RESUMO
The intense contact of children with domestic animals or environments contaminated with faeces of these animals, together with habits related to lack of hygiene, can facilitate infection by zoonoses. The study evaluated the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis in schoolchildren in the city of Jataizinho, Paraná. Of the 412 children aged 4-15 years, 56.8% (234/412) presented antibodies reactive to Toxoplasma gondii, 42.5% (175/412) presented antibodies reactive to Toxocara canis, and 27.4% (113/412) were reactive for the two species. The analysis of risk factors showed that prevalence of toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis was associated with the level of education of the child's mother (less than eight years of schooling), age range (10-15 years) and the presence of cats in the residence. In addition, family income (up to a minimum wage), presence of a dog, the habit of playing in soil/sand and eosinophilia were associated with Toxocara canis infection. There was an association between the two zoonoses (p < .01), indicating the existence of coinfection. The results show high prevalence of these two important zoonoses, alerting to the need of implementing control measures in order to reduce the incidence and risks of sequelae in children.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato , Doenças do Cão , Toxocara canis , Toxocaríase , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmose , Animais , Gatos , Cães , Humanos , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxoplasmose/epidemiologia , Zoonoses/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in naturally infected broiler chickens (n = 189) from the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. The chickens were reared in a semi-intensive system by small family farmers (n = 7). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the presence of anti- Toxocara spp. IgY after serum adsorption with Ascaridia galli antigens. An overall seroprevalence of 67.7% (128/189; 95% CI = 61.1-74.4) was observed. The frequency of positive animals by farm ranged from 29.6% to 100%. The optical density and reactivity index values observed in ELISA test indicated the possible chronicity of infection of the evaluated chickens. Associations between the presence of antibodies and the area where the chickens were reared (p = 0.382) or the population density of dogs on the farm (p = 0.785) were not observed. This study shows a high prevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in broiler chickens reared in semi-intensive systems and provides evidence that chickens are a good indicator of environmental contamination by larva migrans agents. Further studies are necessary to assess the risk factors associated with poultry infection and the likelihood of toxocariasis transmission to humans via the ingestion of free-range chicken meat.
Resumo A finalidade do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença de anticorpos anti- Toxocara, em frangos de corte naturalmente infectados (n = 189), no Norte do Paraná, Sul do Brasil. Os frangos foram criados em sistema semi-intensivo, em pequenas propriedades rurais (n = 7). Os testes sorológicos foram realizados pela técnica de ELISA, para detecção de anticorpos IgY (IgG), com pré-adsorção do soro com antígenos de Ascaridia galli. Foi observada uma prevalência de 67,7% (128/189; IC 95% = 61,1-74,4). A frequência de animais soropositivos por propriedade variou de 29,6% a 100%. Os valores da Densidade Ótica e do Índice de Reatividade observados no teste de ELISA indicaram uma possível cronicidade de infecção dos frangos avaliados. Não foi observada correlação entre a positividade dos animais, quando comparada a área (p = 0,382) e a densidade populacional de cães por propriedade (p = 0,785). O presente estudo verificou uma alta prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxocara em frangos de corte criados em sistema semi-intensivo e oferece dados que apontam esses animais como bons indicadores de contaminação ambiental por agentes de larva migrans . Estudos futuros são necessários para avaliar os fatores de risco associados e a possibilidade da transmissão de toxocaríase ao ser humano pela ingestão de carne de frango.
Assuntos
Animais , Toxocara/imunologia , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Toxocaríase/sangue , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Galinhas/sangue , Brasil , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Galinhas/parasitologiaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in naturally infected broiler chickens (n = 189) from the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. The chickens were reared in a semi-intensive system by small family farmers (n = 7). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the presence of anti- Toxocara spp. IgY after serum adsorption with Ascaridia galli antigens. An overall seroprevalence of 67.7% (128/189; 95% CI = 61.1-74.4) was observed. The frequency of positive animals by farm ranged from 29.6% to 100%. The optical density and reactivity index values observed in ELISA test indicated the possible chronicity of infection of the evaluated chickens. Associations between the presence of antibodies and the area where the chickens were reared (p = 0.382) or the population density of dogs on the farm (p = 0.785) were not observed. This study shows a high prevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in broiler chickens reared in semi-intensive systems and provides evidence that chickens are a good indicator of environmental contamination by larva migrans agents. Further studies are necessary to assess the risk factors associated with poultry infection and the likelihood of toxocariasis transmission to humans via the ingestion of free-range chicken meat.(AU)
A finalidade do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença de anticorpos anti- Toxocara, em frangos de corte naturalmente infectados (n = 189), no Norte do Paraná, Sul do Brasil. Os frangos foram criados em sistema semi-intensivo, em pequenas propriedades rurais (n = 7). Os testes sorológicos foram realizados pela técnica de ELISA, para detecção de anticorpos IgY (IgG), com pré-adsorção do soro com antígenos de Ascaridia galli. Foi observada uma prevalência de 67,7% (128/189; IC 95% = 61,1-74,4). A frequência de animais soropositivos por propriedade variou de 29,6% a 100%. Os valores da Densidade Ótica e do Índice de Reatividade observados no teste de ELISA indicaram uma possível cronicidade de infecção dos frangos avaliados. Não foi observada correlação entre a positividade dos animais, quando comparada a área (p = 0,382) e a densidade populacional de cães por propriedade (p = 0,785). O presente estudo verificou uma alta prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxocara em frangos de corte criados em sistema semi-intensivo e oferece dados que apontam esses animais como bons indicadores de contaminação ambiental por agentes de larva migrans . Estudos futuros são necessários para avaliar os fatores de risco associados e a possibilidade da transmissão de toxocaríase ao ser humano pela ingestão de carne de frango.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Galinhas/parasitologia , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Toxocara/imunologia , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , ZoonosesRESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in naturally infected broiler chickens (n = 189) from the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. The chickens were reared in a semi-intensive system by small family farmers (n = 7). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the presence of anti- Toxocara spp. IgY after serum adsorption with Ascaridia galli antigens. An overall seroprevalence of 67.7% (128/189; 95% CI = 61.1-74.4) was observed. The frequency of positive animals by farm ranged from 29.6% to 100%. The optical density and reactivity index values observed in ELISA test indicated the possible chronicity of infection of the evaluated chickens. Associations between the presence of antibodies and the area where the chickens were reared (p = 0.382) or the population density of dogs on the farm (p = 0.785) were not observed. This study shows a high prevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in broiler chickens reared in semi-intensive systems and provides evidence that chickens are a good indicator of environmental contamination by larva migrans agents. Further studies are necessary to assess the risk factors associated with poultry infection and the likelihood of toxocariasis transmission to humans via the ingestion of free-range chicken meat.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Galinhas/sangue , Toxocara/imunologia , Toxocaríase/sangue , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Galinhas/parasitologia , Estudos SoroepidemiológicosRESUMO
PURPOSE: To analyze the contribution of IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies in the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis (OT) in serum samples of patients attending a public referral center for ophthalmology in Brazil and to determine the most frequent ocular signs and symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective descriptive study of a cohort of outpatients followed from December 1989 to May 2006. METHODS: IgG anti-Toxocara antibody titers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were correlated with the clinical and funduscopic findings. RESULTS: Of the diagnoses for the 126 patients, 42 were considered as probable OT, 48 as negative, and 36 as inconclusive. The median IgG anti-Toxocara antibody titers of the patients with probable OT were significantly higher than those of the patients in the negative or inconclusive groups (P = 0.0001). Higher titers were observed more frequently in patients in the probable OT group (P = 0.01) than in the negative group, in which titers were absent or lower in most patients (P < 0.0001). The right eye was affected more in the OT group than in the negative group (P = 0.01), and inflammation was located mostly in the intermediate and posterior poles. The mean age of the patients diagnosed with probable OT was significantly lower (mean, 8 years) than that of the negative patients (mean, 14.5 years) (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of antibodies could help with the diagnosis of OT in patients with symptoms and clinical signs; however, negative results cannot exclude possible OT. Conversely, patients with negative serology or low titers make the diagnosis of OT less likely.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Idiotípicos/sangue , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Infecções Oculares Parasitárias/diagnóstico , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Toxocara/imunologia , Toxocaríase/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Albendazol/uso terapêutico , Animais , Anti-Helmínticos/uso terapêutico , Antígenos de Helmintos/imunologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Criança , Terapia Combinada , Quimioterapia Combinada , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Infecções Oculares Parasitárias/epidemiologia , Infecções Oculares Parasitárias/parasitologia , Feminino , Glucocorticoides/uso terapêutico , Hospitais Públicos , Humanos , Masculino , Oftalmologia , Prednisolona/uso terapêutico , Encaminhamento e Consulta , Estudos Retrospectivos , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , VitrectomiaRESUMO
Since 1950, the human infection by parasites of the genus Toxocara, characterized by migration and permanence of larvae of the parasite in the liver, lungs, eyes, and brain, have been reported. The route of infection is the ingestion of embryonated eggs present in soil and contaminated vegetables, however there are reports of human illness associated with ingestion of viscera of paratenic hosts, including birds. This work aimed to detect the presence of larvae in the tissues and antibodies in the serum of poultry sold in street markets of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. Over a period of ten months, 100 birds of four street markets in the city were acquired, being examined organs and muscle tissue for the presence of larvae and the serum for the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Helminth larvae were not found in the examination of pepsin digested tissues, but 80 (89.9%) of 89 bird sera examined presented anti-Toxocara spp. IgY antibodies. These results may indicate that birds are coming from contaminated environments, where man and other animals can also be infected.
RESUMO
Toxocariasis is a geohelminth zoonosis with worldwide distribution, mainly transmitted through the ingestion of embryonated eggs of nematodes of the Toxocara genus. The disease can also be transmitted to humans as a result of eating raw or undercooked meat of paratenic hosts, such as chickens. Here, we standardized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for evaluating experimentally the kinetic and avidity index (AI) of IgY in broiler chickens infected with different doses of Toxocara canis eggs (G1:100; G2: 1000; and G3: 5000; n = 12 per group). The test showed 91.7% sensitivity (CI 95%: 77.5-98.3) and 100% specificity (CI 95%: 92.6-100), and highest efficiency (97.0%) at 60 days post infection. Infection was characterized by the presence of high avidity antibodies in the chronic phase. Our results support that the ELISA can be a highly useful tool for the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies in chickens.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/imunologia , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Imunoglobulinas/imunologia , Toxocara/imunologia , Toxocaríase/imunologia , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/análise , Afinidade de Anticorpos , Galinhas , Cães , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/métodos , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/normas , Feminino , Imunoglobulinas/análise , Cinética , Camundongos , Curva ROC , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
Introduction: Iñapari is a town located in Peru, on the border of Brazil, between the Amazonian states of Acre and Amazonas. The local Peruvian children under five years of age present moderate anemia while the percentage of chronic child malnutrition is a major public health problem in the country as a whole. Goals: The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of major childhood morbidities caused by anemia, malnutrition, intestinal parasites, toxocariasis, and hepatitis A, and identify connections with the socioeconomic and environmental conditions found in Iñapari. Methods: Interviews with questionnaires; anthropometric measurements, collection of feces and venous blood samples. Results: A 20% prevalence of anemia and 8.5% prevalence of chronic malnutrition (height for age deficiency) was found. A pathogenic intestinal parasite was noted in 24.5% of the samples, where Giardia intestinalis (14.7%) was the most frequent. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis was 33.8% and hepatitis A was 21.2%. Conclusion: There is a connection between the results found and the poor living and sanitary conditions of the population. The low income noted is also linked to the malnutrition and anemia detected
Assuntos
Anemia , Parasitos , Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil , Toxocaríase , Saúde da Criança , Hepatite ARESUMO
An evaluation was made of the kinetics and avidity of anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG) in rabbits experimentally infected with embryonated Toxocara canis eggs. Seventeen four month old New Zealand White rabbits were distributed into two groups. In the experimental group, twelve rabbits were infected orally with 1,000 embryonated T. canis eggs. A second group (n = 5), uninfected, was used as a control. Serum samples were collected for analysis on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 60 post-infection (DPI). An indirect ELISA test was performed to evaluate the reactivity index (RI) of IgG anti-T. canis antibodies and to calculate the avidity index (AI). The animals showed seroconversion from the 14th DPI, with high AI (over 50%) except for one animal, which presented an intermediate AI. At 60 DPI, all the animals were seropositive and maintained a high AI. The data indicated that specific IgG antibodies formed early (14 DPI) in rabbits infected with T. canis, with a high avidity index that persisted throughout the course of the infection.
Assuntos
Afinidade de Anticorpos , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Toxocara canis/imunologia , Toxocaríase/imunologia , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Cinética , Óvulo/imunologia , CoelhosRESUMO
Abstract An evaluation was made of the kinetics and avidity of anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG) in rabbits experimentally infected with embryonated Toxocara canis eggs. Seventeen four month old New Zealand White rabbits were distributed into two groups. In the experimental group, twelve rabbits were infected orally with 1,000 embryonated T. canis eggs. A second group (n = 5), uninfected, was used as a control. Serum samples were collected for analysis on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 60 post-infection (DPI). An indirect ELISA test was performed to evaluate the reactivity index (RI) of IgG anti-T. canis antibodies and to calculate the avidity index (AI). The animals showed seroconversion from the 14th DPI, with high AI (over 50%) except for one animal, which presented an intermediate AI. At 60 DPI, all the animals were seropositive and maintained a high AI. The data indicated that specific IgG antibodies formed early (14 DPI) in rabbits infected with T. canis, with a high avidity index that persisted throughout the course of the infection.
Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar a cinética e a avidez de anticorpos anti-Toxocara canis, em coelhas infectadas experimentalmente com ovos embrionados de Toxocara canis. Foram utilizados 17 coelhos New Zealand de linhagem branca, com quatro meses de idade, distribuídos em dois grupos. No grupo experimental, doze coelhas foram infectadas, oralmente, com 1.000 ovos larvados de T. canis. Um segundo grupo (n=5), não infectado, foi utilizado como controle. Nos dias 7, 14, 21, 28 e 60 pós-infecção (DPI), foram coletadas amostras de soro para análise. O teste de ELISA indireto foi realizado para avaliar o índice de reatividade (IR) de anticorpos IgG anti-T. canis e para cálculo do índice de avidez (IA). A soroconversão nos animais ocorreu a partir do140 DPI, com verificação de alto IA (superior a 50%), com exceção de um animal, que apresentou médio IA. Aos 60 DPI, todos os animais foram soropositivos e mantiveram alto IA. Os dados mostram que em coelhos infectados por T. canis, anticorpos IgG específicos formam-se precocemente (14 DPI), apresentando alto índice de avidez e que se mantém durante o curso da infecção.