Epidemiological profile of human toxocariasis in patients examined at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC/SVSA/MS) between 2014 and 2019.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Toxocariasis is caused by nematodes of Toxocara genus, which infest dogs and cats, with humans serving as paratenic hosts. METHODS: The epidemiological profile of patients examined for toxocariasis between October 2014 and October 2019 at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC) was outlined. The frequency of anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were evaluated using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: From a total of 734 samples, 56% were from male (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). Regarding age, the group with the most solicitations were from &#x2264;11 years old individuals (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). Par&#xe1; state had the highest number of exams requested (92%), with the majority from residents of urban areas, accounting for 81.5% of samples (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). The overall toxocariasis seroprevalence was 41.8%, the male sex being the most frequent with 60.9% (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). The most affected age group was &#x2264;11 years old, with a total of 67.8% of positive samples (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). CONCLUSION: The high rates obtained emphasize the need for complementary studies on toxocariasis in Brazil, especially in Par&#xe1; state, contributing to epidemiological surveillance actions in the control of this infection. Besides, health campaigns for domestic and stray animals, also can contribute to a more effective surveillance in controlling parasitic infections and encourages the One Health approach.