RESUMO
PURPOSE: Animal hoarding has been associated with unhealthy human, animal and environmental conditions that predispose such individuals to serious life-threatening risks such as arson, malnutrition, cruelty and zoonosis. The study aimed to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies among individuals with animal hoarding disorder in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: 65 residences with register of animal hoarder behavior were visited and 11 residences were included in the study, with a total of 19 individuals consenting participation. A short questionnaire was applied to gather information regarding hoarders and their dogs/cats, and serum samples were screened to detect antibodies (IgG) against antigens of Toxocara spp. RESULTS: Overall, 14/19 individuals (73.7%) presented anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies. In 8/11 (72.7%) households at least one person was seropositive. Seropositivity was higher among women (10/13; 76.9%) than men (4/6; 66.7%). A total of 442 dogs (14-30 dogs; average = 23.3 per household) and 31 cats (1-20 cats; average = 4.8 per household) were observed. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first study to survey occurrences of toxocariasis among animal hoarders. The high population densities of dogs observed during visits, in conjunction with absence of veterinary care and unsanitary conditions, may indicate that situations of high levels of animal infection and soil contamination were present. CONCLUSION: In summary, the seroprevalence observed in this study indicated that there was a high risk of Toxocara spp. infection among individuals with animal hoarding disorder. Provision of educational programs to reduce the risk of infection in this population is warranted.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Doenças do Cão , Transtorno de Acumulação , Toxocara , Toxocaríase , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Humanos , Cães , Toxocara/imunologia , Gatos , Feminino , Masculino , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Transtorno de Acumulação/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Adulto , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Saúde Pública , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Inquéritos e Questionários , AdolescenteRESUMO
Introduction: Despite human toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis having been listed among the top six most neglected parasitic zoonoses worldwide, presenting similar associated risk factors and transmission routes, few studies have been conducted in pregnant women and the consequences of concurrent infection remain to be fully established. Accordingly, the present study has serologically assessed the co-infection and associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. in pregnant women, assisted by the public Unified National Health System (SUS) in southeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected and tested for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by chemiluminescence immunoassay and against Toxocara spp. by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to gather socioeconomic information to assess the risk factors associated with seropositivity to toxocariasis/toxoplasmosis by univariate analysis followed by logistic regression. Results: Overall, seropositivity was 69/280 (24.6, 95% CI: 19.96-30.01) for T. gondii and 56/280 (20.0, 95% CI: 15.73-25.08) for Toxocara spp. Co-infection was observed in 25/280 (8.9, 95% CI: 6.12-12.85) pregnant women, with increased odds (OR: 3.3, CI 95%: 1.77-6.14, p = 0.0002). Logistic regression revealed that a higher educational level (high school or college) significantly reduced the likelihood of co-infection seropositivity, owning cats increased the odds of toxocariasis, and older pregnant women presented significantly higher T. gondii seropositivity. Conclusion: Co-infection herein highlights the importance of educational programs in the prevention of toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and other high-risk populations.
Assuntos
Coinfecção , Toxocaríase , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmose , Animais , Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocara , Gestantes , Brasil/epidemiologia , Coinfecção/epidemiologia , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários , Toxoplasmose/epidemiologiaRESUMO
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 < 0.05). Regarding age, the group with the most solicitations were from ≤11 years old individuals (p < 0.05). Pará state had the highest number of exams requested (92%), with the majority from residents of urban areas, accounting for 81.5% of samples (p < 0.05). The overall toxocariasis seroprevalence was 41.8%, the male sex being the most frequent with 60.9% (p < 0.05). The most affected age group was ≤11 years old, with a total of 67.8% of positive samples (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high rates obtained emphasize the need for complementary studies on toxocariasis in Brazil, especially in Pará 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.
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Doenças do Gato , Doenças do Cão , Toxocaríase , Humanos , Masculino , Animais , Cães , Gatos , Criança , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Toxocara , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/métodos , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/veterinária , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato , Doenças do Cão , Saúde Única , Esporotricose , Toxocaríase , Masculino , Adulto , Humanos , Feminino , Animais , Gatos , Cães , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/diagnóstico , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Hospitais Veterinários , Hospitais de Ensino , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Toxocara , Animais Selvagens , Solo/parasitologia , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Introduction: Although socioeconomic vulnerability and lifestyle factors may contribute to the transmission of Toxocara spp., no study has investigated indigenous populations in Brazil using the One Health approach. Methods: Accordingly, this study assessed anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in Brazilian indigenous people and healthcare professionals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Presence of Toxocara spp. eggs (feces and hair) in dogs as definitive hosts and in soil samples of the indigenous communities were also recovered and molecularly investigated. Results: Overall, 342/463 (73.9%) indigenous individuals and 46/147 (31.3%) non-indigenous healthcare professionals were seropositive for Toxocara spp. In addition, T. canis eggs were retrieved from 9/194 (4.6%) dog fecal samples and 4/204 (2.0%) dog hair samples, mainly from the Paraná State communities (3/42; 7.1%). Soil contamination was observed only in the Paraná State communities (36/90; 40.0%), with the molecular detection of T. canis. River water consumption was also associated with indigenous seropositivity (Odds ratio, 11.4). Discussion: Indigenous individuals in Paraná State communities were 2.72-fold more likely to be seropositive than those in São Paulo State, likely due to a lack of sanitary infrastructure. In this scenario, a primarily soil-transmitted disease may also have become waterborne, with embryonated eggs probably spread to water supplies by rain. Full-time healthcare professionals in daily contact with indigenous communities were 9.2-fold more likely to be seropositive than professionals who visited sporadically, suggesting exposure to Toxocara spp. during their work and raising health concerns. In addition, the findings herein showed a significantly higher seroprevalence in indigenous people than in healthcare workers (χ2 = 85.5; p < 0.0001), likely due to overtime exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, Brazilian indigenous communities are highly exposed to toxocariasis, with poor infrastructure and contact with contaminated river water as associated risk factors and a higher risk of infection in healthcare professionals working full-time in these communities.
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Saúde Única , Toxocaríase , Cães , Humanos , Animais , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Povos IndígenasRESUMO
Introduction: The current study aimed to quantitatively synthesize available evidence regarding the seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods: A systematic research involving six electronic databases was conducted using a research strategy that combined MeSH terms with free terms. Article selection and information extraction were performed using a double and independent approach. The Newcastle-Ottawa tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included articles. The meta-analysis used the random-effects approach, with subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis for risk of bias also being performed. Results: We included 101 articles with a total of 31,123 participants. The studies were conducted between 1990 and 2022, with Brazil accounting for the largest number of studies (n = 37). The overall seroprevalence of human toxocariasis was 31.0% (95% CI: 27.0-35.0%, I2 = 99%). The prevalence of the main characteristics observed in seropositive patients were as follows: ocular toxocariasis (30.0%), asymptomatic (26.0%), and presence of dogs at home (68.0%). In addition, the seroprevalence was lower in studies including only adults than in those including children or both. In contrast, no differences in seroprevalences were found between studies conducted in the community and hospital. Conclusion: The overall seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Latin America and the Caribbean was high. Notably, our findings showed that the seroprevalence was increased among populations who kept a dog at home but was decreased in populations comprising only adults. Our findings can be used to establish epidemiological surveillance strategies for the prevention and early identification of toxocariasis.
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Toxocaríase , Criança , Adulto , Humanos , Animais , Cães , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , América Latina/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Região do Caribe/epidemiologia , EtnicidadeRESUMO
Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente la toxocariasis ocular. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal con pacientes diagnosticados de toxocariasis ocular, atendidos en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer en el período de abril de 2019 a diciembre de 2022. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (53,7 por ciento) y el grupo etario de 0 a 10 años (73,1 por ciento). El 56,1 por ciento de los pacientes vivían en área rural. La convivencia con animales domésticos representó el 75,6 por ciento. El síntoma más referido fue la disminución de la agudeza visual (48,8 por ciento). La forma de presentación más frecuente fue el granuloma periférico de forma unilateral en ojo derecho (52,4 por ciento). La complicación más observada fue el desprendimiento de retina (58,5 por ciento). Conclusiones: La infección ocular por Toxocara spp. es una enfermedad prevenible e incapacitante que limita el desenvolvimiento educacional, laboral y de la vida en general de los pacientes afectados, particularmente la población infantil, el sexo masculino y los que residen en área rural en convivencia con animales domésticos, en especial perros(AU)
Objective: To characterize ocular toxocariasis clinically and epidemiologically. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with patients diagnosed with ocular toxocariasis, attended at the Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer in the period from April 2019 to December 2022. Results: The male sex predominated (53.7 percent), together with the age group 0-10 years (73.1 percent). 56.1 percent of the patients lived in rural areas. Cohabitation with domestic animals accounted for 75.6 percent. The most frequently reported symptom was decreased visual acuity (48.8 percent). The most frequent form of presentation was peripheral granuloma in the right eye (52.4 percent). The most observed complication was retinal detachment (58.5 percent). Conclusions: Ocular infection by Toxocara spp. is a preventable, as well as incapacitating, disease that limits the educational, occupational and general life development of affected patients, particularly children, males and those living in rural areas cohabitating with domestic animals, especially dogs(AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Lactente , Pré-Escolar , Descolamento Retiniano/complicações , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Epidemiologia Descritiva , Estudos Observacionais como AssuntoRESUMO
A contaminação ambiental por formas parasitárias pode representar um problema de saúde pública, pois muitos desses agentes podem contaminar os seres humanos. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a existência de parasitos de potencial zoonótico em dois parques públicos do município de Teresina (Piauí, Brasil) durante os períodos chuvoso e seco da região. Para isso, amostras de areia foram coletadas durante o ano de 2018, primeiramente em março, representando o período chuvoso, e depois em outubro, o período seco. Foi coletado um total de 20 amostras, sendo 10 de cada parque. Das amostras coletadas no parque 1durante o período chuvoso, duas foram positivas para larvas de ancilostomídeos e de Toxocara spp. Nesse mesmo período, o parque 2 encontrava-se sem a presença de parasitos. Durante o período seco, um local do parque 1 continuou sendo positivo para larvas de ancilostomídeos e Toxocara spp., enquanto no parque 2 foram encontradas essas formas parasitárias em dois locais. Em ambos os parques, foi observada a presença de cães e gatos dentro e nos arredores dos ambientes. Esses achados revelam o risco de contaminação humana por parasitos de potencial zoonótico nos dois parques públicos em diferentes épocas do ano, servindo de alerta para a população de Teresina.
Environmental contamination by parasitic forms can represent a public health problem, as many of these agents can contaminate the human beings. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the existence of parasites of zoonotic potential in two public parks in the city of Teresina (Piauí, Brazil) during the rainy and dry period in the region. For this purpose, sand samples were collected during 2018, firstly in March, representing the rainy period, and then in October, the dry period. A total of 20 samples was collected, 10 from each park. From the samples collected in park 1during the rainy season, two were positive for hookworm and Toxocara spp. Larvae. In this same period, park 2 was without the presence of parasites. During the dry period, one site in park 1 remained positive for hookworm and Toxocara spp. larvae, while these parasitic forms were found in two locations in park 2. In both parks, the presence of dogs and cats was observed in and around these environments. These findings reveal the risk of human contamination by parasites of zoonotic potential in the two public parks at different times of the year, serving as a warning for the population of Teresina.
Assuntos
Parasitos , Microbiologia do Solo , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Ancylostoma/isolamento & purificação , Ancilostomíase/epidemiologia , Brasil , Zoonoses/prevenção & controle , Estação Seca , Estação Chuvosa , Áreas VerdesRESUMO
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 odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the Cochran Q-Test and I2 values. A total of 41 transversal studies (n = 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-Toxocara antibodies. Association of dog and cat contact was observed only in youngers, with both dogs (OR = 1.53; p < 0.0001) and cats (OR = 1.64; p = 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.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato , Doenças do Cão , Toxocaríase , Adulto , Animais , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Gatos , Criança , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Cães , Humanos , Fatores de Risco , Toxocara , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Estados UnidosRESUMO
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.