Sero-epidemiology of <i>Toxocara canis</i> infection in people attending four educational and therapeutic centres in Alborz Province, Iran

Abstract

Introduction and Objective.Toxocariasis is a common but neglected zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Toxocara species. The aim of this study is to highlight the sero-epidemiology of Toxocara canis infection in the general population of Alborz Province, Iran. Materials and method. Anti-Toxocara canis antibodies were tested in 234 studied inhabitants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic characteristics and consent were obtained from each individual. Results. In total, 33 (14.1%) of the 234 participants (mean age 19.6±8.7 years) had anti-Toxocara canis antibodies. Prevalence of infection was higher in males (16.2%) than females (12.4%). High-titer antibodies were most prevalent among the subjects aged ≤ 20 years, and showed statistical significance (p=0.001). There was significant association between the presence of Toxocara antibodies and the place of residence, keeping dog at home, and contact with contaminated soils (p<0.05). This is the first report of the sero-prevalence and contributing factors for Toxocara canis infection in the general population in Alborz Province. Conclusions. These data confirm the importance of diagnosing human toxocariasis in this region. The findings, in addition to the hygienic status of the population, can be representative of the environmental and animal contamination. Necessary education to avoid contact with suspicious dog and non-contact with soil from infancy should be considered as preventive measures for Toxocara infection.