We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on observational studies to evaluate the possible associations between Toxocara species seropositivity and allergic skin disorders (ASDs). We searched the MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases to 15 May 2018 to identify the relevant studies. We used a random effects meta-analysis model to generate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Fifteen studies, including eight studies with a case-control design (735 patients and 1342 controls) and seven studies with a cross-sectional design (a total of 4804 participants, 1302 individuals with ASDs and 3502 without ASDs), were included in the meta-analysis. We found an increased risk for ASDs in individuals with Toxocara seropositivity (OR 1.75 [95% CI 1.16 to 2.64]). Subanalysis showed that Toxocara seropositivity was significantly associated with urticaria (OR 2.97 [95% CI 1.53 to 5.76]), however, it was not significantly associated with atopy (OR 1.08 [95% CI 0.55 to 2.15]) and eczema (OR 1.62 [95% CI 0.95 to 2.78]). Moreover, the pooled ORs were 2.34 (95% CI 1.32 to 4.15) and 1.27 (95% CI 0.69 to 2.35) for case-control and cross-sectional studies, respectively. The results of our study support hypotheses regarding the existence of a positive relationship between Toxocara infection and allergic disorders, although this association should be further investigated by longitudinal and mechanism studies.

Background: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) or hydatid cyst is one of the most common diseases between humans and livestock that is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The disease is a major health and also economic concern in Iran. Most of the studies on CE in different areas of Iran have been conducted in adults and there is little information about the prevalence of the disease in children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the seroprevalence of hydatid cyst in children in a rural community in Fars province, southern Iran. Children sera samples were evaluated for anti-hydatid cyst antibodies; using a recombinant B8/1 antigen of E. graunlosus in an ELISA system. Subjects: Blood samples were taken from 578 children living in three villages in Sarmashhad district in Fars province, southern Iran. Results: Of the 578 recruited children, 298 (51.6%) were boys and 280 (48.4%) were girls. The mean age of the children studied was 6.8 (± 3.7) years. Anti-hydatid cyst antibodies were detected in sera of 39 out of 578 children, corresponding to a seroprevalence rate of 6.7%. While age, educational level, keeping dogs in the household, and residential areas had no significant influence on the risk of CE infection (p > 0.05), the correlation between sex and seropositivity to CE was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that the rate of seroprevalence of hydatid cyst in children in the rural community is high. The study suggests that preventive measurements including the education of the population should begin in early childhood as a large percentage of the adult CE patients are resulted from childhood infection.

Background: Due to their poor immune system, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and hemodialysis patients are more at risk for toxoplasmosis and its complications than the healthy people. The current study aimed to determine prevalence of toxoplasmosis in these patients and comparing it with healthy subjects in southwest Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on sera and buffy coat of 100 cancer patients, 47 hemodialysis patients, and 170 healthy subjects. IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum were measured by ELISA method. Molecular diagnosis was conducted by PCR method on buffy coat of the seropositive samples. Results: The seroprevalence of T. gondii in cancer, hemodialysis patients and healthy subjects were 13%, 27.7% and 15.9% respectively. Moreover, seropositivity for IgM antibody was 2.1% in hemodialysis, 2% in cancer patients and 0.6% in healthy individuals. Our results were showed there was no significant difference between prevalence toxoplasmosis in case and control group. In molecular survey, only one case (cancer patient) was positive for Toxoplasma DNA. Contact with cats and consumption of undercooked meat were two studied risk factors which had significant associations with T. gondii seropositivity in the hemodialysis patients (odds ratio [OR] = 14.667; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.453-148.045) and control (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.093-8.639) respectively. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients was higher than Healthy Individuals; however, the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in cancer patients was similar to the Healthy Individuals.

No 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&gt;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.