on the excretory-secretory antigens of larva T. canis (TcES), targeting low molecular weight bands of 24 - 35kDa specific for T. canis. Questionnaires were given to parents/guardians of the studied children to collect information regarding relationship between infection and host factors. The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 37.3%. The seroprevalence in the studied preschool children ranged from 18.2% in children less than one year old to a max of 57.6% in children aged 3 years and above. The logistic regression analysis of risk factors showed that children's age (odds ratio (OR)=6.12, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.25-29.90, p=0.02), contact with dogs (OR=3.17, 95% CI=1.40-7.20, p=0.01) and parent's religion (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.32-0.91, p=0.02) were the risk factors associated with Toxocara infection. However, after adjustment by multivariate logistic regression analysis, contact with dogs (p=0.02) remained the only statistically significant risk factor. Preschool children were exposed early in life to T. canis infection as 18.18% of children less than one year old were infected. This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among preschool children in Nigeria. The results show high levels of exposure to T. canis infection among the studied group and contact with the dog plays the predominant risk factor. It indicates high transmission with the consequent of visceral or ocular larva migrans and neurologic disorder in these children. The results also provide baseline data for effective prevention strategies of toxocariasis in Southwest Nigeria and the study recommends prompt interventional measures, particularly health education on personal hygiene.
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Rodríguez-Caballero A, Martínez-Gordillo MN, Caballero-Salazar S, Rufino-González Y, Ponce-Macotela M. Toxocara canis: Analysis of the kinetics of antigen release and antibody production in an in vivo model for the detection of past or present infection. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:183-187. [PMID: 28807291 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, Toxocara canis is an important zoonotic nematode of public health concern. This soil-transmitted helminth causes visceral larva and ocular larva migrans in paratenic hosts. The detection of T. canis larva migrans is complicated because current immunological tests detect only IgG antibodies, which can cross-react with antigens from other parasites and cannot distinguish between the past and present infection. Analysis of antigen release and antibody production could help improve the detection of larva migrans. Here, we report the kinetics of antigen release, IgM and IgG production in an in vivo model for the detection of past or present infection. We used four groups of seven mice: two groups infected orally with 50 or 100 embryonated eggs, and the other two infected intraperitoneally with 50 or 100 live larvae. We obtained blood samples at 0, 3, 7, and 14days and, then, every two weeks until day 140. Sandwich ELISA and indirect ELISA were performed for antigen capture and the detection of immunoglobulins, respectively. Mice inoculated with larvae developed an immune response faster than those inoculated with eggs. In all groups, antigen capture was positive starting at 3days until 140days post-inoculation (dpi). Detection of immunoglobulins was at 14 or 28dpi in mice inoculated with larvae or eggs, respectively. Negative IgM values were detected at days 98 and 112. The samples remained positive for IgG until the last day of the experiment. Data suggest that in mice inoculated with T canis eggs, some larvae did not hatch, others died or never reached the bloodstream. Based on our model, we propose that there is early infection when only antigens are present, and active larva migrans when antigen and immunoglobulins are detected, implying an immune response of the host against the antigen. Our study offers a view into the parasite-host relationship and enables us to infer if there are live larvae. Additionally, these findings provide a foundation for the diagnosis and differentiation of recent infection and active larva migrans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarón Rodríguez-Caballero
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| | - Mario Noé Martínez-Gordillo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| | - Silvia Caballero-Salazar
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| | - Yadira Rufino-González
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| | - Martha Ponce-Macotela
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
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Evaluation of the transcription of interleukin-12 in the intestinal mucosa of mice subjected to experimental toxocariasis and supplemented with Saccharomyces boulardii. Vet Parasitol 2017; 242:59-62. [PMID: 28606326 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Tissue distribution and functional analysis of vitellogenin-6 of Toxocara canis. Exp Parasitol 2017; 177:22-27. [PMID: 28351684 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is an common intestinal nematode of canids and the principal causative agent of human toxocariasis. Vitellogenin (Vg), a source of amino acids and lipids in the eggs, are considered to play an important role in embryo development of a wide range of organisms. In the present study, the transcriptional levels of Tc-vit-6 gene in male and female adult T. canis were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, which indicated high transcription of Tc-vit-6 in the intestine, reproductive tract and body wall of male and female adult T. canis. The fragment of Tc-vit-6 encoding a vWD domain, was cloned and expressed to produce a rabbit anti-TcvWD polyclonal antibody. Tissue distribution of TcVg6 was detected by immunohistochemical assays, which showed predominant distribution of TcVg6 in the tissues of intestine, as well as reproductive tract (including some of the germ cells) and musculature of male and female adult worms. Collectively, these results indicated multiple biological roles of TcVg6 apart from that in the reproduction of T. canis.
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of ocular toxocariasis (OT) presenting with intermediate uveitis in the Korean population.We studied intermediate uveitis patients using ocular and systemic evaluations and a Toxocara IgG serology test.Of 50 intermediate uveitis patients, 19 were seropositive for Toxocara IgG. Of the 19 OT patients, 4 presented with recurrence within 6 months and were significantly younger than nonrecurrence patients (P = 0.009). Thirteen patients had a history of eating raw cow liver.There were 14 males and 5 females in the OT group, and 11 males and 20 females in the non-OT group (P = 0.009). There was bilateral involvement in 7 out of 19 patients in the OT group, and 20 out of 31 patients in non-OT group (P = 0.033).Intermediate uveitis patients in OT were predominately male and had more unilateral presentation than non-OT patients.
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Mattos GT, Santos PCD, Telmo PDL, Berne MEA, Scaini CJ. Human Toxocariasis: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Biosafety in Research Laboratories. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:1428-1431. [PMID: 27698276 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease worldwide. Researchers studying this disease use infectious strains of Toxocara for experiments. Health workers are at risk in the course of their daily routine and must adhere to biosafety standards while carrying out the activities. Researchers on biosafety concerning working with these parasites are insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of seroprevalence of Toxocara species among health-care research laboratory workers (professors, technicians, and students), and to investigate the risk factors of Toxocara infection associated with laboratory practices. This cross-sectional study involved 74 researchers at two federal universities in southern Brazil from February 2014 to February 2015; 29 researchers manipulated infective strains of Toxocara canis (test group) and 45 did not (control group). Serum samples were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Epidemiological data were obtained via a questionnaire containing information about laboratory routine, eating behavior, and contact with dogs. The seroprevalence of anti-T. canis IgG was 14.9% (11/74; 13.8% [4/29] in the test group and 15.6% [7/45] in the control group). Most individuals in the test group correctly understood the primary mode of infection; however, 13.8% did not use gloves while manipulating T. canis eggs. Knowledge of biosafety must be well understood by health-care professionals doing laboratory work with biological agents. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the rate of seroprevalence of IgG against Toxocara spp. among professionals and students who handle infective forms of the nematode T. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Torres Mattos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Paula Costa Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paula de Lima Telmo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabeth Aires Berne
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos James Scaini
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Mazur-Melewska K, Figlerowicz M, Cwalińska A, Mikoś H, Jończyk-Potoczna K, Lewandowska-Stachowiak M, Służewski W. Production of interleukins 4 and 10 in children with hepatic involvement in the course of Toxocara spp. infection. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:101-7. [PMID: 26732352 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12303] [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] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara spp. infestations present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, from general inflammation of internal organs with eosinophilic granuloma formulation through ocular or brain involvement. There is also an asymptomatic form. The known factors that influence the clinical form of the disease are the intensity of the infestation, the localization of the larvae, the age of the patient, the efficiency of the immune system and the history of reinfection. The aim of our study was to evaluate the production of interleukins 4 (IL-4) and 10 (IL-10) in children in the course of Toxocara spp. infections with hepatic involvement. The analysis of peripheral leucocytes, eosinophils, immunoglobulin E, and IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations presented significantly higher values in children with radiologically confirmed liver granuloma than in uncomplicated hepatomegaly. Based on statistical analysis, we confirmed the IL-4/IL-10 ratio variation in the analysed groups: patients with liver lesions showed a ratio of <1, while children without granulomas had a ratio of >2. The relevant analysis confirmed a positive statistical correlation in both seropositive groups for IgE and IL-4, and only in the granuloma group for IgE and IL-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mazur-Melewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - M Figlerowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - A Cwalińska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - H Mikoś
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - K Jończyk-Potoczna
- Pediatric Radiology Department Chair of Radiology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - M Lewandowska-Stachowiak
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Nephrology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - W Służewski
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Modified method to enhanced recovery of Toxocara cati larvae for the purposes of diagnostic and therapeutic. Exp Parasitol 2016; 169:107-10. [PMID: 27502936 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis, extraintestinal-migration of Toxocara species, is a worldwide helminthic zoonosis in many places of the undeveloped countries. Toxocara cati is one of the common helminths in cats and it is a potentially preventable disease. Its diagnosis and treatment depend on the demonstration of specific excretory-secretory Toxocara antibodies from Toxocara larvae by immunological assays. This study provides a simple manual technique which can be performed in any laboratory for recovering a large number of Toxocara cati larvae from the thick-shelled eggs. The devices that are required contain a manual homogenizer and a filter membrane of 40 μm mesh; the rest of materials and solutions is standard laboratory ware. In the modified method the larval yields were 2.7 times higher (3000 larval/ml) and the time spent in performing the modified method was shorter (75 min). Further benefits over already techniques are the easy and repeatable, inexpensive and convenient materials, simplicity to perform and require less time for recovery of Toxocara cati larvae for subsequent cultivation and harvest of the larval excretory-secretory antigens for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
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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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Nguyen YTH, Wang Z, Maruyama H, Horii Y, Nonaka N, Yoshida A. Evaluation of real-time PCR assay for the detection of Ascaris suum
contamination in meat and organ meats. J Food Saf 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yen Thi Hoang Nguyen
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho Miyazaki 889-1692 Japan
| | - Haruhiko Maruyama
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho Miyazaki 889-1692 Japan
- Division of International Cooperation & Education, Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
| | - Yoichiro Horii
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
- Division of International Cooperation & Education, Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
- Division of International Cooperation & Education, Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho Miyazaki 889-1692 Japan
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Risk and other factors associated with toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis in pregnant women from southern Brazil. J Helminthol 2016; 91:534-538. [PMID: 27411883 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x16000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis causes complications during pregnancy that have serious effects on fetal development. Thus far, toxocariasis has been reported to spread only via vertical transmission. Nonetheless, the population of pregnant women is also exposed to this infection. Co-infection with both Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. has been reported in children, but there are no reports of co-infection in the population of pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of co-infection with T. gondii and Toxocara spp. in pregnant women at a university hospital in southern Brazil, and to identify the risk factors associated with infection by both parasites. Two hundred pregnant women were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii and anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies and were asked to complete an epidemiological questionnaire. In this study, the co-infection rate observed in the total population of pregnant women was 8%. In addition, women with a positive result for a serology test for Toxocara spp. were at increased risk of infection by T. gondii (P = 0.019). Co-infection with both parasites in pregnant women was associated with low birth weights in neonates. The similar modes of transmission of both parasites could explain the co-infection. Only a few previous studies have investigated this phenomenon. The findings of the present study emphasize the importance of serological diagnosis during prenatal care and further research in this area to identify risk factors associated with this co-infection, and the possible implications of this co-infection during pregnancy and on the health of newborns.
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Momeni T, Mahami-Oskouei M, Fallah E, Safaiyan A, Mahami-Oskouei L. Latent and Asymptomatic Toxocara Infection among Young Population in Northwest Iran: The Necessity of Informing People as a Potential Health Risk. SCIENTIFICA 2016; 2016:3562056. [PMID: 27022503 PMCID: PMC4789035 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3562056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. This study was designed to determine the frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies in youngsters aging from 2 to 20 years in northwest Iran. Materials and Methods. 397 samples were taken randomly almost equally from four locations in Urmia, west Azerbaijan, during August 2014 to September 2015. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibody assays were done on sera by using ELISA kit (IBL, Germany). In order to prevent cross-reaction, the samples of the patients who are infected with other parasites in stool exam, especially Ascarididae family, were also excluded. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results. 12 (3%) of the serum samples were positive for anti-Toxocara IgG. According to the Chi-square analysis, risk factors such as mother's educational level, keeping dogs or cats as pets, and history of coughing were related to Toxocara infection (P < 0.05). There was no relationship between toxocariasis and gender, history of onychophagy, pica, fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia; however, we found a significant relationship between Toxocara infection and chronic coughing (P = 0.045). Conclusion. Toxocariasis in northwest Iran can be considered as a public health problem. This study may also help to increase the awareness about this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Momeni
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahami-Oskouei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Fallah
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abdolrasoul Safaiyan
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leyla Mahami-Oskouei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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FU CJ, KAO CY, LEE YL, LIAO CW, CHEN PC, CHUANG TW, WANG YC, CHOU CM, HUANG YC, NAITO T, FAN CK. Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxocariasis among College Students in Taipei City, Taiwan. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 10:482-9. [PMID: 26622304 PMCID: PMC4662749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection by Toxocara spp. is known to be significantly associated with partial epilepsy. It has become popular for people to raise dogs/cats as pets and consume roasted meat/viscera, and the status of Toxocara spp. infection, epilepsy awareness, and associated risk factors among the general population are currently unknown in Taiwan. METHODS A seroepidemiological investigation among 203 college students (CSs), consisting of 110 males and 93 females with an average age of 21.5 ± 1.2 years, was conducted in 2009 in Taipei City. A Western blot analysis based on excretory-secretory antigens derived from Toxocara canis larvae (TcESs) was applied to determine the positivity of serum immunoglobulin G antibodies. A self-administered questionnaire was also given to obtain information about demographic characteristics, epilepsy awareness, and risk factors. A logistic regression model was applied for the statistical analysis using SPSS software. RESULTS The overall seropositive rate of Toxocara spp. infection was 8.4% (17/203). As to epilepsy awareness, a non-significantly higher seroprevalence was found in CSs who claimed to "know" about epilepsy compared to those who did not know (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It appears that appropriate educational programs are urgently needed to provide correct knowledge related to the prevention and control measures against Toxocara spp. infections to avoid potential threats by this parasite to the general population in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Jung FU
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Dept. of International Medical Affairs, Taipei Medical University-Shuang-Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yan KAO
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Chien-Wei LIAO
- Dept. of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ching CHEN
- Dept. of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wu CHUANG
- Dept. of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chin WANG
- Dept. of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Mei CHOU
- Dept. of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chie HUANG
- Dept. of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Toshio NAITO
- Dept. of General Medicine,
- Dept. of Infection Control Science, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chia-Kwung FAN
- Dept. of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Kwon HH. Toxocariasis: A Rare Cause of Multiple Cerebral Infarction. Infect Chemother 2015; 47:137-41. [PMID: 26157596 PMCID: PMC4495276 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2015.47.2.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the roundworms Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati, mostly due to accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs. Clinical manifestations vary and are classified as visceral larva migrans or ocular larva migrans according to the organs affected. Central nervous system involvement is an unusual complication. Here, we report a case of multiple cerebral infarction and concurrent multi-organ involvement due to T. canis infestation of a previous healthy 39-year-old male who was admitted for right leg weakness. After treatment with albendazole, the patient's clinical and laboratory results improved markedly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Hee Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
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Lee JY, Yang MH, Hwang JH, Kang M, Paeng JW, Yune S, Lee BJ, Choi DC. The Prevalence of Toxocariasis and Diagnostic Value of Serologic Tests in Asymptomatic Korean Adults. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2015; 7:467-75. [PMID: 26122506 PMCID: PMC4509659 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2015.7.5.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Toxocariasis is the most common cause of peripheral blood eosinophilia in Korea and produces eosinophilic infiltration in various organs, including the lung. However, the prevalence of toxocariasis in the general population is rarely reported. Methods We investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara larval antibody among asymptomatic people who attended Samsung Medical Center for a health checkup, including low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) between March 2012 and December 2013. A total of 633 people (400 men and 233 women) were prospectively recruited. Results The Toxocara-seropositive rate was 51.2% using the current cutoff value based on Toxocara enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (67.0% for men and 24.0% for women). In the multivariate-adjusted model, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.04-1.11), male sex (OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.26-5.33), rural residence (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.05-2.30), and history of raw liver intake (OR, 8.52; 95% CI, 3.61-20.11) were significantly associated with Toxocara seropositivity. When subjects were divided into 3 groups using cutoff values base on weak positive and strong positive control optical densities (ODs), the ORs for peripheral blood eosinophilia and serum hyperIgEaemia were 0.31 (95% CI, 0.02-2.89) in the weakpositive group and 36.64 (95% CI, 11.73-111.42) in the strong positive group compared to the seronegative group. Similarly, ORs for the solid nodule with surrounding halo were 2.54 (95% CI, 0.60-10.84) in the weak positive group and 15.08 (95 CI 4.09-55.56) in the strong positive group compared to the seronegative group. Conclusions The study indicated that the Toxocara-seropositive rate obtained by using the current cutoff value based on ELISA was high in the asymptomatic population in Korea. The results of this study suggest that active toxocariasis may be more frequently seen in the Toxocara-strong positive group than in the Toxocara-weak positive group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Lee
- Center for Health Promotion, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moon Hee Yang
- Center for Health Promotion, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hae Hwang
- Center for Health Promotion, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mira Kang
- Center for Health Promotion, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Won Paeng
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sehyo Yune
- Division of Allergy, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Jae Lee
- Division of Allergy, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Chull Choi
- Division of Allergy, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Gyang PV, Akinwale OP, Lee YL, Chuang TW, Orok AB, Ajibaye O, Liao CW, Chen PC, Chou CM, Huang YC, Barghouth U, Fan CK. Seroprevalence, disease awareness, and risk factors for Toxocara canis infection among primary schoolchildren in Makoko, an urban slum community in Nigeria. Acta Trop 2015; 146:135-40. [PMID: 25812836 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection in southern Nigeria, which previously was unknown, in addition to evaluating disease awareness and potential risk factors for schoolchildren in an urban slum community. In total, 366 primary schoolchildren were investigated for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies. Blood was collected and screened by a Western blot analysis based on the excretory-secretory antigens of larval T. canis (TcES), targeting low molecular weight bands of 24-35kDa specific for T. canis. Children were considered seropositive if their serum reacted with TcES when diluted to a titer of 1:32. Questionnaires concerning possible risk factors were given to the schoolchildren to acquire data on this infection. The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 86.1% (315/366). The logistic regression analysis of risk factors showed that children's age (odds ratio (OR)=2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-7.66, p=0.03), contact with dogs (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.28-0.94, p=0.03), the age of the dog (OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.18-0.68, p=0.002), the feeding location of the dog (OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.12-0.79, p=0.01), the consumption of raw vegetables (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.54-1.48, p=0.004), and the drinking of unboiled water (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.26-0.90, p=0.02) were risk factors associated with Toxocara infection. Although there was a high awareness of dogs being hosts of some parasites in this study, not much was known about T. canis. This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among primary schoolchildren in southern Nigeria. The high seroprevalence recorded is an indication of high transmission with the consequent risk of visceral or ocular larval migrans and neurologic toxocariasis in these children. Our findings suggest the need for prompt interventional measures, particularly health education on personal hygiene.
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Bolívar-Mejía A, Rodríguez-Morales AJ, Paniz-Mondolfi AE, Delgado O. [Cardiovascular manifestations of human toxocariasis]. ARCHIVOS DE CARDIOLOGIA DE MEXICO 2015; 83:120-9. [PMID: 23462238 DOI: 10.1016/j.acmx.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection produced by helminths that cannot reach their adult stage in humans. For their etiological species (Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati), man is a paratenic host. Infection by such helminths can produce a variety of clinical manifestations, such as: visceral larvae migrans syndrome, ocular larvae migrans syndrome and covert toxocariasis. In the visceral larvae migrans syndrome, the organs that are mainly involved include liver, lungs, skin, nervous system, muscles, kidneys and the heart. Regarding the latter, the importance of cardiovascular manifestations in toxocariasis, as well as its clinical relevance, has increasingly begun to be recognized. The current article is based on a systematic information search, focused mainly on the clinical and pathological aspects of cardiovascular manifestations in toxocariasis, including its pathophysiology, laboratory findings, diagnosis and therapeutical options, with the objective of highlighting its importance as a zoonosis and its relevance to the fields of cardiovascular medicine in adults and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Bolívar-Mejía
- Grupo de Investigación en Electrocardiografía, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
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Seong S, Moon D, Lee DK, Kim HE, Oh HS, Kim SH, Kwon OW, You YS. A case of ocular toxocariasis successfully treated with albendazole and triamcinolon. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 52:537-40. [PMID: 25352704 PMCID: PMC4210738 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.5.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We present a case of ocular toxocariasis treated successfully with oral albendazole in combination with steroids. A 26-year-old male visited the authors' clinic with the chief complaint of flying flies in his right eye. The fundus photograph showed a whitish epiretinal scar, and the fluorescein angiography revealed a hypofluorescein lesion of the scar and late leakage at the margin. An elevated retinal surface and posterior acoustic shadowing of the scar were observed in the optical coherence tomography, and Toxocara IgG was positive. The patient was diagnosed with toxocariasis, and the condition was treated with albendazole (400 mg twice a day) for a month and oral triamcinolone (16 mg for 2 weeks, once a day, and then 8 mg for 1 week, once a day) from day 13 of the albendazole treatment. The lesions decreased after the treatment. Based on this study, oral albendazole combined with steroids can be a simple and effective regimen for treating ocular toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- San Seong
- Nune Eye Hospital, Noon Building, Seoul 135-280, Korea
| | - Daruchi Moon
- Nune Eye Hospital, Noon Building, Seoul 135-280, Korea
| | - Dong Kyu Lee
- Nune Eye Hospital, Noon Building, Seoul 135-280, Korea
| | - Hyung Eun Kim
- Nune Eye Hospital, Noon Building, Seoul 135-280, Korea
| | - Hyun Sup Oh
- Nune Eye Hospital, Noon Building, Seoul 135-280, Korea
| | - Soon Hyun Kim
- Nune Eye Hospital, Noon Building, Seoul 135-280, Korea
| | - Oh Woong Kwon
- Nune Eye Hospital, Noon Building, Seoul 135-280, Korea
| | - Yong Sung You
- Nune Eye Hospital, Noon Building, Seoul 135-280, Korea
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Cong W, Zhang XX, Zhou N, Yu CZ, Chen J, Wang XY, Li B, Qian AD, Zhu XQ. Toxocara seroprevalence among clinically healthy individuals, pregnant women and psychiatric patients and associated risk factors in Shandong Province, Eastern China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3082. [PMID: 25101756 PMCID: PMC4125144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocarosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by the ascarid nematodes Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, which primarily infect dogs and cats, respectively. Most human infections with Toxocara are asymptomatic; however, some infected individuals may develop a serious illness and even death. Nevertheless, epidemiological knowledge regarding the prevalence and risks associated with Toxocara infection is limited in China. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional pilot study and estimated the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection in humans in Shandong Province, eastern China for the first time, from June 2011 to July 2013, involving clinically healthy individuals, pregnant women and psychiatric patients, aiming to attract public attention to Toxocara infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS Seroprevalence of Toxocara was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on a cross-sectional study conducted in Qingdao and Weihai, Shandong Province, eastern China. Factors potentially associated with Toxocara infection were identified by logistic regression analysis. The overall Toxocara seroprevalence among the study population (n = 2866) was 12.25%, and a significantly higher seroprevalence in psychiatric patients (16.40%, 73/445) than that in clinically healthy individuals (13.07%, 187/1431) and pregnant women (9.19%, 91/990) was revealed. Univariate analyses suggested that keeping dogs at home (OR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.05-0.08, P<0.001), contact with cats and dogs (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.33-0.53, P<0.001) and exposure with soil (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.28-0.49, P<0.001) were risk factors associated with Toxocara infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The present study revealed, for the first time, that human infection with Toxocara is common in eastern China, posing a significant public health concern. Increasing human and dog populations, population movements and climate change all will serve to increase the importance of this zoonosis. Further studies under controlled conditions are necessary to define potential morbidity associated with Toxocara infection.
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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, People′s Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People′s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- 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, People′s Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People′s Republic of China
| | - Na Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People′s Republic of China
| | - Chang-Zheng Yu
- Weihai Wendeng Central Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province, People′s Republic of China
| | - Jia Chen
- 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, People′s Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Wendeng Municipal Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province, People′s Republic of China
| | - Bing Li
- Wendeng People's Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province, People′s Republic of China
| | - Ai-Dong Qian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People′s Republic of 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, People′s Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People′s Republic of China
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A Comparative Seroprevalence Study of Toxocariasis in Hypereosinophilic and Apparently Healthy Individuals. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.17911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Chest CT findings of toxocariasis: Correlation with laboratory results. Clin Radiol 2014; 69:e285-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2014.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Fu CJ, Chuang TW, Lin HS, Wu CH, Liu YC, Langinlur MK, Lu MY, Hsiao WWW, Fan CK. Seroepidemiology of Toxocara canis infection among primary schoolchildren in the capital area of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:261. [PMID: 24886153 PMCID: PMC4024650 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis, which is predominantly caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis) infection, is a common zoonotic parasitosis worldwide; however, the status of toxocariasis endemicity in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) remains unknown. METHODS A seroepidemiological investigation was conducted among 166 primary school children (PSC) aged 7-12 years from the capital area of the RMI. Western blots based the excretory-secretory antigens of larval T. canis (TcES) was employed, and children were considered seropositive if their serum reacted with TcES when diluted at a titer of 1:64. Information regarding demographic characteristics of and environmental risk factors affecting these children was collected using a structured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was applied to conduct a multivariate analysis. RESULTS The overall seropositive rate of T. canis infection was 86.75% (144/166). In the univariate analysis, PSC who exhibited a history of feeding dogs at home (OR = 5.52, 95% CI = 1.15-26.61, p = 0.02) and whose parents were employed as nonskilled workers (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.08-7.60, p = 0.03) demonstrated a statistically elevated risk of contracting T. canis infections. Cleaning dog huts with gloves might prevent infection, but yielded nonsignificant effects. The multivariate analysis indicated that parental occupation was the critical risk factor in this study because its effect remained significant after adjusting for other variables; by contrast, the effect of dog feeding became nonsignificant because of other potential confounding factors. No associations were observed among gender, age, consuming raw meat or vegetables, drinking unboiled water, cleaning dog huts with gloves, or touching soil. CONCLUSIONS This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among PSC in the RMI. The high seroprevalence indicates the commonness of T. canis transmission and possible human risk. The fundamental information that the present study provides regarding T. canis epidemiology can facilitate developing strategies for disease prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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