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Oh YH, Sohn HJ, Choi MY, Hyun MW, Hong SH, Lee JS, Ryu AR, Kim JH, Shin HJ. A Study on the Monitoring of Toxocara spp. in Various Children's Play Facilities in the Republic of Korea (2016-2021). Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2839. [PMID: 37957984 PMCID: PMC10650028 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. is a zoonotic soil-transmitted parasite that infects canids and felids, which causes toxocariasis in humans, migrating to organ systems, including the lungs, the ocular system, and the central nervous system. Since Toxocara spp. is usually transmitted through soil, children tend to be more susceptible to infection. In order to monitor contamination with Toxocara spp. in children's play facilities in the Republic of Korea, we investigated 11,429 samples of soil from daycare centers, kindergartens, elementary schools, and parks across the country from January 2016 to December 2021. Since the Environmental Health Act in the Republic of Korea was enacted in March 2008, there have been sporadic reports of contamination by Toxocara spp. in children's activity zones. In this study, soil from children's play facilities in regions across the Republic of Korea was monitored according to the Korean standardized procedure to use it as basic data for preventive management and public health promotion. The national average positive rate was 0.16% (18/11,429), and Seoul showed a higher rate of 0.63% (2/318) than any other regions while Incheon, Daegu, Ulsan, Kangwon-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do were negative (p < 0.05). The positive rates were as follows: 0.37% (4/1089) in daycare centers, 0.13% (3/2365) in kindergartens, 0.2% (7/4193) in elementary schools, 0.09% (1/1143) in apartments, and 0.14% (3/2198) in parks. In addition, it was confirmed that 0.2% (1/498) of elementary schools and 1.17% (2/171) of parks were re-contaminated among play facilities managed with the establishment of a regular inspection cycle. Consequently, there is an essential need for continuous monitoring of Toxocara spp. contamination and regular education for preschool and school children in order to prevent soil-borne parasite infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hwan Oh
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (Y.-H.O.); (H.-J.S.)
- Bio Analysis Team, Testing Institute of Sanitation & Convergence, Cheongju 28463, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Jin Sohn
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (Y.-H.O.); (H.-J.S.)
| | - Mi-Yeon Choi
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Min-Woo Hyun
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Ji-Su Lee
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Ah-Reum Ryu
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Jong-Hyun Kim
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (Y.-H.O.); (H.-J.S.)
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Santarém VA, Panazzolo GK, Kmetiuk LB, Domingues OJ, Ferreira IB, de Souza Filho RT, Farinhas JH, Doline FR, Lescano SAZ, Biondo LM, Giuffrida R, Biondo AW, Fávero GM. One health approach to toxocariasis in quilombola communities of southern Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:379. [PMID: 37872605 PMCID: PMC10594776 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06010-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis has been listed among the most neglected parasitic diseases worldwide, with approximately one fifth of the global population exposed, particularly those living under poverty. In Brazil, communities of descendants of enslaved blacks (quilombola) have historically had some of the highest rates of vulnerability and poverty, characterized by lack of health assistance, poor quality of life, and nutritional insecurity. METHODS A cross-sectional sampling of quilombola individuals living in four communities of southern Brazil, as well as their dogs and the soil, was carried out from December 2021 to March 2022. Sociodemographic and other information such as water source, alimentary habits, and dog and cat ownership were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire for assessing toxocariasis risk factors. Human serum samples were tested by ELISA for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibody detection was carried out on dog feces and hair, and soil samples were surveyed for presence of Toxocara spp. eggs. RESULTS Overall, 172/208 individuals (82.7%, 95% CI = 77.0-87.2) were seropositive, the highest seroprevalence rate to date in Brazil. Male gender (P = 0.029), educational level (P = 0.026), and drinking water source (P = 0.043) were associated with seropositivity by univariate analysis. Final logistic regression revealed increased odds (P = 0.017, OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.5-42.7) to have seropositivity in individuals > 50 years old (< 10 years old). As expected, individuals with soil contact were more likely seropositive (P = 0.038, OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.1-18.8). Although retrieved in only 5/96 (5.2%) dog feces, Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 18/60 (30.0%) soil samples. CONCLUSIONS The high vulnerability and seroprevalence observed in quilombola communities clearly demand a One Health approach for detection, monitoring, and prevention of infection by Toxocara spp. in both human and dog populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Graduate College of Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Kalempa Panazzolo
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Orlei José Domingues
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Isabella Braghin Ferreira
- Graduate College of Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - João Henrique Farinhas
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodrigo Doline
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Meneguelli Biondo
- Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA), Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Graduate College of Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Giovani Marino Fávero
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
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Santarém VA, Doline FR, Ferreira IB, Farinhas JH, Biondo LM, de Souza Filho RT, Pettan-Brewer C, Giuffrida R, Lescano SAZ, dos Santos AP, Kmetiuk LB, Biondo AW. One health approach to toxocariasis in Brazilian indigenous populations, their dogs, and soil contamination. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1220001. [PMID: 37744519 PMCID: PMC10517057 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1220001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although socioeconomic vulnerability and lifestyle factors may contribute to the transmission of Toxocara spp., no study has investigated indigenous populations in Brazil using the One Health approach. Methods Accordingly, this study assessed anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in Brazilian indigenous people and healthcare professionals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Presence of Toxocara spp. eggs (feces and hair) in dogs as definitive hosts and in soil samples of the indigenous communities were also recovered and molecularly investigated. Results Overall, 342/463 (73.9%) indigenous individuals and 46/147 (31.3%) non-indigenous healthcare professionals were seropositive for Toxocara spp. In addition, T. canis eggs were retrieved from 9/194 (4.6%) dog fecal samples and 4/204 (2.0%) dog hair samples, mainly from the Paraná State communities (3/42; 7.1%). Soil contamination was observed only in the Paraná State communities (36/90; 40.0%), with the molecular detection of T. canis. River water consumption was also associated with indigenous seropositivity (Odds ratio, 11.4). Discussion Indigenous individuals in Paraná State communities were 2.72-fold more likely to be seropositive than those in São Paulo State, likely due to a lack of sanitary infrastructure. In this scenario, a primarily soil-transmitted disease may also have become waterborne, with embryonated eggs probably spread to water supplies by rain. Full-time healthcare professionals in daily contact with indigenous communities were 9.2-fold more likely to be seropositive than professionals who visited sporadically, suggesting exposure to Toxocara spp. during their work and raising health concerns. In addition, the findings herein showed a significantly higher seroprevalence in indigenous people than in healthcare workers (χ2 = 85.5; p < 0.0001), likely due to overtime exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, Brazilian indigenous communities are highly exposed to toxocariasis, with poor infrastructure and contact with contaminated river water as associated risk factors and a higher risk of infection in healthcare professionals working full-time in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodrigo Doline
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Isabella Braghin Ferreira
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Farinhas
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Leandro Meneguelli Biondo
- National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA), Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Santa Teresa, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - Christina Pettan-Brewer
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Pires dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Matras A, Stasiak A, Chmielewski T, Kaczmarek A. Testing of sand from recreational areas and sandpits in Warsaw, for presence of Ascaris Lumbricoides and Toxocara spp. Przegl Epidemiol 2023; 77:53-58. [PMID: 37283278 DOI: 10.32394/pe.77.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Improper maintenance of the cleanliness of sand in sandboxes can be a source of human pathogenic helminths, including Toxocara spp., Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, leading to parasitic infections. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sanitary condition of sandboxes in playgrounds and recreational areas in Warsaw for the presence of Human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and Toxocara spp. in sand. MATERIAL AND METHODS 450 sand samples from 90 sandboxes in the city of Warsaw were analyzed. The flotation method was used for the study, and the material was evaluated using a light microscope. RESULTS. The conducted examinations did not reveal the presence of parasite eggs, indicating that hygiene rules were observed and appropriate recommendations were followed. CONCLUSIONS The analyzed sand samples are free of the tested parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Matras
- National Institute of Publich Health NIH - National Research Institute
| | - Agata Stasiak
- National Institute of Publich Health NIH - National Research Institute
| | | | - Adam Kaczmarek
- National Institute of Publich Health NIH - National Research Institute
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw
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Jarošová J, Antolová D, Lukáč B, Maďari A. A Survey of Intestinal Helminths of Dogs in Slovakia with an Emphasis on Zoonotic Species. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11103000. [PMID: 34680018 PMCID: PMC8532715 DOI: 10.3390/ani11103000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs are the most popular pet animals worldwide; however, frequent and close contact with people increases the risk of transmission of different zoonotic parasites. As the occurrence of intestinal parasites in the dog population is affected by several factors, understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infections is important to minimize the risks for humans. This study presents results about the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in seven different groups of dogs (pet, shelter, guard, working, and hunting dogs, as well as dogs from segregated Roma settlements) in Slovakia. Out of 495 faecal samples collected between 2016 and 2021, eggs of intestinal helminths were detected in 134 (27.1%) samples. Altogether, six different species/genera/families, namely, Toxocara canis (14.7%), Toxascaris leonina (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (6.3%), Capillaria spp. (1.4%), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp. (8.3%), and taeniid eggs (4.0%), were recorded. Infection with Echinococcus multilocularis was confirmed in 2.2% of dogs and 0.4% of the animals were infested with Taenia hydatigena. The results showed that the occurrence of intestinal helminths is quite frequent in the majority of analyzed dog groups, with a close correlation between the occurrence of intestinal helminths and availability of veterinary care and anthelmintic therapy. Abstract Dogs are the most popular pets worldwide; however, close contact with people increases the risk of transmission of different zoonotic parasites. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in dogs in Slovakia. A total of 495 faecal samples collected from pet, shelter, guard, working (police), and hunting dogs, as well as dogs from segregated Roma settlements between 2016 and 2021, were examined using flotation and molecular methods. Eggs of intestinal helminths were detected in 134 (27.1%) samples. Microscopically, six different species/genera/families, namely, Toxocara canis (14.7%), Toxascaris leonina (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (6.3%), Capillaria spp. (1.4%), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp. (8.3%), and taeniid eggs (4.0%), were recorded. Molecular analyses revealed infection with Echinococcus multilocularis in 2.2% of dogs and 0.4% of the animals were infected with Taenia hydatigena. The results showed a correlation between the occurrence of intestinal helminths and the availability of veterinary care, as dogs from Roma settlements and shelter dogs were the most often infected (66.7% and 39.2%, respectively). On the other hand, working animals were in the best health condition, with only 2.5% being positive. The relatively frequent occurrence of zoonotic species points to the constant need for preventive measures and regular deworming of dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Jarošová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-55-633-14-11-13
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Branislav Lukáč
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (B.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Aladár Maďari
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (B.L.); (A.M.)
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Menu E, Kopec L, Luciani L, Legrand S, L’Ollivier C. Measurement of the IgG Avidity Index in the Diagnosis of Clinical Toxocariasis Patients. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091086. [PMID: 34578119 PMCID: PMC8468318 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. are parasitic nematodes responsible for human toxocariasis, a common zoonotic helminth infection. The five main features of human toxocariasis are the classical ocular toxocariasis and visceral larva migrans syndrome, followed by covert toxocariasis, common toxocariasis and neurotoxocariasis. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is feasible by considering clinical symptoms, anamnestic history and serology laboratory results; however, serological criteria cannot be used to distinguish active Toxocara infection from past exposure, which is an area of much discussion in clinical practice. In this context, we developed avidity tests (ELISA and immunoblotting) and evaluated their clinical usefulness in distinguishing past from active toxocariasis. Our study involved 46 patients divided into two groups: “active toxocariasis” (n = 14) and “chronic toxocariasis” (n = 32). According to the avidity indices obtained for both the chronic and active toxocariasis groups, we proposed two thresholds: first, an AI lower than 32% supports an active infection; secondly, a threshold above 42% can exclude an active infection. In order to use this assay in routine clinical practice, however, is still requires standardisation with regards to the method and threshold values, which can be established through studies involving larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Menu
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
- VITROME: Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Service de Santé des Armées, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Aix Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Lora Kopec
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
| | - Léa Luciani
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Sophie Legrand
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
| | - Coralie L’Ollivier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
- VITROME: Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Service de Santé des Armées, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Aix Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
- Correspondence:
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Kazemi F, Arjmand R, Fallahizadeh S, Tavalla M. Comparison of the Detection of Toxocara Spp. in the Soils of Public Parks of Ahvaz (Southwest of Iran) by PCR and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). Infect Disord Drug Targets 2021; 21:375-383. [PMID: 32669079 DOI: 10.2174/1871526520666200715100433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The infections caused by Toxocara spp. are considered as one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world, especially in developing countries. Human toxocariasis, particularly in children, is acquired by playing in public parks. Hence, the aim of the current study was to detect Toxocara spp. in the soils of public parks of the city of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, using the PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) methods. METHODS In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 260 soil samples were randomly collected from the different public parks of the city of Ahvaz. After performing zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) flotation technique, the DNA samples were extracted from the isolated Toxocara spp. eggs. Lastly, the extracted DNA was used for PCR and LAMP-based molecular detection. RESULTS Out of 260 specimens, 57 (21.9%) samples were found positive for Toxocara spp., using the PCR method, out of that 38 (14.6%) samples were positive for T. canis and 19 (7.3%) samples were positive for T. cati. Also, out of 260 specimens, 81 (31.1%) cases were positive for Toxocara species, using the LAMP method, among them 51 (19.6%) samples were found positive for T. canis and 30 (11.5%) samples were positive for T. cati. Kappa (κ) coefficient between PCR and LAMP showed a strong agreement (0.766, P-value=0.002). CONCLUSION The obtained data showed a relatively high outbreak of Toxocara spp. in the public parks' soils of the city, using the PCR and LAMP methods. Since the parasite can cause human toxocariasis, particularly in children; thus, the health authorities of the city of Ahvaz and other similar cities, especially in developing countries, must pay more attention to the hygiene of the public parks' soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Kazemi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Arjmand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Fallahizadeh
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Tavalla
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Oviedo-Vera AY, Chis Ster I, Chico ME, Silva MB, Salazar-Garcés LF, Alcantara-Neves NM, Cooper PJ. A prospective seroepidemiological study of toxocariasis during early childhood in coastal Ecuador: potential for congenital transmission and risk factors for infection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:95. [PMID: 33546758 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04575-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although Toxocara spp. infection has a worldwide distribution, to our knowledge, no data from birth cohorts have been reported in published studies on the potential for congenital transmission and determinants of infection in early childhood. Methods We followed 290 mother-infant pairs from birth to 5 years of age through periodic collection of data and samples at birth, 7 and 13 months and 2, 3 and 5 years of age. Data on potential risk factors and confounders were collected by maternal questionnaire. Blood for plasma was collected from the mother at time of birth and periodically from the child for detection of anti-Toxocara spp. immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using a Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Stool samples were collected from the mother around the time of birth and periodically from the child for microscopic detection of soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Associations between potential risk factors and Toxocara spp. seroprevalence and seroconversion were estimated using multivariable logistic regression and generalized estimating equations. Results Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was 80.7% in mothers and in children was 0%, 9.3%, 48.4%, 64.9%, and 80.9% at 7 months, 13 months, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Risk factors significantly associated with increases in seroprevalence over the first 5 years of life in multivariable analyses were age [Odds ratio (OR) 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–2.27, P < 0001], male sex (female vs. male: OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48–0.89, P = 0.006), maternal ethnicity (non-Afro vs. Afro-Ecuadorian: OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.91, P = 0.011), lower maternal educational and socioeconomic level, and childhood STH (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.51–3.47, P < 0.001). Seroconversion rates for infection were greatest at 2 years of age (3.8%/month). Factors associated significantly with seroconversion at 2, 3 or 5 years were childhood STH infection, male sex, and more frequent domestic cat exposure. Conclusions Our data, from an area of high Toxocara spp. endemicity, indicate no congenital transmission but high rates of seroconversion after 13 months of age reaching maternal levels of seroprevalence by 5 years of age. Factors associated with seroprevalence and seroconversion included STH infections, domestic cats, maternal ethnicity, male sex, STH infections, and markers of greater poverty.![]()
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De NV, Minh PN, Bich NN, Chai JY. Seroprevalence of Tissue and Luminal Helminths among Patients in Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Vietnam, 2018. Korean J Parasitol 2020; 58:387-392. [PMID: 32871632 PMCID: PMC7462806 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.4.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A serological survey was performed using ELISA to estimate the prevalence of tissue and luminal helminthic infections among hospital patients in Hanoi region, Vietnam. An overall seroprevalence of tissue and luminal helminthiases was 64.0% (95% CI 61.2–66.8) among 1,120 patients who visited Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Vietnam in 2018. The highest seroprevalence was observed against Toxocara spp. (59.0%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (46.3%), Gnathostoma spp. (25.5%), cysticercus (12.8%), Angiostrongylus cantonensis (10.5%), Fasciola spp. (11.1%), and Clonorchis sinensis (8.7%). Mono-infection by one species (11.1%) was lower than multiple infections (53.0%) (P<0.05). The seroprevalence in males (59.3%) was lower than in females (66.2%) but not statistically significant (P>0.05). Children (<15 years) revealed lower seroprevalence (34.0%) than adults (68.4%), and the age group 51–70 years revealed the highest seroprevalence (76.0%). Among the seropositive patients, eosinophilia (≥8.0%) was noted in 80.2%. The present results suggested active transmission of various tissue and luminal helminths among people in Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Van De
- Department of Parasitology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Pham Ngoc Minh
- Department of Parasitology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Ngoc Bich
- Department of Parasitology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul 07649, and Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Guggisberg AR, Alvarez Rojas CA, Kronenberg PA, Miranda N, Deplazes P. A Sensitive, One-Way Sequential Sieving Method to Isolate Helminths' Eggs and Protozoal Oocysts from Lettuce for Genetic Identification. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080624. [PMID: 32751811 PMCID: PMC7460107 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Different helminths and protozoa are transmitted to humans by oral uptake of environmentally resistant parasite stages after hand-to-mouth contact or by contaminated food and water. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for the simultaneous detection of parasite stages from fresh produce (lettuce) by a one-way isolation test kit followed by genetic identification (PCR, sequencing). Three sentinel zoonotic agents (eggs of Toxocara canis, Echinococcus multilocularis and oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii) were used to investigate the practicability and sensitivity of the method. The detection limits (100% positive results) in the recovery experiments were four Toxocara eggs, two E. multilocularis eggs and 18 T. gondii oocysts (in 4/5 replicates). In a field study, helminth DNA was detected in 14 of 157 lettuce samples including Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Syn. Taenia taeniaeformis) (four samples), T. polyacantha (three), T. martis (one), E. multilocularis (two) and Toxocara cati (four). Toxoplasma gondii was detected in six of 100 samples. In vivo testing in mice resulted in metacestode growth in all animals injected with 40–60 E. multilocularis eggs, while infection rates were 20–40% with 2–20 eggs. The developed diagnostic strategy is highly sensitive for the isolation and genetic characterisation of a broad range of parasite stages from lettuce, whereas the sensitivity of the viability tests needs further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter Deplazes
- Correspondence: (C.A.A.R.); (P.D.); Tel.: +41-44-635-85-02 (P.D.)
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11
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Mohammadzadeh I, Darvish S, Riahi SM, Moghaddam SA, Pournasrollah M, Mohammadnia-Afrozi M, Rostami A. Exposure to Toxocara spp. and Ascaris lumbricoides infections and risk of allergic rhinitis in children. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2020; 16:69. [PMID: 32922455 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-020-00468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substantial experimental studies suggest a role for helminthes infections in the pathogenesis of allergies, but epidemiologic data have been inconsistent. Unlike to asthma, the association between helminthes infection and allergic rhinitis (AR) has been poorly studied. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the association between exposure to Ascaris and Toxocara infections and AR. Methods We did an age- and gender-matched case–control study of 81 children with physician-confirmed AR and 101 control subjects in a referral hospital for pediatric diseases in northern Iran. Exposure to Ascaris and Toxocara infections was evaluated by anti-A. lumbricoides- and anti-Toxocara- IgG antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations were determined using multivariate logistic regression. Results Ascaris seropositivity was higher in children with rhinitis than in controls (12.34 vs. 3.96%). Ascaris seropositivity was positively associated with AR in univariate analysis (OR, 3.42; 95% CI 1.03–11.3; P value = 0.035), but this association was not significant after adjustment for potential confounders (OR, 1.85; 95% CI 0.42–8.18). Also Toxocara seropositivity was higher in children with AR than in healthy subjects (3.7% vs. 0.99), indicating non-significant association with AR in both univariate (OR, 3.84; 95% CI 0.39–37.7) and multivariate analyses (OR, 0.8; 95% CI 0.04–15.44). Conclusion Our results revealed that AR is not associated with seropositivity to Ascaris and Toxocara infections in general; however, a higher seropositivity rate was found for both parasites in children with AR. More studies with longitudinal design and larger sample size are needed to elucidate this association.
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12
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan helminthic zoonosis caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. The study aimed at a cross-sectional analysis of seropositivity to Toxocara spp. in selected groups of population in Slovakia and an estimate of the risk factors of infection. METHODS For the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on an excretory-secretory (E/S) antigen of Toxocara canis was used. RESULTS The overall seropositivity to Toxocara in 1489 evaluated sera was 3.7%. The seropositivity of Roma children/young people (40.3%) was significantly higher when compared with all other analysed groups. Among adult respondents, the positivity of farmers and hunters (5.5% and 5.1%, respectively) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the other analysed groups (veterinarians and veterinary assistants, soldiers, students of veterinary medicine, and students of other universities). Analysis of infection risk factors showed that living in a rural locality, everyday contact with soil, and everyday outdoor activities (12.7%, 8.8% and 8.3% positivity, respectively) can increase the risk of infection, but the observed differences were not significant. CONCLUSION The results underline the importance of preventive measures and the need for improving of knowledge of toxocariasis among professionals, as well as the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Fecková
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Grzegorz Zaleśny
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Halánová
- P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Štrkolcová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Goldová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Weissová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Lukáč
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Nováková
- Catholic University in Ružomberok, Námestie A. Hlinku 48, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia
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Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a worldwide neglected zoonotic parasitic disease and caused mainly by Toxocara canis, and to a lesser event, by T. cati. There are only 16 epidemiological studies and 5 clinical toxocariasis case reports in 11 Southeast Asia countries and Taiwan (SEAT) that were found by searching data from PubMed in the period from January 1992 to August 2019. The overall seroprevalence in SEAT varied from 3.9% to 84.6% chiefly detected by using T. canis larval excretory-secretory antigen (TcES)-based ELISA. Playing with dogs or contacting Toxocara eggs from the contaminated soil or vegetables or eating raw meats/viscera containing encapsulated larvae seem likely the major risk factors leading to human toxocariasis in SEAT. Nevertheless, undertaking comprehensive seroepidemiological studies to establish the baseline data and beware of clinical toxocariasis cases by physicians as well as establishing adequate serodiagnostic methods in detection of Toxocara infection, e.g., TcES-based immunoblotting method in helminth endemic SEA are strongly required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Macejova Z, Kristian P, Janicko M, Halanova M, Drazilova S, Antolova D, Marekova M, Pella D, Madarasova-Geckova A, Jarcuska P. The Roma Population Living in Segregated Settlements in Eastern Slovakia Has a Higher Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, Kidney Disease, Viral Hepatitis B and E, and Some Parasitic Diseases Compared to the Majority Population. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E3112. [PMID: 32365672 PMCID: PMC7246595 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: The Roma population is one of the largest marginalized population groups in Europe. The aim of our work was to summarize the morbidity of lifestyle-related diseases and infectious diseases in the Roma population living in segregated settlements. Methods: We used data from the cross-sectional study HepaMeta, in which we examined 452 Roma subjects with an average age of 34.7 ± 9.1 years, 35.2% of which were men, and 403 non-Roma subjects with an average age of 33.5 ± 7.4 years, 45.9% of which were men. We collected data by means of a questionnaire, anthropometric measures, and we analyzed blood and urine samples. Results: Roma subjects had a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome (RR: 1.478 (1.159-1.885), p < 0.0001), obesity or waist circumference >94 cm in men/80 cm in women (RR: 1.287 (1.127-1.470), p < 0.0001), and HDL-C < 1.03 mmol/L in men or <1.29 in women (RR: 2.004 (1.730-2.321), p < 0.0001) than their non-Roma counterparts. Subjects of the Roma population were more frequently diagnosed with kidney disease (RR: 1.216 (1.096-1.349), p < 0.0001), HBsAg positivity (RR: 4.468 (2.373-8.415), p < 0.0001), anti HBc IgG positivity (RR: 3.13 (2.598-4.224), p < 0.0001), and anti HEV positivity (RR: 2.972 (1.226-7.287), p < 0.0001). Serological markers of Toxoplasma gondii infection and Toxocara spp. were observed much more frequently among Roma than non-Roma subjects (RR: 1.868 (1.520-2.296), p < 0.0001, for Toxoplasma gondii; and RR: 21.812 (8.097-58.761), p < 0.0001, for Toxocara spp.). Conclusions: Poor socio-economic conditions, an unhealthy lifestyle, and barriers precluding access to healthcare are factors that affect the Roma population in settlements and lead to an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components, kidney disease, viral hepatitis B and E, and some parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelmira Macejova
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Pavol Kristian
- Department of Infectology and Travel Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Janicko
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia; (M.J.); (P.J.)
| | - Monika Halanova
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Sylvia Drazilova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Poprad and Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 058 01 Poprad, Slovakia;
| | - Daniela Antolova
- Department of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Maria Marekova
- Department of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Daniel Pella
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and East Slovak, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Andrea Madarasova-Geckova
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Peter Jarcuska
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia; (M.J.); (P.J.)
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López-Osorio S, Penagos-Tabares F, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ. Prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats in South America (excluding Brazil). Adv Parasitol 2020; 109:743-778. [PMID: 32381225 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a worldwide anthropozoonosis caused by Toxocara spp. nematodes. High prevalences of the disease has been found in developing countries, particularly in regions with poor sanitary conditions. The definitive hosts of the nematodes are dogs and cats, which play a vital role in the transmission of this parasite as humans are considered a paratenic host. The epidemiology of the disease in South America is not clear as it is usually not diagnosed and is not a notifiable disease. This review summarizes information regarding prevalence reports of Toxocara spp. in dog and cats in South America (excluding Brazil). Additionally, and in accordance with the one health approach, reports of contaminated soil in public zones and parks as well as infection/prevalence reports in wildlife species by geographical regions are also included. The findings show the importance of awareness among veterinarians and public health authorities about Toxocara spp. as neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara López-Osorio
- CIBAV Research Group, Medicine Veterinary School, Agrarian Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Felipe Penagos-Tabares
- CIBAV Research Group, Medicine Veterinary School, Agrarian Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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VARGAS NAVA AI, CASTRO DEL CAMPO N, ENRÍQUEZ VERDUGO I, PORTILLO LOERA JJ, BARRAZA TIZOC CL, GAXIOLA CAMACHO SM. Prevalence and Viability of Toxocara spp. Eggs in Soil of Public Parks in Northwestern Mexico. Iran J Parasitol 2020; 15:196-203. [PMID: 32595709 PMCID: PMC7311814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocara spp. is a zoonotic parasite that can infect human; children are the largest group at risk of infection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and viability of Toxocara spp. eggs in the soil of public parks. METHODS Overall, 1180 soil samples from 236 public parks in four sectors of the city of Culiacan were collected at random, between Jun and Dec, 2013. The presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was determined by light microscopy using a centrifugation-flotation technique and viability by trypan blue staining technique. RESULTS Of the 236 parks sampled, 18 were positive to Toxocara spp. resulting in a prevalence of 7.6% and viability of 94.4% with a P<0.05. Detection of Toxocara spp.in soil samples was 16.5% and viability 94.7% with a P<0.05. Parks positive to Toxocara spp., had sports fields and playgrounds (94.4%), trees and green areas (88.8%). CONCLUSION Although a low prevalence of Toxoxara spp. eggs in the soil of public parks was found, they exhibited high viability, suggesting that the soil from these public parks is a source of infection for pets and humans especially children.
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Abstract
The human-animal bond is beneficial for human health, but companion animals also pose a potential threat as vectors of zoonotic parasites, especially in urban areas where both human and dog densities are high. However, the knowledge about parasitic spillover in the urban environment is relatively scarce. The aim of the present study was to reveal which factors determine parasitic contamination in Estonian towns and provide up-to-date information about intestinal parasites of the Estonian dog population. In total, 657 samples of dog excrement was collected over one year of investigation from five towns in Estonia. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate factors predicting infection risk in urban areas. In general, infection risk and intensity models predicted higher infection with endoparasites for small dogs in smaller towns, especially in apartment-house districts and in potential hazard zones. Helminth eggs and Giardia/Cystoisospora oocysts were detected in 64 samples, with an overall prevalence of 9.8%.
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Zdybel J, Karamon J, Dąbrowska J, Różycki M, Bilska-Zając E, Kłapeć T, Cencek T. Parasitological contamination with eggs Ascaris spp., Trichuris spp. and Toxocara spp. of dehydrated municipal sewage sludge in Poland. Environ Pollut 2019; 248:621-626. [PMID: 30844698 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the contamination of sewage sludge produced by municipal waste treatment plants in Poland by viable eggs of intestinal parasites of the genera Ascaris, Toxocara and Trichuris (ATT). Ninety-two municipal, mechanical-biological sewage treatment plants located within Poland were selected. These plants belonged to types of agglomerations: group 0 (large), group 1 (medium), group 2 (smaller) and group 3 (small). Samples were collected at the final stage of sewage treatment after the addition of flocculent to sludge, followed by dehydration. The samples were examined by a method adjusted to examine sewage sludge dehydrated using polyelectrolytes. The viability of the isolated eggs was evaluated based on incubation in a moist chamber. Live eggs of intestinal nematodes were found in 99% of samples. Most samples were contaminated by the eggs of Ascaris spp. (95%) and Toxocara spp. (96%). However, Trichuris spp. eggs were detected in 60% of samples. The mean number of eggs in 1 kg of dry mass (eggs/kg d.m.) was 5600 for Ascaris, 3700 for Toxocara and 1100 for Trichuris. The highest number of ATT eggs was detected in samples from sewage treatment plants located in south-eastern and central Poland. The highest number of ATT eggs was found in sewage sludge produced in large sewage treatment plants (agglomeration Groups 0 and 1), with mean values of 15,000 and 8900 eggs/kg d.m. The present study is the first parasitological investigation conducted on a large number of samples (92 samples) taken from various types of municipal sewage treatment plants located throughout Poland (16 regions) after the common introduction of polyelectrolytes during sewage sludge dehydration. The results of this study indicate that sludge produced in municipal sewage treatment plants is highly contaminated with parasite eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Zdybel
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - Jacek Karamon
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Joanna Dąbrowska
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Mirosław Różycki
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Ewa Bilska-Zając
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Teresa Kłapeć
- Department of Biological Health Hazards and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Cencek
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
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Sivajothi S, Reddy BS. Investigation on Toxocara spp. eggs in hair coat of dogs in YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. J Parasit Dis 2018; 42:550-553. [PMID: 30538352 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-018-1032-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Present study was aimed to record the Toxocara spp. eggs in dog's hair and to analyze the incidence in breed and age wise along with incidence variations in the anatomical locations of hair over the body. Dogs presented to the hospital were screened for enteric parasitic ova and hair samples were collected from the different body regions including head and neck region, ventral and lateral abdomen, perianal and hindquarters and tail region. Out of the 236 dogs, 124 (52.54%) dogs showed Toxocara spp. eggs in the faecal samples and 60 (25.42%) showed the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on their hair. It was noticed that the dogs with long hair showed (36.73%) more incidence than the short hair breeds (17.39%). The incidence of the Toxocara spp. eggs were varied with the presence of the hair at different anatomical locations and it was 36.67% in the head and neck region, 51.67% ventral and lateral abdomen, 86.67% in perianal and hindquarters, 56.67% in the tail region. 25.35% of the dogs were under 1-year-old, 25.98% dogs were between 1 and 6 years old and 23.68% dogs were more than 6 years had the Toxocara spp. eggs in their hairs. In conclusion, the presences of Toxocara spp. eggs in the hair of different breeds of dogs were recorded in the present geographical location and it is a zoonotic alert for the pet owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sivajothi
- 1Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh 516 360 India
| | - B Sudhakara Reddy
- 2Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh 516 360 India
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Aghaei S, Riahi SM, Rostami A, Mohammadzadeh I, Javanian M, Tohidi E, Foroutan M, Esmaeili Dooki M. Toxocara spp. infection and risk of childhood asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2018; 182:298-304. [PMID: 29573999 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory disease worldwide, with a negative impact on quality of life and socio-economic status of patients. There are some evidences to suggest that Toxocara infection is a neglected risk factor for childhood asthma. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to further understanding of this relationship. Five databases include PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), and Google scholar were searched (up to October 2017) to identify the relevant studies. We used random-effects meta-analysis model to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed with the Q-test and I2 statistic. A total of 17 studies including 11 studies with case-control design (1139 patients and 1023 controls) and six studies with cross-sectional design (a total of 5469 participants, 872 asthmatics, and 4597 non-asthmatics children) met the eligibility criteria. An increased risk for asthma was observed in children with Toxocara infection seropositivity (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.47-2.47). In sub-group analysis, the pooled ORs were (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.43-3.15) and (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.23-2.44) for case-control and cross-sectional studies, respectively. Moreover, considering to specific IgE seropositivity, a pooled OR of 2.36 (95% CI, 0.93-5.98) was observed. In conclusion, this meta-analysis revealed that children infected with Toxocara spp. are more likely to have asthma compared to non-infected children. More studies (especially longitudinal studies) are needed to further investigate the impact of Toxocara spp. infection on the onset or development of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aghaei
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Student's Committee Research, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Faculty of Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Iraj Mohammadzadeh
- Non-Communicable Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mostafa Javanian
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ehsan Tohidi
- Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Bindke JD, Springer A, Böer M, Strube C. Helminth Fauna in Captive European Gray Wolves ( Canis lupus lupus) in Germany. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:228. [PMID: 29312968 PMCID: PMC5743660 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive as well as free-ranging wolves, which are currently recolonizing Germany, may harbor a variety of gastrointestinal parasites. This study investigated endoparasites in captive European gray wolves (Canis lupus lupus) using coproscopical methods. Fecal samples were collected monthly between October 2012 and November 2013 from 18 wolf enclosures in 14 German zoological gardens, representing 72 individual wolves. In total, 1,041 fecal samples including 26 bulk samples were analyzed by the sedimentation and flotation method. The most frequently detected egg morphotypes included five nematodes [Ancylostomatidae (Ancylostoma or Uncinaria spp.), Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, and Capillaria/Eucoleus spp.], one cestode (Taeniidae) and one trematode (Alaria alata). 44.76% of all samples were positive for at least one of these egg morphotypes. Overall, Ancylostomatidae showed the highest frequency (30.84% of all samples), followed by Capillaria/Eucoleus spp. (19.88%), Toxocara canis (5.19%), taeniids (3.75%), Trichuris vulpis and Alaria alata (3.65% each), and Toxascaris leonina (1.25%). As fecal samples were collected from the environment and could not be assigned to individual wolves, sample results were combined per zoo and month. General linear mixed models were employed to analyze the effect of season and management factors on the occurrence of Ancylostomatidae, Capillaria/Eucoleus spp., Toxocara canis and taeniids. No statistically significant effect of season was found, whereas anthelmintic treatment negatively affected Ancylostomatidae egg excretion. Detected parasites and their prevalences are comparable to previous studies on wolf parasitism conducted elsewhere in Europe. As many of the most prevalent helminths are of zoonotic importance, routine anthelmintic treatment of captive wolves should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Daniela Bindke
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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22
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Sikorska K. Clinical usefulness of Western blotting and ELISA avidity for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [PMID: 27809350 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is difficult. Specific IgGs detected routinely with ELISA based on Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) antigens often persist for years at an elevated level, which does not allow either the differentiation between an active and persistent infection or monitoring of the effect of treatment. Additionally, false-positive results may occur in co-infections with other helminths due to cross-reactions. We evaluated the usefulness of an IgG avidity index (AI) and a Western blotting (WB) IgG in the diagnosis of patients suspected of Toxocara infection. We studied 138 subjects who were submitted to serological testing two or more times. Confirmation of an infection by WB was achieved in 73.2% of patients. A high AI was obtained in 89.1% of patients, and low AI and borderline AI were found in only 10.9%. Low and borderline values of AI remained at similar levels in subsequent studies over 2-3 years. The results showed the necessity of obligatory verification of all ELISA IgG positive and questionable results by WB. The index of IgG avidity may be helpful in excluding recent infection, but its usefulness in detecting an active phase of invasion requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - B Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - K Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Santos PC, Telmo PL, Lehmann LM, Lorenzi C, Hirsch C, Mattos GT, Klafke GB, Berne MEA, Gonçalves CV, Scaini CJ. Frequency of Toxocara spp. antibodies in umbilical cords of newborns attended atthe University Hospital in Southern Brazil and factors associated with infection. Acta Trop 2017; 170:43-7. [PMID: 28188768 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a neglected and geographically widespread parasitic disease. The detection of specific antibodies associated with this disease is required to confirm its clinical diagnosis and to aid in prevention. Although helminth infection during pregnancy can promote foetal immune responses with long-term effects, specific information regarding the risk of Toxocara spp. infection to the human foetus during pregnancy is lacking. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the frequency of antibodies against Toxocara spp. in umbilical cord serum samples to determine the neonatal risk factors associated with Toxocara spp. infection. A cross-sectional study of the frequency of specific antibodies against Toxocara spp. was performed on umbilical cord samples of 280 neonates. A cord blood sample was obtained from each newborn after parturition, and serum samples were examined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Epidemiological data were obtained through a questionnaire regarding obstetric history (abortion history, premature birthhistory, and pregnancy and birth numbers), general aspects (animal contact anddiet) and socio-economic factors. The frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies in the umbilical cords of neonates was 20% in serum pre-adsorbed with Ascaris spp. antigen. Family income and dog ownership were considered risk factors associated with infection. No association was found between reproductive disorders and Toxocara seropositivity. The 20% frequency rate of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies in sera from umbilical cords of newborns can be related to IgG binding at the maternal-foetal interface, requiring greater care during pregnancy. Anti-Toxocara IgM and IgE antibodies no were found in umbilical cord serum samples, indicating that no vertical transmission of these parasites occurred in this population. Studies regarding antibodies against Toxocara spp. in umbilical cord sera are important for determining neonatal exposure to these parasites.
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PEZESHKI A, HANILOO A, ALEJAFAR A, MOHAMMADI-GHALEHBIN B. Detection of Toxocara spp. Eggs in the Soil of Public Places in and Around of Ardabil City, Northwestern Iran. Iran J Parasitol 2017; 12:136-142. [PMID: 28761471 PMCID: PMC5522691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is contained in the list of neglected diseases. The infection occurs after ingestion of embryonated eggs in contaminated soil. The present study was carried out to estimate the extent of soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in the public places. METHODS Soil samples were collected randomly from 41 public places in various parts in and around of Ardabil, Iran, between March 2013 and March 2014. Data were examined by microscopy following sodium nitrate flotation. RESULTS Of the 200 collected soil samples, 35 (17.5%) were positive for soil parasites. The eggs of Toxocara spp. were found in 14 (7%) soil samples. CONCLUSION This investigation gives baseline knowledge regarding soil contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs in Ardabil city and provides information for local control of toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali PEZESHKI
- Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali HANILOO
- Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Asghar ALEJAFAR
- Dept. of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Behnam MOHAMMADI-GHALEHBIN
- Dept. of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran,Correspondence
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25
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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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. Iran J Parasitol 2015; 10:482-9. [PMID: 26622304 PMCID: PMC4662749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [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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Farghly AM, Mohamed SM, Abdel-Rahman SA, Mohammed FE, El-Bahaie ES, El-Shafey MA. The relation between the prevalence of soil transmitted parasites in the soil and among school children in Zagazig district, Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2016; 40:1021-9. [PMID: 27605831 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminths are highly prevalent throughout the developing countries of the world and Egypt is categorized as one of the developing countries. This study aimed to detect the relation between the presence and prevalence of STH in the soil and their reflection on the prevalence among school-children living in rural and urban areas in Zagazig district, Egypt. The present study was carried out on (859) school-children aged 6-13 years in Zagazig district all over the year 2013. They were subjected to stool examination. Out of them 100 suspected children were serotested for anti-TES IgG antibodies Toxocara spp. Soil samples also were collected from their places and regions. The results showed overall prevalence of parasitic infections was 21.07 % for helminthic infection and 39.46 % for protozoa. The prevalence of parasitic infections was more among children in rural areas (28, 49.2, 11.1 %) than those who live in urban areas (6.4, 18, 2.2 %) for helminths, protozoa and Toxocara as the most prevalent helminth respectively. Highly significant association was found between soil-transmitted helminthic infections detected by stool examination of the studied children group and the prevalence of geohelminthes in the examined soil samples, taken from residency areas of those children. This association was missed regarding protozoal infections. According to the results, low level of education and consequently poor socio-economic and hygienic conditions of families appear to be powerful determinants of infection. Thus, improving environmental sanitation is imperative for the control of soil-transmitted helminths.
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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. Korean J Parasitol 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Khademvatan S, Abdizadeh R, Tavalla M. Molecular characterization of Toxocara spp. from soil of public areas in Ahvaz southwestern Iran. Acta Trop 2014; 135:50-4. [PMID: 24695242 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the microscopy and polymerase chain reaction methods were used for detection and identification of soil contamination by Toxocara eggs in squares, streets, public parks, and rubbish dumps in Ahvaz, southwestern Iran. A total of 210 soil samples were collected from different parts of the city and examined by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, following sodium nitrate flotation. Nucleotide sequencing was performed to confirm the results of the PCR method. Toxocara eggs were found in 64 and 71 soil samples using the microscopy and PCR methods, respectively. The highest contamination rate was observed in the central part of Ahvaz (39.5% and 46.5% by the microscopy and PCR methods, respectively). Based on internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) PCR identification, 28% of the samples were diagnosed as Toxocara cati and 5.7% as Toxocara canis; no mixed contamination was observed. DNA sequencing of the ITS2 gene confirmed our findings. Compared to the conventional microscopic detection following by flotation, used as the gold standard, the PCR method appears to be rapid and sensitive as well as allows analysis of Toxocara spp. isolated from soil independent of the stage of egg development. Therefore, the PCR method appears to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis and differentiation of Toxocara spp. from soil samples in epidemiological studies, and will help the local health systems in effective prevention and control of disease.
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