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Infectious Diseases of Poverty Jun 2018Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide, especially in impoverished communities. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide, especially in impoverished communities. This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T. cati, the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats, respectively. In this article, recent advances in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed.
MAIN TEXT
Over the past two decades, we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis. However, lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries, lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden. Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms: visceral, ocular, covert and neural. Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending. Fortunately, multiple diagnostic modalities are available, which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies, can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity.
CONCLUSIONS
Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients, there remains much work to be done. Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers, which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy. Also, further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Humans; Neglected Diseases; Public Health; Toxocara; Toxocara canis; Toxocariasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 29895324
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0437-0 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2020To assess the possible influence of atopy on the clinical picture of human toxocariasis, a retrospective study was carried out using file records for patients who...
To assess the possible influence of atopy on the clinical picture of human toxocariasis, a retrospective study was carried out using file records for patients who attended the Outpatient Clinic of Parasitology in Toulouse University Hospitals. A total of 106 file records for patients who had been diagnosed with common/covert toxocariasis were extracted from the database. Forty-nine patients (20 females and 29 males) were considered atopic since they exhibited a long (≥ 1 year) history of various allergic issues along with a titer ≥ 0.7 kIU/L for specific IgE against at least two out of nine mixes of common inhalant allergens. Fifty-seven patients (42 females and 15 males) were designated nonatopic on the basis of a negative result (<0.35 kIU/L) of the test for specific IgE. Demographic (age and sex), clinical (20 signs or symptoms) and laboratory (blood eosinophil count, eosinophil cationic protein, serum total IgE, and specific anti-Toxocara IgE) variables were investigated by bivariate analysis followed by multivariate regression analysis using "atopy" as the outcome variable. On the basis of our results, the clinical or laboratory picture of toxocaral disease was not affected by the presence of an atopic status.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Antibodies, Helminth; Eosinophil Cationic Protein; Eosinophils; Female; France; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Immunoglobulin E; Leukocyte Count; Male; Middle Aged; Outpatients; Retrospective Studies; Toxocara; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 32400389
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020029 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2012Human toxocariasis is a zoonotic infection caused by the larval stages of Toxocara canis (T. canis) and less frequently Toxocara cati (T. cati). A relationship between... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Human toxocariasis is a zoonotic infection caused by the larval stages of Toxocara canis (T. canis) and less frequently Toxocara cati (T. cati). A relationship between toxocariasis and epilepsy has been hypothesized. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis of available data to evaluate the strength of association between epilepsy and Toxocara spp. seropositivity and to propose some guidelines for future surveys.
DATA SOURCES
Electronic databases, the database from the Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology of the University of Limoges (http://www-ient.unilim.fr/) and the reference lists of all relevant papers and books were screened up to October 2011.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of literature on toxocariasis (the exposure) and epilepsy (the outcome). Two authors independently assessed eligibility and study quality and extracted data. A common odds ratio (OR) was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model of aggregated published data.
RESULTS
Seven case-control studies met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 1867 participants (850 cases and 1017 controls). The percentage of seropositivity (presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies) was higher among people with epilepsy (PWE) in all the included studies even if the association between epilepsy and Toxocara spp. seropositivity was statistically significant in only 4 studies, with crude ORs ranging 2.04-2.85. Another study bordered statistical significance, while in 2 of the included studies no significant association was found. A significant (p < 0.001) common OR of 1.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-2.44] was estimated. Similar results were found when meta-analysis was restricted to the studies considering an exclusively juvenile population and to surveys using Western Blot as confirmatory or diagnostic serological assay.
CONCLUSION
Our results support the existence of a positive association between Toxocara spp. seropositivity and epilepsy. Further studies, possibly including incident cases, should be performed to better investigate the relationship between toxocariasis and epilepsy.
Topics: Animals; Epilepsy; Humans; Toxocara; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 22905274
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001775 -
Parasitology Jan 2022Human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease, which is actually global in distribution and has a significant impact on global public health. The infection can lead... (Review)
Review
Human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease, which is actually global in distribution and has a significant impact on global public health. The infection can lead to several serious conditions in humans, including allergic, ophthalmic and neurological disorders such as epilepsy. It is caused by the common roundworm species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, with humans becoming accidentally infected via the ingestion of eggs or larvae. Toxocara eggs are deposited on the ground when infected dogs, cats and foxes defecate, with the eggs contaminating crops, grazing pastures, and subsequently food animals. However, transmission of Toxocara to humans via food consumption has received relatively little attention in the literature. To establish the risks that contaminated food poses to the public, a renewed research focus is required. This review discusses what is currently known about food-borne Toxocara transmission, highlighting the gaps in our understanding that require further attention, and outlining some potential preventative strategies which could be employed to safeguard consumer health.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Dogs; Humans; Nervous System Diseases; Toxocara; Toxocara canis; Toxocariasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 34694217
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182021001591 -
Revista Do Instituto de Medicina... 2007Infection of humans with embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis (larva migrans) remains asymptomatic, or results in covert or common toxocarosis, visceral larva migrans... (Review)
Review
Infection of humans with embryonated eggs of Toxocara canis (larva migrans) remains asymptomatic, or results in covert or common toxocarosis, visceral larva migrans syndrome, or ophthalmologic and neurologic impairment. Though neurological manifestations of Toxocara canis larvae are rare, toxocarosis remains an important differential diagnosis of various neurological disorders. Manifestations of the central nervous system are dementia, meningo-encephalitis, myelitis, cerebral vasculitis, epilepsy, or optic neuritis. Manifestations of the peripheral nervous system comprise radiculitis, affection of cranial nerves, or musculo-skeletal involvement. If toxocarosis is neglected, ignored, or refused as a differential of these abnormalities, it may be easily overlooked for years. Early recognition and treatment of the infection is, however, of paramount importance since it reduces morbidity and mortality and the risk of secondary superinfection. Like the visceral manifestations, neurological manifestations of toxocarosis are treated by benzimidazole components, most frequently albendazole, corticosteroids, or diethylcarbamazine. If detected and treated early, the prognosis of neurological manifestations of toxocarosis is favourable.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Central Nervous System Helminthiasis; Diagnosis, Differential; Dogs; Humans; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Toxocara canis; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 18026633
DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652007000500002 -
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Dec 1987
Topics: Animals; Animals, Domestic; Ascariasis; Cats; Child; Dogs; Humans; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 3430540
DOI: 10.1177/014107688708001230 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022Toxocariasis, a neglected parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution, has been reportedly associated to different risk factors in several epidemiological and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Toxocariasis, a neglected parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution, has been reportedly associated to different risk factors in several epidemiological and meta-analysis studies. However, dog and cat contact (environmental and animal exposure) as isolated associated risk factor for children and adults remains to be fully established. Accordingly, the present meta-analysis has aimed to directly assess dog and cat contact for toxocariasis seropositivity in under-18 and adult persons, using a survey strategy of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus and Scielo Databases, from January 2009 to December 2021. A meta-analysis model of random effects was applied to estimate (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the Cochran Q-Test and values. A total of 41 transversal studies ( = 20.515 individuals) from different geographic regions (classified by the World Health Organization) were included herein. In overall, 1,882/13,496 (13.95%; 95% IC = 13.4-14.5) youngers and 513/7.019 (7.3%; 95% CI = 6.7-7.9) adults in contact with dogs or cats were serologically reagent for anti- antibodies. Association of dog and cat contact was observed only in youngers, with both dogs (OR = 1.53; < 0.0001) and cats (OR = 1.64; = 0.0001). In addition, association of dog and contact and serology was statistically significant in populations of Americas (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.1-1.7), Middle East (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6-5.1) and West Pacific (OR = 1.6; 95% IC = 1.3-1.9). In conclusion, contact with dogs and cats, particularly by younger individuals and in regions such as Americas, Middle East, and West Pacific, should be always a public health concern for toxocariasis. Moreover, dogs and cats should be periodically dewormed, washed and hair cleaned prior to contact with youngers. Finally, robust statistical results herein may serve as basis for future strategies and preventive measures for safer dog and cat contact.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Child; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Humans; Risk Factors; Toxocara; Toxocariasis; United States
PubMed: 35836995
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.854468 -
The Korean Journal of Parasitology Aug 2020Eosinophilia occurs commonly in many diseases including allergic diseases and helminthic infections. Toxocariasis has been suggested as one cause of eosinophilia. The...
Eosinophilia occurs commonly in many diseases including allergic diseases and helminthic infections. Toxocariasis has been suggested as one cause of eosinophilia. The present study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of toxocariasis in patients with eosinophilia and to identify the risk factors for toxocariasis. This prospective cohort study recruited a total of 81 patients with eosinophilia (34 males and 47 females) who visited the outpatient clinic at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2017 to February 2018 and agreed to participate in this study. The prevalence of toxocariasis was examined by T. canis-specific ELISA, and the various risk factors for toxocariasis were evaluated by a questionnaire survey. Among 81 patients with eosinophilia, 18 were positive for anti-T. canis antibodies (22.2%); 88.9% were male (16/18) and 11.1% were female (2/18). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that males (OR 21.876, 95% CI: 1.667-287.144) with a history of consuming the raw meat or livers of animals (OR 5.899, 95% CI: 1.004-34.669) and a heavy alcohol-drinking habit (OR 8.767, 95% CI: 1.018-75.497) were at higher risk of toxocariasis in patients with eosinophilia. Toxocariasis should be considered a potential cause of eosinophilia when the patient has a history of eating the raw meat or livers of animals in Korea. A single course of albendazole is recommended to reduce the migration of Toxocara larvae in serologically positive cases with eosinophilia.
Topics: Alcoholism; Animals; Antibodies, Helminth; Biomarkers; Cohort Studies; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Eosinophilia; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Meat; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Republic of Korea; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Toxocara canis; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 32871635
DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.4.413 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Dec 2021Toxocariasis is a helminthic infection caused by a nematode that mainly affects populations in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Humans are potential paratenic hosts,...
BACKGROUND
Toxocariasis is a helminthic infection caused by a nematode that mainly affects populations in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Humans are potential paratenic hosts, and clinical disease occurs as a result of parasite migration through intestinal tissue. We present a clinical case of otorhinolaryngological affectation by Toxocara canis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 60-year-old male from Ecuador, resident in Spain for 5 years, evaluated in the emergency department for presenting headache, otorrhea and left ear pain. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reported a large mass of the nasopharynx with infiltration of the skull base, intracranial extension and a lesion in the left pons without being able to exclude metastases. Two Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) biopsies were negative for malignancy. Despite not meeting the diagnostic criteria established by the existing literature, the clinical and radiological presentation, the presence of risk factors, a positive serology for Toxocara canis (IgGELISA) and the absence of alternative diagnosis were considered sufficient criteria to establish toxocariasis with inflammatory lesions in the nasopharynx and pons as the most probable diagnosis. Treatment with albendazole (400 mg / 12 h) and corticosteroids (1 mg / kg for 5 days) was started and continued for one month. Post treatment negative serology, and MRI and CT post treatment controls were performed after one year, both showing a decrease in lesion of the clivus as well as the pons.
CONCLUSIONS
With the appropriate personal history, toxocariasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of infiltrating lesions of the skull base with a negative study of tumor histology. Albendazole treatment has been shown to control and cure the disease.
Topics: Albendazole; Animals; Brain Stem; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Skull Base; Toxocara canis; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 34895158
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06867-1 -
International Ophthalmology Sep 2020Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can cause ocular toxoplasmosis with most complications such as retinal detachment. Toxocara parasite, round...
INTRODUCTION
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can cause ocular toxoplasmosis with most complications such as retinal detachment. Toxocara parasite, round worm, found in dogs and cats appears as larva migrans in humans can cause serious ocular complications such as debilitating vision loss.In Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran, T. gondii infection has been reported to be significant but toxocariasis was rare. However, the frequency of ocular toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis has not been studied in this area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ocular toxoplasmosis and ocular toxocariasis using serological and molecular methods.
METHOD
In this case control study, 310 patients were identified by ophthalmologist as ocular toxoplasmosis and then 5 cc of venous blood samples were taken from each of them. Serum samples and buffy coat were prepared and ELISA was used to detect IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and the molecular PCR was used to detect Toxoplasma DNA parasite in buffy coats. ELISA test was used to detect of IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies.
RESULTS
Totally, for ocular toxoplasmosis, 130 (41.93%) of 310 patients were positive by ELISA, of them 121 (39%) IgG positive and nine (2.9%) IgM positive were diagnosed. Of 121 cases with IgG, 119 (98.35%) were diagnosed with high IgG avidity indicating chronic phase of the infection. For ocular toxocariasis evaluation, antibodies against Toxocara were not detected in any of the samples. By PCR molecular method, 11 out of 310 patients (3.54%) had T. gondii DNA in the blood. In control, in total, 21 cases were detected positive by serology method, which showed a significant difference with the results of the case group(P < 0.05).By PCR method, only three cases showed positive which also indicated significant difference with result of case group (3 vs 9) (P < 0.05). In the control group, also no anti-toxocara antibodies were found.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that T. gondii in Khuzestan province as the etiologic agent of ocular toxoplasmosis and physicians should consider diagnostic methods for identifying the infection when they visit the patients.
Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Protozoan; Case-Control Studies; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Iran; Toxocariasis; Toxoplasma
PubMed: 32424529
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-020-01393-6