Toxocariasis: potential association with bronchial asthma, and pneumonia among pediatric children

Wahab, Wegdan M. Abd El; Ali, Mona Ibrahim; Ibrahim, Shimaa S.; Mohamed, Yasmen A.; Hamdy, Doaa A.

doi:10.1007/s12639-022-01543-w

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Interestingly, in recent years, mounting evidence demonstrates a potential association of toxocariasis to chronic diseases such as asthma [38,39], and cognitive and behavioral disorders, including schizophrenia [40], neurodegenerative diseases [41], and epilepsy [42], making the investigation of the role of the pathophysiologic interactions between host and parasite in the pathogenesis of various systemic disorders a research challenge. This observation seems to be of utmost importance when one considers that helminthiases are the etiology for thousands of deaths and DALY (disability-adjusted life year) annually, and are responsible for a 6-35.3% loss in productivity [43][44][45].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection

Henke,

Ntovas,

Xourgia

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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Toxocariasis remains an important neglected parasitic infection representing one of the most common zoonotic infections caused by the parasite Toxocara canis or, less frequently, by Toxocara cati. The epidemiology of the disease is complex due to its transmission route by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Even though the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control classified toxocariasis amongst the top six parasitic infections of priority to public health, global epidemiological data regarding the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Although the vast majority of the infected individuals remain asymptomatic or experience a mild disease, the infection is associated with important health and socioeconomic consequences, particularly in underprivileged, tropical, and subtropical areas. Toxocariasis is a disease with multiple clinical presentations, which are classified into five distinct forms: the classical visceral larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis, common toxocariasis, covert toxocariasis, and cerebral toxocariasis or neurotoxocariasis. Anthelmintic agents, for example, albendazole or mebendazole, are the recommended treatment, whereas a combination with topical or systemic corticosteroids for specific forms is suggested. Prevention strategies include educational programs, behavioral and hygienic changes, enhancement of the role of veterinarians, and anthelmintic regimens to control active infections.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection

Henke,

Ntovas,

Xourgia

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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“…21,22 Research on the potential link between intestinal nematodes and asthma has increased over the past few years due to the intriguing interplay between parasitic infections and human health. 23,24 There has been some evidence of a link between T. cati infection and asthma, especially during the larval migration. 25 During the larvae's migration, immune responses could be triggered within the human body, affecting asthma development.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the Toxocara cati extract as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation

Bakhshani,

Parande Shirvan,

Sadr

et al. 2024

Immunity Inflam & Disease

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BackgroundThe hygiene hypothesis suggests that early life exposure to helminth infections can reduce hypersensitivity in the immune system.ObjectiveThe present study aims to evaluate the effects of Toxocara cati (T. cati) somatic products on allergic airway inflammation.MethodsBetween 2018 and 2020, T. cati adult worms were collected from stray cats in Mashhad, Iran (31 out of 186 cats), and their somatic extract was collected. Thirty BALB/c mice were equally divided into three groups, including the OVA group (sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin), the somatic administered group (received somatic extract along with ovalbumin sensitization), and the PBS group (sensitized and challenged with phosphate buffer saline). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected to assess the number of cells, and lung homogenates were prepared for cytokine analysis. Histopathological analysis of the lungs was performed, and inflammatory cells and mucus were detected. Cytokine levels (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ovalbumin‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined using a capture ELISA.ResultsThe somatic group significantly decreased regarding the lung pathological changes, including peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and eosinophil influx, compared to the group treated with ovalbumin alone. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐5 and an increase in the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, indicating a shift toward a more balanced immune response. The number of inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid was also significantly reduced in the somatic group, indicating a decrease in inflammation.ConclusionThese preclinical findings suggest that in experimental models, T. cati somatic extract exhibits promising potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating allergic airway inflammation. Its observed effects on immune response modulation and reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration warrant further investigation in clinical studies to assess its efficacy and safety in human patients.

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Toxocariasis: potential association with bronchial asthma, and pneumonia among pediatric children

Cited by 2 publications

References 47 publications

Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection

Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection

Evaluating the Toxocara cati extract as a therapeutic agent for allergic airway inflammation

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