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Santarém VA, Pinto GLB, de Souza Filho RT, Ferreira IB, Lescano SAZ, Gonzáles WHR, Kosloski J, Ribeiro J, Giuffrida R, Dos Santos AP, Kmetiuk LB, Biondo AW. Risk factors for toxocariasis during incarceration: the One Health intervention approach. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19470. [PMID: 37945589 PMCID: PMC10636119 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45484-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite potential exposure to soil-transmitted helminths, especially when stray dogs and cats are present, toxocariasis in inmate populations remains to be established. Accordingly, the present study assessed the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, Brazil. A total of 234/370 (63.2%; 95% CI 58.2-68.0) women inmates and 28/87 (32.2%; 95% CI 23.3-42.6) correctional officers were seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG by ELISA, with inmates 2.62-fold more likely positive (p = 0.00000026). The univariate model has identified that non-white (OR = 1.58, p = 0.047) and older than 39 years (OR = 1.28, p = 0.032) inmates were associated with mild but significant odds for seropositivity. Elementary or higher educational level was considered a protective factor for seropositivity. The presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 10/15 (66.7%) collected soil samples by centrifuge-flotation in Zinc Sulfate, and molecular analysis by PCR identified only Toxocara cati in these eggs. An intervention program was established with regular trap-neuter-release, with gradual removal for adoption (donation campaigns), treatment, and euthanasia when necessary (particularly due to advanced sporotrichosis). In addition, an educational awareness agenda was proposed, aiming to reduce soil contamination and accidental intake by the incarcerated population. A total of 40 feral cats were trapped, 20 males and 20 females, mostly adults. After trapping, 36 cats were neutered, treated, and microchipped in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Federal University of Paraná. Five trapped feral cats were euthanized, four diagnosed with advanced sporotrichosis, and one already neutered cat (not herein) with complications due to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Female inmates presented higher seroprevalence for Toxocara spp. antibodies when compared to correctional officers, significantly associated with age, self-declared ethnicity (non-white), and lack of formal education. Despite the non-natural scenario of a state penitentiary, the One Health approach of Toxocara spp. has highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the study and its relevance in understanding the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental factors, particularly impacting female inmates. Further studies should establish the rate of inmate infection over time while deprived of liberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Luís Brucinski Pinto
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR), 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Roberto Teixeira de Souza Filho
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil
| | - Isabella Braghin Ferreira
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jully Kosloski
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR), 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Juliano Ribeiro
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR), 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, 19050-920, Brazil
| | | | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR), 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR), 80035-050, Brazil.
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McKim S, Kopystynsky K, Wolf N, Akbar FA, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Mejia R. Environmental detection of parasites in the marginalized Paiute reservations compared to a nearby area. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.10.24.23297407. [PMID: 37961205 PMCID: PMC10635189 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.23297407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The amounts of parasite DNA in soil samples from different playgrounds and other public areas can help identify areas of possible microbe transmission as well as giving indications of possible occurrence of parasite infection in nearby communities. We collected 207 soil samples from parks located on Paiute indigenous tribal areas in southwest Utah and from higher income city of St. George, Utah, and tested them for the presence of 11 parasites that can cause human disease. Molecular tests revealed elevated odds ratio of detecting the helminth Trichuris trichiura 3.072 (1.114 to 8.065) and any protozoa (not including Acanthamoeba ) 3.036 (1.101 to 7.966) in the tribal land playgrounds compared to St. George parks. These findings support previous studies showing that areas in lower socioeconomic communities, especially marginalized communities, tend to have higher presence of parasites in the soil that may lead to higher rates of disease prevalence.
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Fortini MB, Erickson TA, Leining L, Robinson K, Carey MN, Smith SJ, Sullivan B, Nelson A, Gunter SM, Weatherhead JE. Review of Toxocariasis at a Children's Hospital Prompting Need for Public Health Interventions. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:862-866. [PMID: 37625080 PMCID: PMC10754417 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis, caused the by dog and cat roundworm, is one of the most common zoonotic helminth infections in the United States and can lead to severe lifelong morbidity in children. Although historical seroprevalence studies have identified a high frequency of toxocariasis regionally in the United States, there are few studies linking epidemiology and clinical disease in children. The study objective was to examine the contemporary epidemiology of pediatric toxocariasis within an endemic US region. METHODS We conducted an epidemiologic study analyzing children diagnosed with toxocariasis presenting to a tertiary pediatric hospital in Texas from 2010 to 2021. We examined risk factors and performed a geospatial analysis, including a comparative analysis of human cases and locations of surrendered infected stray animals in the same region. RESULTS Children diagnosed with toxocariasis were most commonly of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (30/46; 65%), white race (41/45; 91%) and receiving Medicaid (34/44, 77%). Many infected children had contact with dogs or cats. Ocular toxocariasis was associated with a lack of peripheral eosinophilia ( P < 0.001). No other Toxocara syndromes were associated with defined absolute eosinophil count levels. Post-treatment resolution of eosinophilia was variable, ranging from 1 to 172 weeks. A Toxocara hotspot was identified in northeast Houston, comprising one of the lowest median household incomes in the region. CONCLUSIONS Toxocariasis is a devastating zoonotic infection in children living in the US. As it is not a reportable disease, the true burden remains unknown. It is critical to increase awareness of toxocariasis to direct public health interventions and ultimately reduce Toxocara -induced morbidity in US children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary B. Fortini
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
| | - Timothy A. Erickson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
| | - Lauren Leining
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
| | - Karina Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
| | - Megan N. Carey
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
| | - Sarah J. Smith
- Veterinary Public Health, Harris County Public Health, Houston, TX
| | - Brendan Sullivan
- Veterinary Public Health, Harris County Public Health, Houston, TX
| | - Alisa Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Sarah M. Gunter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jill E. Weatherhead
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX
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Hosahalli Vasanna S, Paul Lim P, Ahuja S. Wheezing and Hypereosinophilia in a 3-year-old Girl. Pediatr Rev 2023; 44:S25-S28. [PMID: 37777229 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2022-005728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Paul Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital/University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH
| | - Sanjay Ahuja
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
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Said A, Khattak I, Abbas RZ, Khan MK, Saleemi MK, Budke CM, Verocai GG. Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure groups in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1159-1166. [PMID: 36890297 PMCID: PMC9995258 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a highly prevalent zoonosis worldwide but is underreported in most countries. This study was conducted to evaluate Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure sub-groups located in the Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from males 15 years of age and older with no animals, with livestock, with dogs and/or cats living in the house, and from butchers and veterinarians or para-veterinarians. Serum was tested using a commercial ELISA kit for detection of IgG antibodies against T. canis. Proportion seropositive was presented for each group and differences between groups were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Possible risk factors obtained through administration of a questionnaire were also evaluated for each sub-population. Overall T. canis seroprevalence was 14.2%, with a significant difference found between the seroprevalence of individuals with no animals (5.0%; 5/100), individuals with dogs and/or cats living in the household (8.0%; 8/100), individuals with livestock (18.0%; 18/100), veterinarians or para-veterinarians (24.0%; 12/50), and butchers (28.0%; 14/50) (p < 0.001). Significant differences in seropositivity by income bracket, education level, and working in the fields were found for some sub-groups. Study findings demonstrate that certain sub-populations, in Northwest Pakistan, may be at greater risk of T. canis infection. Development and implementation of targeted preventive strategies may, therefore, be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsalan Said
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Khattak
- College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Rao Zahid Abbas
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kasib Khan
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Christine M Budke
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Jowsey GW, McLeod GX. A delayed diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis presenting as total monocular retinal detachment in an immunocompetent 57-year-old male. IDCases 2023; 32:e01764. [PMID: 37122593 PMCID: PMC10130852 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A healthy 57-year-old man present to outpatient ophthalmological services in southwestern Connecticut with a 16-month history of unilateral periorbital pain, photophobia, and progressively decreasing visual acuity in his left eye. Prior extensive work-up for uveitis in his home state of Mississippi had yielded no etiology for his symptoms, and empiric therapy with glucocorticoid eye drops had not halted their decline. Fundoscopic examination demonstrated total combined retinal detachment of the left eye. Extensive repeat serological and immunological screening was positive for Toxocara immunoglobulin-G, consistent with a diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis, and the patient completed a course of albendazole with stabilization of symptoms. Despite toxocara being endemic to the United States, diagnoses of ocular toxocariasis are extremely uncommon, with the majority of cases occurring in young children. This unusual case of ocular toxocariasis in a healthy adult serves to illustrate that significant, irreversible morbidity can result from lack of both clinician and public awareness of this parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- George W. Jowsey
- Correspondence to: Greenwich Hospital, 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.
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Hlushko KT, Pavlyshyn HA. Toxocariasis in children with digestive system diseases. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj94.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is common among children and causes digestive diseases. The aim of the work was to study the development of toxocariasis in children with digestive diseases. The serum levels of specific IgG to Toxocara canis and Ascaris, levels of IL-4 and TNF-α were determined in 63 children. In addition, tests for parasites and a retrospective survey in order to assess sanitation and hygiene practices were conducted. All children were divided into two groups: group I includes 19 (30.2%) patients seropositive for toxocariasis, and group II – 44 (69.8%) children without any parasites. The level of IL-4 was higher in group I (18.0 ± 6.4 pg/ml) than in group II (7.2 ± 2.0 pg/ml) (P < 0.001. While the level of TNF-α did not differ significantly between groups I (4.5 ± 2.1 pg/ml) and II (3.6 ± 1.1 pg/ml) (P > 0.05). A higher incidence of Toxocara was observed among rural residents (78.9%). Children with toxocariasis more often had soil-pica (42.1%), played with dogs (100%), and did not wash their hands (84.2%) compared to the group of uninfected children. It was noted that hygienic habits and place of living contribute to Toxocara canis infection. IL-4 levels were considerably higher in group I than in group II that can be accounted for the host immune response activation, at the same time, the levels of TNF-α did not differ. Children without toxocariasis had also increased levels of IL-4, which may be related to past helminthic infection. Keywords: children., digestive diseases, interleukin-4, toxocariasis, tumor necrosis factor - α
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Abadilla MEG, Paller VGV. T oxocara canis prevalence in soil, dog stool, and human serum samples from a rural village in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:889-895. [PMID: 36091278 PMCID: PMC9458842 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01507-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara spp. from dogs and cats. The Philippines is among the countries recorded to have abundant stray cats and dogs; however, few studies have been done to elucidate the transmission dynamics and the potential risks associated with toxocariasis. This study was conducted in a rural village in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines to determine the prevalence of toxocariasis among selected public schoolchildren and identify some risk factors that can contribute to the transmission dynamics of toxocariasis in the study site. To elucidate this, serum samples from 50 public school children (ages 8-13) were tested using a Toxocara canis IgG ELISA kit, while 60 randomly selected households were chosen for collection of soil and dog samples. Sixty soil and dog fecal samples were collected and processed through modified sucrose flotation technique and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, respectively. Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey was conducted per household to determine potential risk factors. Results revealed that 60% of the public-school children examined were positive for anti-Toxocara canis antibodies, while 38.3% of the soil samples and 28% of the dog fecal samples were found positive for contamination with Toxocara ova. Deworming of pets was found to be significantly correlated to risk factors of infection (p < 0.05). This study highlights the potential risks of toxocariasis infection of residents in rural communities. Strict implementation of ordinances related to responsible pet ownership as well as promotion of sanitation and hygiene should be employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Edric G. Abadilla
- Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4030 Laguna, Philippines
| | - Vachel Gay V. Paller
- Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4030 Laguna, Philippines
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Köchle BR, Garijo-Toledo MM, Llobat L, Sansano-Maestre J. Prevalence of Toxocara Eggs in Public Parks in the City of Valencia (Eastern Spain). Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050232. [PMID: 35622760 PMCID: PMC9145089 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. is one of the most common zoonotic geohelminths in the world. Its infections are associated with the accidental ingestion of contaminated soil and affecting, especially children. In this study, feces, and soil samples from 14 public parks in the city of Valencia were analyzed. The Telemann method and a modified version of a sieving technique were used to process feces and soil, respectively. None of the fecal samples and 10.9% of soil samples from five parks (35.7%) tested positive for the presence of Toxocara eggs. The most contaminated areas were the canine sanitary parks (30.8% of the samples), followed by socialization areas for dogs (9.7%); no positive samples were found at children’s playgrounds. Our results suggest that most pets in Valencia are periodically dewormed, although additional preventive measures should be applied, since the risk of infection exists probably due to the presence of stray dogs and feral cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Rose Köchle
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María Magdalena Garijo-Toledo
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Sansano-Maestre
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
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Zhang X, Yang Y, Zheng Y, Hu Y, Rao Y, Li J, Zhao P, Li J. The Value of the Antibody Detection in the Diagnosis of Ocular Toxocariasis and the Aqueous Cytokine Profile Associated With the Condition. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:838800. [PMID: 35419376 PMCID: PMC9000971 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.838800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction To evaluate and compare the specificity of Toxocara canis-specific antibody detection in the serum and aqueous samples for the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis (OT) and explore the cytokine profiles associated with the condition in children. Materials and Methods This is a prospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria were the clinical presentations of OT, which included unilateral vision reduction, typical peripheral or posterior pole granuloma with variable degrees of vitritis, and exclusion of other diagnoses. The titer of antibody against the excretory-secretory antigen of Toxocara canis [T-immunoglobulin G (IgG)] was measured in serum and aqueous samples that were taken from the affected eyes. The diagnosis of OT was made upon positive detection of T-IgG either in the serum or aqueous. The rest with typical clinical presentations as described above but a positive serum or aqueous T-IgG could not be confirmed were diagnosed as suspected OT. Cytokines were measured using multiplexed cytometric bead array system. Results Two hundred and eleven eyes of 211 patients had participated in the study. One hundred and twenty-eight eyes were diagnosed as OT. The median age of the cohort was 7.7 years with a male to female ratio of 2.5:1. Major initial symptoms were decreased vision (74%) and strabismus (22%). The percentages of eyes with peripheral granuloma, posterior granuloma, and endophthalmitis were 40, 18, and 41%, respectively. Vitritis (100%), vitreous strands (64%), retinal fibrotic bands (57%), and retinal detachment (42%) were the most common signs. T-IgG was positive in 66.7% of the aqueous and 57.2% of the serum samples. Forty-four patients were diagnosed T-IgG negative in both serum and aqueous of the affected eyes. Interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, IL-8, eosinophil chemotactic protein (Eotaxin), MCP-1β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were higher in T-IgG negative eyes when compared to controls and further increased in T-IgG positive eyes. However, only T-IgG positive eyes showed increased IL-5, IL-13, and IL-10. IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-12, IL-2, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and IL-4 were undetectable in all eyes. Conclusions Pediatric OT is often present with severe retinal complications. Polarized intraocular Th2 response was only found in aqueous T-IgG positive eyes. Our results supported an aqueous sample-based antibody test for the more specific diagnosis of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqian Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiakai Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Abedi B, Akbari M, KhodaShenas S, Tabibzadeh A, Abedi A, Ghasemikhah R, Soheili M, Bayazidi S, Moradi Y. The global prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Pediatr 2021; 64:575-581. [PMID: 33561339 PMCID: PMC8566795 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2020.01039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in humans. Various types of T. canis are important. PURPOSE The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics in the context of a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS The MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Sciences, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and December 2019 that report the prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics. The evaluation of articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria was performed by 2 researchers individually. RESULTS The results of 31 relevant studies indicated that the prevalence of Toxocara spp. was 3%-79% in 10,676 cases. The pooled estimate of global prevalence of Toxocara spp. in pediatrics was 30 (95% confidence interval, 22%-37%; I2=99.11%; P=0.00). The prevalence was higher in Asian populations than in European, American, and African populations. CONCLUSION Health policymakers should be more attentive to future research and approaches to Toxocara spp. and other zoonotic diseases to improve culture and identify socioeconomically important factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Abedi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Mehran Akbari
- Department of Nursing, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Sahar KhodaShenas
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Tabibzadeh
- Departments of Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Abedi
- Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University of Arak, Arak, Iran
| | - Reza Ghasemikhah
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Marzieh Soheili
- Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Human Revivification Society of Congress 60, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shnoo Bayazidi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Retrospective study of canine endoparasites diagnosed by fecal flotation methods analyzed across veterinary parasitology diagnostic laboratories, United States, 2018. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:439. [PMID: 34465379 PMCID: PMC8406898 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04960-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Companion animal endoparasites play a substantial role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Updated epidemiological studies are necessary to identify trends in occurrence and distribution of these parasites, and their associated risk factors. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of canine endoparasites retrospectively, using fecal flotation test data available through participating academic veterinary parasitology diagnostic laboratories across the United States of America (USA). Methods Canine fecal flotation records from ten veterinary diagnostic laboratories located in nine states in the USA acquired from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, were included. Results A total of 4692 fecal flotation test results were obtained, with a majority comprised of client-owned dogs (3262; 69.52%), followed by research dogs (375; 8.00%), and shelter dogs (122; 2.60%). Samples from 976 (20.80%) dogs were positive for at least one parasite, and co-infections of two or more parasites were found in 3.82% (179/4692) of the samples. The five most commonly detected parasites were: Giardia sp., (8.33%; 391/4692), Ancylostomatidae (5.63%; 264/4692), Cystoisospora spp. (4.35%; 204/4692), Toxocara canis (2.49%;117/4692), and Trichuris vulpis (2.43%; 114/4692). Various other internal parasites, including gastrointestinal and respiratory nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and protozoans were detected in less than 1% of samples. Conclusions These data illustrate the importance of parasite prevention, routine fecal screening, and treatment of pet dogs. Additionally, pet owners should be educated about general parasite prevalence, prevention, and anthelmintic treatment regimens to reduce the risks of environmental contamination and zoonotic transmission. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04960-7.
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Excretory/secretory proteins of adult Toxocara canis induce changes in the expression of proteins involved in the NOD1-RIP2-NF-κB pathway and modulate cytokine production in mouse macrophages. Exp Parasitol 2021; 229:108152. [PMID: 34419413 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Dog roundworm (Toxocara canis) is the major causative agent of toxocarosis, a parasitic disease of both veterinary and medical importance. Knowledge gaps in fundamental and applied aspects hinder the control of this important zoonotic disease. To have a better understanding of Toxocara infection and host immune responses, mouse macrophages were exposed to excretory/secretory (ES) proteins released by adult worms of T. canis in vitro. The messenger RNA transcription and protein expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1), receptor interacting protein 2 (RIP2) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in macrophages were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ɑ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 released by the stimulated macrophages were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found that 20 μg/mL ES proteins of adult T. canis induced the expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB in mouse macrophages at both transcriptional and translational levels after 9 h of incubation in vitro. Incubation with 20 μg/mL ES proteins also modulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-ɑ, IL-1β and IL-6 by the macrophages. Taken together, ES proteins of adult T. canis appeared to be able to affect the macrophage NOD1-RIP2-NF-κB signalling pathway, which might play a role in regulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Further investigation of these aspects should lead to a better understanding of immune recognition of and modulation by Toxocara canis in host animals.
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Waindok P, Kann S, Aristizabal A, Dib JC, Strube C. Toxocara Seroprevalence and Risk Factor Analysis in Four Communities of the Wiwa, an Indigenous Tribe in Colombia. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081768. [PMID: 34442846 PMCID: PMC8401469 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The life of the indigenous Wiwa tribe in northeast Colombia is characterized by lacking access to clean drinking water and sanitary installations. Furthermore, free-roaming domestic animals and use of yucca and/or manioc as a primary food source favor the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths, e.g., Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, the roundworms of dogs and cats. Infection may result in the clinical picture of toxocarosis, one of the most common zoonotic helminthoses worldwide. To estimate the Toxocara seroprevalence in four different villages of the Wiwa community, serum samples from 483 inhabitants were analyzed for anti-Toxocara-antibodies. Overall, 79.3% (383/483) of analyzed samples were seropositive. Statistically significant differences were observed between the four villages, as well as age groups (adults > adolescents > children), while sex had no effect. The high seropositivity rate demonstrates the risk of zoonotic roundworm infections and potential clinical disease in vulnerable indigenous inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Waindok
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany;
| | - Simone Kann
- Medical Mission Institute, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Andrés Aristizabal
- Tropical Health Foundation, Santa Marta 470003, Colombia; (A.A.); (J.C.D.)
| | - Juan Carlos Dib
- Tropical Health Foundation, Santa Marta 470003, Colombia; (A.A.); (J.C.D.)
- Departement of Medicine, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 081001, Colombia
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-9538711
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15
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Young LM, Wiseman S, Crawley E, Bowman DD, Reinemeyer CR, Snyder DE. Effectiveness of Credelio ® Plus, a novel chewable tablet containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner for the treatment of larval and immature adult stages of Toxocara canis in experimentally infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:256. [PMID: 34001224 PMCID: PMC8127296 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ascarid, Toxocara canis, is a common and important zoonotic intestinal nematode parasite that infects dogs globally. An effective treatment that kills any pre-patent stages of immature T. canis could additionally reduce or eliminate the development of patent infections that can result in clinical disease in infected dogs and would further reduce environmental contamination of eggs. Two randomized, blinded, GCP-compliant, pivotal laboratory dose confirmation studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of a new novel combination of lotilaner and milbemycin oxime tablets (Credelio Plus) administered orally to dogs that were experimentally infected with immature (L4 or immature adult [L5]) stages of T. canis. METHODS The commercial tablet formulation of Credelio Plus® was administered in a time frame relative to inoculation with infective eggs. This allowed for effectiveness to be assessed against each specific immature stage of T. canis. In each study, dogs were randomized and allocated to one of four treatment groups. Each treatment group contained ten dogs that had been experimentally inoculated on Day 0 with infective T. canis eggs and then were dosed once on Day 14 or Day 24 using either placebo tablets or Credelio Plus tablets (IP) to provide minimum dosages of 0.75 mg/kg of milbemycin oxime and 20 mg/kg of lotilaner. All dogs were necropsied 5 or 6 days after their respective treatment. At necropsy, all nematodes recovered from the gastrointestinal tract were counted by species and stage. RESULTS In both dose confirmation studies using geometric mean worm counts, effectiveness of Credelio Plus was ≥ 98.6% and ≥ 96.8% against L4 larval stage T. canis and immature adult [L5] T. canis in both studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrated that the Credelio Plus combination tablet administered orally to dogs was highly efficacious against experimental infections with L4 and immature adult [L5] stages of T. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Young
- Elanco Animal Health Research and Development, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Scott Wiseman
- Elanco Animal Health, Priestley Road Basingstoke, Hants, RG24 9NL, UK
| | - Elizabeth Crawley
- Elanco Animal Health Research and Development, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Dwight D Bowman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Daniel E Snyder
- Daniel E. Snyder, DVM PhD. Consulting, LLC, Indianapolis, IN, 46229, USA.
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16
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Hayes B, Wiseman S, Snyder DE. Field study to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a novel orally administered combination drug product containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio ® Plus) against natural intestinal nematode infections in dogs presented as veterinary patients in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:258. [PMID: 34001223 PMCID: PMC8127225 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04766-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A randomised, blinded, positive controlled, multicentre, Good Clinical Practice-compliant, pivotal field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new combination of lotilaner + milbemycin oxime tablets (Credelio® Plus; Elanco Animal Health) administered orally to client-owned dogs naturally infected with intestinal nematodes. METHODS Client-owned dogs presenting to veterinary clinics from households in France, Hungary and Germany were screened for intestinal nematodes. Dogs with an initial positive faecal egg count that was subsequently confirmed with a follow-up faecal examination to demonstrate the presence of naturally occurring mixed or mono-infections with Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis or Ancylostoma caninum were enrolled on Day 0 into the study. Households were randomised in an approximately 2:1 ratio to receive either an investigational product (IP; Credelio Plus tablets) or control product (CP; Nexgard Spectra® tablets) as treatment. Dogs were administered the IP (n = 278) or CP (n = 117) once on Day 0 at a dose rate of 0.75-1.56 mg/kg bodyweight milbemycin oxime and 20.0-41.5 mg/kg bodyweight lotilaner (IP) or as recommended (CP). Effectiveness of the IP and CP treatments was based on the post-treatment reduction in geometric mean faecal egg counts on Day 8 (range Day 7-10) after treatment as compared to their pre-treatment nematode faecal egg counts. RESULTS Geometric mean (GM) faecal egg counts for T. canis, A caninum and T. vulpis were reduced by ≥ 97.2% in the Credelio Plus group and by ≥ 95.3% in the afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime group. There were insufficient data to calculate a percentage reduction in GM faecal egg counts between Day 0 and Day 8 for T. leonina due to low prevalence. Credelio Plus was well tolerated in this field study. Of the 355 total doses administered, 82.3% were accepted free choice in the IP group compared to 80.8% in the CP group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated effectiveness (≥ 97.2% reduction), safety and tablet acceptance of a combination of milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio Plus) administered orally to dogs with natural intestinal infections of T. canis, A. caninum and T. vulpis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Hayes
- Elanco Animal Health, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9XA, UK
| | - Scott Wiseman
- Elanco Animal Health, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9XA, UK
| | - Daniel E Snyder
- Daniel E. Snyder DVM PhD Consulting, LLC, Indianapolis, IN, 46229, USA.
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17
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Lynn MK, Morrissey JA, Conserve DF. Soil-Transmitted Helminths in the USA: a Review of Five Common Parasites and Future Directions for Avenues of Enhanced Epidemiologic Inquiry. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2021; 8:32-42. [PMID: 33552843 PMCID: PMC7847297 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-020-00221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to present a comprehensive look at five intestinal soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) of global health importance that may continue to plague low-income and rural areas of the USA and argue the need for enhanced surveillance of these infections, which primarily affect the nation's most vulnerable groups. RECENT FINDINGS Human STH infections in middle- and high-income countries are at particular risk for being undiagnosed; as common symptoms are non-specific, differentials require a high index of clinical suspicion, and cases are concentrated in areas of poverty where access to care is limited. Although autochthonous STHs are thought to be rare in the USA, infections were once common in the American South and Appalachia and robust epidemiologic surveillance is limited post 1980s. However, recent community studies and case reports from small-scale farms and areas of high rural or inner-city poverty reveal the potential for persisting helminth infections in distinct populations of the country. SUMMARY STHs are among the most common neglected tropical diseases globally causing significant morbidity in underserved communities and contributing to the continuation of cycles of poverty within vulnerable populations. Due to possible severe disease sequalae and their ability to perpetuate poverty and poverty-associated health outcomes within already vulnerable groups, it is vital that surveillance for these infections is enhanced to bolster health equity in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K. Lynn
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Josephine A. Morrissey
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
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18
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Hanh NTL, Lee YL, Lin CL, Chou CM, Cheng PC, Quang HH, Fan CK. Evidence for Asthma in the Lungs of Mice Inoculated with Different Doses of Toxocara canis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2305-2314. [PMID: 32975177 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis, a common roundworm that mainly causes toxocariasis, is a zoonotic parasite found worldwide. Humans, an accidental host, can acquire T. canis infection through accidental ingestion of T. canis-embryonated egg-contaminated food, water, and soil, and by encapsulated larvae in a paratenic host's viscera or meat. Long-term residence of T. canis larvae in a paratenic host's lungs may induce pulmonary inflammation that contributes to lung injury, airway inflammatory hyperresponsiveness, and collagen deposition in mice and clinical patients. This study intended to investigate the relationship between T. canis infection and allergic asthma in BALB/c mice inoculated with high, moderate, and low doses of T. canis eggs for a 13-week investigation. The airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine, collagen deposition, cytokine levels, and pathological changes in lung tissues was assessed in infected mice at weeks 1, 5, and 13 postinfection. The cell composition in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of infected mice was assessed at weeks 5 and 13 postinfection. Compared with uninfected control mice, all groups of T. canis-infected mice exhibited significant AHR, a dose-dependent increase in eosinophilic infiltration leading to multifocal interstitial and alveolar inflammation with abundant mucus secretion, and collagen deposition in which the lesion size increased with the infective dose. Infected mice groups also showed significant expressions of eotaxin and type 2 T-helper-dominant cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Overall, these results suggest that T. canis larval invasion of the lungs may potentially cause pulmonary inflammatory injury and could subsequently contribute to the development of allergic manifestations such as asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Lien Hanh
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Quy Nhon, Ministry of Health, Vietnam.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Lun Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ching Cheng
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huynh Hong Quang
- Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Quy Nhon, Ministry of Health, Vietnam
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Soleyman NM, Darnhofer B, Gruenberger RB, Abnous K, Borji H. Proteomic analysis of soluble protein extract of adult Toxocara cati. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101528. [PMID: 32911377 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara cati is a cat roundworm and the causative agent of toxocariasis as a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease. As no information has been reported so far, identification of T. cati proteins can be useful for the development of new diagnostic strategies. This study was conducted to identify the major proteins in the adult T. cati tegument using bi-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and shotgun proteomics. A total proteins were identified, among them the metabolic enzymes were the largest group, including: Enolase, triose phosphate isomerase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, aldehyde dehydrogenase. The other important protein groups recognized in T. cati, belong to the HSP-family, the structure and motor proteins, such as actin. The role of these proteins have been implicated in parasite-host interactions and modulating cellular immune response, immune regulation in evasion mechanisms of the host immune response. Characterizing T. cati adult proteins play a key role not only in host-parasite interactions, but also in the discovery of drug targets, subunit vaccines against toxocariasis, immunodiagnostic kits for toxocariasis and the identification of novel immuno-modulators that can form the next generation of therapeutic possibilities for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nooshin Mehra Soleyman
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Ruth Birner Gruenberger
- Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology, Graz, Austria; Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria; Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria; Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
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Rezaiemanesh MR, Afzalaghaee M, Hamidi S, Eshaghzadeh A, Paydar M, Hejazi SH. Prevalence of toxocariasis and its related risk factors in humans, dogs and cats in northeastern Iran: a population-based study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 113:399-409. [PMID: 30892638 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is one of the most common zoonotic infections in dogs and cats. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies and identify the epidemiological and clinical features and related risk factors of toxocariasis in the general population along with the prevalence of this infection in dogs and cats in northeast Iran. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, anti-Toxocara antibodies from 1150 urban and rural participants were examined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the stool specimens of 538 dogs and 236 cats were tested using the formalin-ether concentration technique. Sociodemographic data and related risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire and the data on clinical manifestations were obtained from personal health records. RESULTS Anti-Toxocara antibodies were detected in 7.2% (83/1150) of the study population. Risk factors for seropositivity based on multivariable analysis were younger age (p=0.019), living in rural areas (p=0.048), occupations with high exposure risk to toxocariasis (p=0.001), contact with dogs or cats (p=0.003), contact with soil (p=0.001), history of geophagy (p=0.001) and the consumption of raw or undercooked liver (p=0.001). The prevalence of symptoms such as asthma, shortness of breath, blurred vision, abdominal pain and epilepsy were significantly higher in seropositive individuals compared with seronegative ones. Toxocara eggs were found in 15.1% (81/538) of dogs and 34.7% (82/236) of cats. A significant relationship was found between infection in dogs and cats and age, type, place of residence and anthelmintic consumption. CONCLUSIONS Identification of anti-Toxocara antibodies in the general population and the presence of confirmed infections in dogs and cats indicates exposure to Toxocara infection as a public health problem in northeast Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Rezaiemanesh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Monavar Afzalaghaee
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Hamidi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Ameneh Eshaghzadeh
- Health Network Laboratory of Roshtkhar, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad Iran
| | - Maryam Paydar
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran.,Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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21
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The Best Medicine: Personal Pets and Therapy Animals in the Hospital Setting. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am 2020; 32:167-190. [PMID: 32402314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Companion animals can have a positive impact on people's health and well-being. Personal pet visitation and animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can benefit patients' pain, blood pressure, stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as increasing mobility and socialization with staff and families. Implementing personal pet visitation and/or AAI programs requires the involvement of stakeholders from multiple disciplines. AAI is generally well received by staff. Animal presence in the intensive care unit carries few risks for humans and animals but is not risk free. Programs should be designed to minimize these risks. Effective planning can create programs that support patient-centered and family-centered care.
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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] [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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Akhmadishina LV, Ruzina MN, Lukasheva MA, Kyuregyan KK, Mikhailov MI, Lukashev AN. Seroprevalence and incidence of human toxocarosis in Russia. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:419-432. [PMID: 32381210 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Overall incidence of toxocariasis in Russia is low and varies between 1.6 and 2.7 per 100,000, while in several hyper-endemic regions, such as Altay, Kurgan, Perm and Udmurtia, it reaches 43 per 100,000. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in published references was on average 16% and varied across the regions of Russia from negligible in North Siberia to 40% in southern regions of West Siberia. Seroprevalence in adults in five regions of Russia identified in this study was on average 20%, and varied from 3% in Yakutia (north of East Siberia) to 36% in Rostov-on-Don, South Russia. There was no correlation between seroprevalence and reported incidence of toxocariasis; however, the pattern of seroprevalence variation could be linked to Toxocara prevalence in dogs. Toxocariasis seroprevalence has more than doubled over the last 20 years. Diagnostic antibody titres (1:800 or more) were found in 3.6% of sera, suggesting about five million of acute Toxocara invasions per year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyudmila V Akhmadishina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria N Ruzina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A Lukasheva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Karen K Kyuregyan
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia; Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail I Mikhailov
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia; Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander N Lukashev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.
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Toxocara species environmental contamination of public spaces in New York City. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008249. [PMID: 32369482 PMCID: PMC7228133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis has been identified as an under-diagnosed parasitic zoonosis and health disparity of significant public health importance in the United States due to its high seropositivity among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and possible links to cognitive and developmental delays. Through microscopy and quantitative PCR, we detected that Toxocara eggs are widespread in New York City public spaces, with evidence of significant levels of contamination in all five boroughs. The Bronx had the highest contamination rate (66.7%), while Manhattan had the lowest contamination rate (29.6%). Moreover, infective eggs were only found in the Bronx playgrounds, with over 70% of eggs recovered in embryonic form and the highest egg burden (p = 0.0365). All other boroughs had eggs in the pre-infectious, unembronyated form. Toxocara cati, the cat roundworm, was the predominant species. These results suggest that feral or untreated cats in New York City represent a significant source of environmental contamination. These findings indicate that human toxocariasis has emerged as an important health disparity in New York City, with ongoing risk of acquiring Toxocara infection in public spaces, especially in poorer neighborhoods. There is a need for reducing environmental Toxocara contamination. Additional rigorous public health interventions should explore further approaches to interrupt transmission to humans. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are helminth worms that infect dogs and cats, respectively. Infected dogs and cats will defecate thousands of Toxocara eggs into the environment. Humans are incidental hosts and are exposed when consuming contaminated soils via the fecal-oral route. After leaving the gastrointestinal tract, the Toxocara larvae will enter the vasculature and can migrate to any major organ system, including lungs, ocular, and central nervous system. Symptoms can range from mild muscle aches to severe asthma, blindness, and encephalitis. Humans are not definitive hosts of the parasite and cannot transmit Toxocara eggs to the environment or other humans. There is a need for research on the sanitary impact of Toxocara for both humans and animals, especially in large urban cities such as New York City. Poverty is also associated with higher rates of toxocariasis, with more contamination in poorer neighborhoods where animal control, deworming of pets, and less sanitary conditions exist. This study aims to understand further the disparity of lower socioeconomic areas having higher rates of contaminated parks and playgrounds, comparing the five boroughs of New York City.
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Ma G, Rostami A, Wang T, Hofmann A, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Global and regional seroprevalence estimates for human toxocariasis: A call for action. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:275-290. [PMID: 32381202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a parasitic disease transmitted usually from dogs and/or cats that are infected with Toxocara species, and can be associated with a range of allergic, neurological and/or visual disorders. Recent epidemiological research has estimated that ~1.4 billion people worldwide, particularly in subtropical and tropical regions, are infected with, or exposed to Toxocara species, indicating that human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease. Here, we review recent research efforts, consider risk factors, discuss limitations in current seroprevalence estimates, and propose some future research directions towards improved awareness, surveillance, prevention and control of this neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States; Hagler Institute for Advanced Studies at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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26
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Ikotun K, Sowemimo O, Chou CM, Ajenifuja K, Chuang TW, Asaolu S, Akinwale O, Gyang V, Nwafor T, Henry E, Fan CK. High seroprevalence of Toxocara antibodies in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at a university hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 114:301-307. [PMID: 31925444 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a neglected zoonotic disease and its impact on human health is underestimated. Studies investigating the occurrence of toxocariasis in pregnancy are very scarce in Nigeria. This study investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies as well as the possible risk factors in pregnant women who routinely attended an antenatal clinic in a university hospital in Ile-Ife, Osun state. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 413 participating pregnant women between October 2017 and February 2018. Epidemiological data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. The sera were screened for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies by western blot technique based on Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigens, targeting low molecular weight bands of 24-35 kDa, specifically for T. canis infection. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence was 92.49% (382/413). There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence rate of Toxocara spp. infection between pregnant women aged ≤30 y and those aged >30 y (91.63 vs 93.33%; OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.67, p=0.511). The seroprevalence rate increased with the number of miscarriages but there was no statistical significance (p>0.05). Moreover, no significant associations were found between Toxocara spp. seropositivity and other studied risk factors (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The high seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in pregnant Nigerian women needs comprehensive health education regarding personal hygiene and how to avoid exposure to this parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemisola Ikotun
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluyomi Sowemimo
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Kayode Ajenifuja
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology And Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Samuel Asaolu
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olaoluwa Akinwale
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Vincent Gyang
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Timothy Nwafor
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Henry
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
This review covers the systematics and nomenclature of the Ascaridoid genus toxocara, and more specifically the species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Also discussed is the discovery of the persistence of these larvae in the tissues of paratenic hosts, and the role that other species of this genus might or could play in other such hosts; including those where the life cycle has been described, i.e., Toxocara vitulorum, Toxocara pteropodis, Toxocara mackerrasae, and Toxocara tanuki. Also examined is the work that led to the realization that the larval stage leaving the egg actually being a third rather than a second stage larva. Also discussed on the work showing that the larvae can persist in paratenic host with remarkable longevity without undergoing any morphological change for years and that these larvae can be transmitted from one paratenic host to another by ingestion. People are usually infected by the ingestion of eggs containing third-stage larvae, but infections also occur on occasions from the ingestion of uncooked paratenic hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwight D Bowman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.
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28
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Bradbury RS, Panicker IS. Toxocara seroprevalence in Canada-Climate, environment and culture. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:291-316. [PMID: 32381203 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human infection with larvae of canine and feline roundworms belonging to the genus Toxocara can lead to devastating visceral, neural or ocular larvae migrans disease. However, such overt disease represents a fraction of cases. Far more common is covert toxocariasis, a less severe, but clinically symptomatic form of disease, and those who are exposed to infective larvae and seroconvert, but appear to be asymptomatic. Canada represents a unique epidemiological environment for Toxocara infection and exposure. Although the freezing conditions of the vast Arctic Tundra region of the North are thought unlikely to support the lifecycle of Toxocara spp., exposure and seroconversion does occur in people belonging to Inuit communities of this region. Further south, in the sub-Arctic of northern Quebec and Saskatchewan, there is a higher seroprevalence in many Canadian First Nations communities. The epidemiology of these infections is different to that seen in the non-Indigenous communities of the Humid Continental region. Poverty and climate play a major part in the risk of Toxocara seropositive status in Canada, but other factors such as unique cultural practices, population density of humans and reservoir hosts, and contact with wildlife are also factors in exposure and subsequent seroconversion in Canadian communities. This review discusses previous Toxocara seroprevalence studies performed in Canada, summarizes the data for domestic and wild animal reservoir hosts of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, Toxocara vitulorum and the closely related helminth, Toxascaris leonina. It also discusses how the unique and varied aspects of climate, culture and environment impacts human Toxocara exposure in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Berwick, VIC, Australia.
| | - Indu S Panicker
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Berwick, VIC, Australia
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29
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Aghamolaie S, Seyyedtabaei SJ, Behniafar H, Foroutan M, Saber V, Hanifehpur H, Mehravar S, Rostami A. Seroepidemiology, modifiable risk factors and clinical symptoms of Toxocara spp. infection in northern Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 113:116-122. [PMID: 30407595 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/try118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is one of the most important and widespread neglected tropical infectious diseases. We designed a cross-sectional study to assess the seroepidemiological aspects of toxocariasis among the general population in northern Iran. A total of 630 rural subjects were enrolled to participate in the study. The presence of anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) was tested using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A structured questionnaire was also used to evaluate the potential risk factors and related clinical signs/symptoms. The presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was detected in 148 of the 630 rural subjects (23.5% [95% confidence interval {CI} 21.8 to 25.1]). By multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 2.89 [95% CI 1 to -8.3], p=0.04), eating improperly washed vegetables (OR 4.05 [95% CI 2.47 to 6.64], p<0.001), contact with dogs (OR 3.31 [95% CI 2.13 to 5.12], p<0.001) and exposure to soil (OR 3.56 [95% CI 2.13 to 5.13], p<0.001) were significantly associated with the seroprevalence of Toxocara. The clinical study also demonstrated that the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was significantly associated with asthma (OR 3.78 [95% CI 1.63 to 8.75], p<0.001) and ophthalmic disorder (OR 1.83 [95% CI 1.04 to 3.21], p=0.034). The findings proved that residents of rural communities in tropical regions may be heavily exposed to Toxocara spp. We highly recommend more investigations in high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Aghamolaie
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Javad Seyyedtabaei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vafa Saber
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooman Hanifehpur
- Department of Biological Control and Vaccine, Food and Drug Administration, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehravar
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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30
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Herrick JA, Nordstrom M, Maloney P, Rodriguez M, Naceanceno K, Gallo G, Mejia R, Hershow R. Parasitic infections represent a significant health threat among recent immigrants in Chicago. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1139-1148. [PMID: 32008064 PMCID: PMC7075846 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06608-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic infections are likely under-recognized among immigrant populations in the USA. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate if such infections have health impacts among recent immigrants in Chicago and to identify predictive factors for parasitic infections. A total of 133 recent immigrants were enrolled, filling out a standardized medical questionnaire and providing blood and stool samples. Appriximately 12% of subjects (15/125) who provided a blood or stool sample for testing were found to have evidence of current or prior infection with a pathogenic parasite, of which Toxocara spp. (8 subjects, 6.4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (5 subjects, 4%) were most commonly identified. Parasitic infection was more likely among subjects who had immigrated within the previous 2 years and those with a self-reported history of worms in the stool. The most useful surrogate markers identified for parasitic infections were an elevated immunoglobulin E level (seen in 46.7% (7/15) of subjects with parasitic infections and 20% (22/110) of uninfected individuals, p = 0.04) and the presence of Blastocystis hominis cysts on Ova & Parasite exam (detected in 38.5% (5/13) of subjects with parasitic infections who provided a stool sample and 5.1% (5/98) of uninfected subjects, p = 0.002). Our study found that parasitic infections may be common in recent US immigrants, which highlights an important health disparity among a vulnerable population that merits further study. Additionally, clinical risk factors, symptoms, and laboratory findings traditionally thought to be associated with parasites were commonly found but not predictive of infection in this study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesica A. Herrick
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and International Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 South Wood, M/C 735, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Monica Nordstrom
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Patrick Maloney
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Miguel Rodriguez
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kevin Naceanceno
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Gloria Gallo
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- grid.411249.b0000 0001 0514 7202Science and Technology Institute, Federal University of São Paulo, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Ron Hershow
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and International Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 South Wood, M/C 735, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL USA
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31
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Bradbury RS, Hobbs CV. Toxocara seroprevalence in the USA and its impact for individuals and society. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:317-339. [PMID: 32381205 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara species are intestinal helminths of dogs and cats, the larval stages of which may infect humans and cause severe neural, ocular and visceral larva migrans disease. Such cases of severe overt disease represent only a small fraction of the of the US population who have been exposed and infected with Toxocara, subsequently developing IgG antibodies to the larvae. The true impact of exposure to Toxocara in this large group of Americans remains uncertain. Toxocara antibody positivity is associated with poverty, but other specific risk factors have been identified, including sex, age, rural residence, region of residence, race and exposure to pets. This seropositive status has also been associated with several childhood diseases, including asthma and epilepsy, increased serum lead levels, and poor neurocognitive function. Three large-scale NHANES studies have provided comprehensive datasets, while several smaller studies have explored specific disease associations. Each seroprevalence study must be interpreted in consideration of the sensitivity and specificity of the individual serological methods employed. This chapter summarizes all historical Toxocara prevalence data from dogs, cats and soil in the United States. It then carefully examines all previous human Toxocara seroprevalence surveys performed in the United States. Data from these surveys is assimilated, compared and discussed to determine the validity of findings and to accurately identify risk factors for Toxocara seropositivity. The validity of associations of exposure to Toxocara larvae and childhood diseases such as asthma and epilepsy and effects neurocognitive function within the American context are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Berwick, VIC, Australia.
| | - Charlotte V Hobbs
- Children's of Mississippi, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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32
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Abstract
Toxocara sp. are zoonotic parasitic roundworms that cause infection and morbidity in both developed and developing countries. In humans, infection is thought to be most common in children, particularly those living in poverty, and usually results from consumption of soil contaminated with parasite eggs deposited by dog or cat faeces. Infection in humans results in different clinical manifestations, some more overt like visceral or ocular larva migrans and others more cryptic like neurocognitive delay. Despite its pervasiveness, toxocariasis has become a neglected infection. We review the dynamics of the human-animal interface in the context of this parasite, discuss the challenges in controlling transmission to humans, and cite key areas of research that could enable improved interventions. With political will and proper resource allocation, we propose that effective interventions are possible in the near term.
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33
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Noordin R, Yunus MH, Tan Farrizam SN, Arifin N. Serodiagnostic methods for diagnosing larval toxocariasis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:131-152. [PMID: 32381194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a human infection primarily caused by larvae of Toxocara canis from dogs, and also by T. cati from cats. Children have a more significant risk of acquiring the infection due to their closer contact with pets, and greater chances of ingesting soil. Diagnosis of toxocariasis is based on clinical, epidemiological, and serological data. Indirect IgG ELISA is a widely used serodiagnostic method for toxocariasis, with native T. canis TES most commonly used as the antigen. Western blots, using the same antigen, can be used to confirm positive ELISA findings to reduce false-positive results. Improvements in Toxocara serodiagnosis include the use of recombinant TES antigens, simpler and more rapid assay formats, and IgG4 subclass detection. Also, incorporation of recombinant T. cati TES protein increases the diagnostic sensitivity. Development of antigen detection tests using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, or aptamers can complement the antibody detection assays, and enhance the effectiveness of the serodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Hafiznur Yunus
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Naqiuyah Tan Farrizam
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Norsyahida Arifin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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34
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Nijsse R, Overgaauw P, Ploeger H, Mughini-Gras L. Sources of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp.: An omnipresent parasite. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:585-614. [PMID: 32381219 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Embryonated Toxocara eggs in the environment are considered to be the most important source of human toxocariasis. These eggs, however, are also a source of infection for the definitive and paratenic hosts. Most available literature focuses on Toxocara canis in dogs, or other canids. There are, however, other Toxocara species with their accompanying definitive hosts. Results from studies that modelled patent infections in dogs, cats and foxes show that although dogs are a very important source for environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs, other sources cannot be ignored. For a good understanding of the relative contributions of different definitive hosts to environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs, computational models should be built and fed with data from different fields of expertise as is discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Nijsse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul Overgaauw
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harm Ploeger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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35
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Adeel AA. Seroepidemiology of human toxocariasis in North Africa. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:501-534. [PMID: 32381215 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Seroprevalence studies on human toxocariasis help to assess the burden and the morbidity associated with this zoonosis. This review searched the seroprevalence studies and case reports in six North African countries: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia, since 1990. The search also included studies on the environmental factors related to the risk of transmission. Most of the published epidemiological studies were done in Egypt. Cross-sectional and case-control studies in Egypt demonstrated that toxocariasis is a significant zoonosis that could be associated with conditions like bronchial asthma allergies and certain neuropsychiatric disorders. The population at risk of this infection includes all ages, both genders, in contact with dogs, resident in rural areas with poor housing conditions. The publications from Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria are limited to case reports and retrospective analyses of cases, but the disease is probably under-diagnosed in these three countries. There are no published reports on human toxocariasis in Libya and Sudan during the period covered by the review. Animal studies confirm high infection rates of dogs with Toxocara canis in North Africa. There is also evidence of wide-spread contamination of soil and water with Toxocara spp. eggs. Moreover, the use of untreated wastewater for irrigation in parts of North Africa could be a source of contamination of agricultural products with eggs of Toxocara spp. Population-based studies on human toxocariasis are recommended, using standardized diagnostic tests. These surveys should also assess risk factors to guide preventive measures.
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Baalbaki M, El Najjar M, Atweh S, El Ayoubi NK. Toxocara infection in the differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in the Middle East. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2020; 6:2055217319855757. [PMID: 35145728 PMCID: PMC8822452 DOI: 10.1177/2055217319855757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical step in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is to rule out a heterogeneous variety of multiple sclerosis mimickers, which is crucial in the era of powerful immune-modulator treatments. In this review, we discuss the background of toxocariasis in general, present central nervous system Toxocara infection as one of the multiple sclerosis mimickers in the Middle East, and share our experience about the diagnosis and management of this condition. This entity seems very relevant in a region such as the Middle East, where displacement of populations and conflict can result in non-hygienic food and water management bundles. The diagnosis should be entertained, especially when assessing patients with myelopathy. The presence of a single lesion in the spinal cord with inflammatory features should prompt serological testing for Toxocara IgG and IgM in serum and the cerebrospinal fluid. This infection is treatable, with the regimen of high-dose albendazole being one of the most accepted treatments. Although most cases exhibit a good prognosis, some have residual deficits localized to the affected spinal cord level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayssam El Najjar
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon
| | - Samir Atweh
- Department of Neurology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon
| | - Nabil K El Ayoubi
- American University of Beirut, Cairo street, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
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Rostami A, Riahi SM, Holland CV, Taghipour A, Khalili-Fomeshi M, Fakhri Y, Omrani VF, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Seroprevalence estimates for toxocariasis in people worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007809. [PMID: 31856156 PMCID: PMC6922318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human toxocariasis is an important neglected disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis study to estimate the global and regional prevalence of anti-Toxocara serum antibodies (referred to as ‘T-seroprevalence’) in human populations around the world. Methods We searched five international databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO and Scopus) for seroprevalence studies published from 1 January 1980 to 15 March 2019. We used random effect models to calculate the overall T-seroprevalence (with 95% CIs) in all six WHO regions and worldwide. We also conducted subgroup and linear meta-regression analyses to evaluate the impact of socio-demographic, geographical and climatic parameters on seroprevalence. Results We identified 250 eligible studies (253 datasets) comprising 265,327 participants in 71 countries for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. The estimated global T-seroprevalence rate was 19.0% (95%CI, 16.6–21.4%; 62,927/265,327); seroprevalence was highest in the African region (37.7%; 25.7–50.6%) and lowest in the Eastern Mediterranean region (8.2%; 5.1–12.0%). The pooled seroprevalence for other WHO regions was 34.1% (20.2–49.4%) in the South-East Asia; 24.2% (16.0–33.5%) in the Western Pacific; 22.8% (19.7–26.0%) in the American; and 10.5% (8.5–12.8%) in the European regions. A significantly higher T-seroprevalence was associated with a lower income level; lower human development index (HDI); lower latitude; higher humidity; higher temperature; and higher precipitation (P-value < 0.001). Potential risk factors associated with seropositivity to Toxocara included male gender; living in a rural area; young age; close contact with dogs, cats or soil; consumption of raw meat; and the drinking of untreated water. Conclusions The present findings indicate high levels of infection with, or exposure to Toxocara spp. in many countries, which calls for increased attention to human toxocariasis and improved measures to prevent adverse health risks of this disease. There have been many epidemiological studies on the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection or toxocariasis in humans in individual countries, but there has been no systematic review/meta-analysis to estimate the extent of Toxocara infection or exposure in human populations worldwide. By reviewing 250 studies of 265,327 people from 71 countries, we provide the first comprehensive global estimates of T-seroprevalence in humans to date. The findings indicate that almost one fifth (19%) of the world’s human population is seropositive to Toxocara. The highest seroprevalence rates were found in Africa (37.7%) and the lowest in the Eastern Mediterranean region (8.2%). Individual countries with high HDIs and high income levels usually had low T-seroprevalence rates. Our findings also showed that T-seroprevalence varies markedly among countries, according to geographical location (coordinates) and climatic features. Evidence from this study indicates that human toxocariasis is a prevalent, neglected tropical disease and potentially one of major importance to global public health. Our study emphasizes the need for governmental authorities to pay increased attention to the risks and socioeconomic impact of HT in many countries around the world, and for them to design and implement HT prevention or control programs, considering risk predictors identified here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- * E-mail: (AR); (RBG)
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Celia V. Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Fallah Omrani
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- * E-mail: (AR); (RBG)
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Liu EW, Chastain HM, Shin SH, Wiegand RE, Kruszon-Moran D, Handali S, Jones JL. Seroprevalence of Antibodies to Toxocara Species in the United States and Associated Risk Factors, 2011-2014. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 66:206-212. [PMID: 29020386 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxocariasis results from infection with larval stages of a dog and cat intestinal nematode and causes human morbidity. The current United States estimate of Toxocara exposure is 13.9% (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] III [1988-1994]). Methods We used a multiplex bead-based assay (Tc-CTL-1MBA) with purified Toxocara canis antigen to estimate Toxocara antibody seroprevalence in serum of 13 509 persons aged ≥6 years from NHANES 2011-2014 and identified seropositivity risk factors. We tested a subset of 500 samples with the T. canis enzyme immunoassay used in NHANES III to estimate prior seroprevalence had samples from NHANES III been tested by Tc-CTL-1MBA. Results The age-standardized estimate of Toxocara seroprevalence was 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2%-5.8%), lower than previously reported even after adjusting for increased Tc-CTL-1MBA specificity. Risk factors for seropositivity from multiple logistic regression were older age, non-Hispanic black/Hispanic origin, male sex, living below poverty level, households with ≥0.5 persons per room, less than college education, and birth outside of the United States. Conclusions Toxocara seroprevalence estimates in 2011-2014 were lower than in a study from NHANES III (1988-1994), but seropositivity risk factors remained the same and should continue to be the focus of prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene W Liu
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Holly M Chastain
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sun Hee Shin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ryan E Wiegand
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Deanna Kruszon-Moran
- Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sukwan Handali
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jeffrey L Jones
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Meng X, Xie Y, Gu X, Zheng Y, Liu Y, Li Y, Wang L, Zhou X, Zuo Z, Yang G. Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of dog roundworm Toxocara canis (Nematoda: Toxocaridae) from USA. MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES 2019; 4:2999-3001. [PMID: 33365828 PMCID: PMC7707844 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2019.1666042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The dog roundworm Toxocara canis (Nematoda: Toxocaridae) is an important zoonotic parasitic nematode and cause toxocariasis in human with a worldwide distribution. Herein, the complete mitochondrial genome of a representative of this nematode from USA was determined through next generation sequencing platform. The whole genome was 14,309 bp in size and encoded 12 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs. Phylogeny showed that although T. canis from USA and Australia were more closely related to each other than to that from Chinese, three T. canis isolates clustered together and formed paraphyletic relationships with T. cati and T. malayensis, supporting them as sister species among the family Toxocaridae. These cumulative mitochondrial DNA data should contribute to a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationship of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaduo Meng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Youle Zheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunjian Liu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingxin Li
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhicai Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Rostami A, Ma G, Wang T, Koehler AV, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Macpherson CN, Gasser RB. Human toxocariasis - A look at a neglected disease through an epidemiological 'prism'. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 74:104002. [PMID: 31412276 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis, a disease caused by infection with larvae of Toxocara canis, T. cati and/or congeners, represents clinical syndromes in humans including visceral and ocular larva migrans, neurotoxocariasis and covert/common toxocariasis. It is reported to be one of the most widespread public health and economically important zoonotic parasitic infections that humans share with dogs, wild canids, including foxes, and possibly other mammals. Humans become infected by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs, or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Most infections are asymptomatic, and human disease may go unnoticed, as clinical investigation is often not pursued and/or diagnostic testing not conducted. Sometimes toxocariasis can be associated with complications, such as allergic and/or neurological disorders, possibly including cognitive or developmental delays in children. There is no anti-toxocariasis vaccine, and chemotherapy in humans varies, depending on symptoms and location of larvae, and may include the administration of albendazole or mebendazole, together with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Some recent studies indicate that toxocariasis is having an increased, adverse impact on human health in some, particularly underprivileged, tropical and subtropical communities around the world. Although tens of millions of people, especially children, are expected to be exposed to, or infected with Toxocara species, there is limited precise epidemiological data or information on the relationship between seropositivity and disease (toxocariasis) on a global scale. To gain an improved insight into this area, the present article reviews salient clinical aspects of human toxocariasis and the epidemiology of this disease, with particular reference to seroprevalence, and discusses future research and approaches/measures to understand and prevent/control this socioeconomically important, yet neglected zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Calum N Macpherson
- School of Graduate Studies, St. George's University, Grenada; School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada; Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, Grenada
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Boye B, Wayne M, Sukumaran S, Vijayan V. Blurry Vision and Irregularly Shaped Pupil in a 3-Year-Old Female. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2019; 58:1038-1041. [PMID: 31104486 DOI: 10.1177/0009922819850460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Boye
- 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Michelle Wayne
- 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sukesh Sukumaran
- 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Vini Vijayan
- 1 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Maleki B, Khorshidi A, Gorgipour M, Mirzapour A, Majidiani H, Foroutan M. Prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil of public areas in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Maleki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Khorshidi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, IranDepartment of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mohammad Gorgipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliyar Mirzapour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Myelitis and tenosynovitis attributed to toxocariasis. Joint Bone Spine 2019; 86:405-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Toxocara Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Ilam Children, West of Iran. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.81349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Morgan E, Atenstaedt R, Betson M, Bichard JA, Cable J, Pearson C, Roberts D, Turner K, Watson D. Getting to the bottom of toxocariasis prevention. Public Health 2018; 165:152-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Sarkari B, Alirezaei R, Layegh Gigloo A, Rezaei Z, Mikaeili F, Bahreini MS, Fararouei M. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxocara
infection among children in a rural community in Fars province, southern Iran. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12582. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Roya Alirezaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Akram Layegh Gigloo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Fataneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Mohammad Saleh Bahreini
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; School of Medicine; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Mohammad Fararouei
- Department of Epidemiology; School of Health; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
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Wang Z, Shibata M, Nguyen YTH, Hayata Y, Nonaka N, Maruyama H, Yoshida A. Development of nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Ascaris suum contamination in meat and organ meats. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:622-626. [PMID: 29920343 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ascarid Larva Migrans Syndrome (ascarid LMS) is a clinical syndrome in humans, caused by the migration of animal roundworm larvae such as Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Ascaris suum. Humans may acquire infection by ingesting embryonated eggs, or infective larvae of these parasites in contaminated meat and organ meats. To detect these pathogenic contaminations, a novel nested multiplex PCR system was developed. Our novel nested multiplex PCR assay showed specific amplification of T. canis, T. cati and Ascaris spp. Detection limit of the nested multiplex PCR was tested with serial dilution of T. canis, T. cati or A. suum genomic DNA (gDNA) from 100 pg to 100 ag and found to be 10 fg, 1 fg and 100 fg, respectively. When larvae were spiked into chicken liver tissue, DNA of T. canis and A. suum was detected from the liver spiked with a single larva, while the assay required at least 2 larvae of T. cati. Moreover, the ascarid DNA was detected from the liver of mice infected with 100 and 300 eggs of T. canis, T. cati or A. suum. This nested multiplex PCR assay could be useful for the detection of contamination with ascarid larvae in meat and organ meats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Wang
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Miho Shibata
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Yen Thi Hoang Nguyen
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy, Gia Lam, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Yayoi Hayata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Maruyama
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.
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Fialho PMM, Correa CRS, Lescano SZ. Asthma and Seroconversion from Toxocara spp. Infection: Which Comes First? BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4280792. [PMID: 29888264 PMCID: PMC5977020 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4280792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of seroconversion of Toxocara spp. infection and related variables. We conducted a cohort study of 77 children aged 2-12 years who had negative serology in a previous cross-sectional study. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to describe the cohort, using socioeconomic, behavioral, and health conditions as variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed using seroconversion as the dependent variable, and the remaining variables are treated as independent variables. Asthma was the only independent variable that showed an association with seroconversion, with an odds ratio = 3.57 (1.01-12.6). The incidence of seroconversion from Toxocara spp. infection in the children followed was 10.4 per 100 per year. Previous studies reporting an association of asthma with toxocariasis have only been carried out using cross-sectional studies. Therefore, this study is one of only a few describing the incidence of seroconversion from Toxocara spp. infection, which is relevant for understanding the burden of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susana Zevallos Lescano
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Laboratório de Imunopatologia da Esquistossomose (LIM 06), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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