The global prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abedi, Behnam; Akbari, Mehran; KkodaShenas, Sahar; Tabibzadeh, Alireza; Abedi, Ali Jafar; Ghasemikhah, Reza; Soheili, Marzieh; Bayazidi, Shnoo; Moradi, Yousef

doi:10.3345/cep.2020.01039

Cited by 10 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 48 publications

(37 reference statements)

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“…A recent meta-analysis study has shown that frequency of anti- Toxocara antibodies in pediatric population worldwide was approximately 30% (IC = 22–37%: I 2 = 99.11%; p < 0.05), similarly to the present study of 31.8% prevalence in under-18 individuals ( 26 ). Despite another up-to-date survey has also found youth as likely risk factor for toxocariasis (OR = 1.89; IC = 1.72–12.8), authors have not assessed presence of dog and cat contact as associated risk factor for youngers ( 4 ).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…Assessment of potential associated risk factor related to seroprevalence of anti- Toxocara (IgG) antibodies and contact with dogs and cats was made by evaluation of odds ratio (OR) and Confidence Interval (CI) of 95%. Forest plots were constructed to present results of meta-analysis in a schematic fashion and with funnel graphics (each study was represented by a proportional effect size), and it was performed to assess publication bias ( 26 , 27 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dog and Cat Contact as Risk Factor for Human Toxocariasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Merigueti

Giuffrida

Silva

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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Toxocariasis, a neglected parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution, has been reportedly associated to different risk factors in several epidemiological and meta-analysis studies. However, dog and cat contact (environmental and animal exposure) as isolated associated risk factor for children and adults remains to be fully established. Accordingly, the present meta-analysis has aimed to directly assess dog and cat contact for toxocariasis seropositivity in under-18 and adult persons, using a survey strategy of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus and Scielo Databases, from January 2009 to December 2021. A meta-analysis model of random effects was applied to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the Cochran Q-Test and I2 values. A total of 41 transversal studies (n = 20.515 individuals) from different geographic regions (classified by the World Health Organization) were included herein. In overall, 1,882/13,496 (13.95%; 95% IC = 13.4–14.5) youngers and 513/7.019 (7.3%; 95% CI = 6.7–7.9) adults in contact with dogs or cats were serologically reagent for anti-Toxocara antibodies. Association of dog and cat contact was observed only in youngers, with both dogs (OR = 1.53; p < 0.0001) and cats (OR = 1.64; p = 0.0001). In addition, association of dog and contact and serology was statistically significant in populations of Americas (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.1–1.7), Middle East (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6–5.1) and West Pacific (OR = 1.6; 95% IC = 1.3–1.9). In conclusion, contact with dogs and cats, particularly by younger individuals and in regions such as Americas, Middle East, and West Pacific, should be always a public health concern for toxocariasis. Moreover, dogs and cats should be periodically dewormed, washed and hair cleaned prior to contact with youngers. Finally, robust statistical results herein may serve as basis for future strategies and preventive measures for safer dog and cat contact.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dog and Cat Contact as Risk Factor for Human Toxocariasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Merigueti

Giuffrida

Silva

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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“…A high distribution of toxocariasis is observed in both industrial and developing countries [ 7 ]. The seroepidemiology of toxocariasis in different geographic regions is diverse, which has been reported from 3% to 79% globally with an upstream in Asian countries [ 8 ]. In a study, 22.3% of suspected people in Bulgaria were Toxocara seropositive [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seroprevalence of Toxocariasis and Its Associated Risk Factors among Adult Population in Kavar District, Fars Province, South of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Seroepidemiological Survey

Pezeshkian

Pouryousef

Omidian

et al. 2023

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases

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Toxocariasis as a common neglected disease is the culprit of infecting all age groups. The current cross-sectional study was designed to assess the seroprevalence of toxocariasis and risk factors associated with seropositivity of Toxocara infection among the general population of adults in the Kavar district, south of Iran. A total of 1060 participants with an age range of 35 to 70 years from the Kavar region entered the study. Manual ELISA was utilized to detect anti-Toxocara-specific antibodies in their serum samples. In addition, demographic information as well as risk factors related to toxocariasis was collected from individuals who participated in the survey. The mean age of the participants was 48.9 (±7.9) years old. Out of 1060 subjects, 532 (50.2%) were men, and 528 (49.8%) were women. The overall Toxocara seroprevalence was 5.8% (61/1060). The prevalence of Toxocara seropositive cases was significantly different between males and females ( p = 0.023). The seropositive rate for Toxocara infection was also significantly higher in housewives ( p = 0.003) and subjects with learning disabilities ( p = 0.008). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that housewives (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.18–3.51, p = 0.010) and subjects with learning disability (OR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.29–8.52, p = 0.013) were at increased risk of Toxocara infection. The findings of the current study depicted a noticeable seroprevalence of Toxocara infection in the general population in the Kavar district, southern Iran. An increased risk of toxocariasis has been associated with learning disabilities and being a housewife. All of the toxocariasis-positive cases had contact with animals, at some point in their life. In perspective, it is necessary to raise awareness of this infection among the population while surveilling Toxocara infection in high-risk groups.

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“…People with low levels of education, living in poverty, or in areas with a lower Human Development Index (a composite measure of life expectancy, education and national income), poor sanitation and hygiene 8 18–20…”

Section: Risk Factors For Infectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxocarosis in humans: how much of a problem is it in the UK?

Patterson

2022

DTB

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Toxocara canis(from dogs) is recognised as a potential cause of human toxocarosis, butToxocara cati(from cats) and other species (eg,Toxascaris leoninafound in foxes) are also possible causes. Most colonisation withToxocaraspecies does not lead to symptomatic infection in well-cared for adult animals; young and debilitated animals are at greater risk. Humans can acquire infection from infected animals, for example, via soil contaminated with faeces; however, most human infections are asymptomatic, with symptomatic infection being very rare in the UK. The risk of human infection is reduced by measures such as hand washing and responsible disposal of dog faeces. Some organisations recommend regular prophylactic treatment of pet dogs and cats. However, there are concerns that some parasiticides are contaminating the environment. As an example of a One-Health problem there is a potential conflict between the needs of animal health, human health and the health of the wider ecosystem. Also, considering that only about 5% of non-juvenile household dogs shedToxocaraeggs at a given time, it has been questioned whether it is worthwhile to invest in frequent blind treatments. British veterinary organisations have suggested less frequent treatment may be more appropriate and should be based on individual risk assessment and faecal examinations for worms rather than blanket regular prophylactic treatment, which could reduce the impact of parasiticides on the environment without greatly increasing the risks to animal or human health.

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The global prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cited by 10 publications

References 48 publications

Dog and Cat Contact as Risk Factor for Human Toxocariasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dog and Cat Contact as Risk Factor for Human Toxocariasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Seroprevalence of Toxocariasis and Its Associated Risk Factors among Adult Population in Kavar District, Fars Province, South of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Seroepidemiological Survey

Toxocarosis in humans: how much of a problem is it in the UK?

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