An Investigation on the Toxocariasis Seroprevalence in Children (2-12 Years Old) from Mahidasht Area of Kermanshah Province (2003-2004

Human toxocariasis is a helminthozoonosis due to the migration of toxocara species larvae into human organism. Humans, specially children become infected by ingesting either embryonated eggs from soil, dirty hands, raw vegetables, or larvae from undercooked organ of paratenic hosts such as chicken, cattle and sheep. Three clinical forms of toxocariasis are described including visceral larva migrans(VLM), ocular larva migrans(OLM), and covert toxocariasis. Seroprevalence is high in developed countries, specially in rural areas. In order to determine the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in children from Mahidasht area of Kermanshah Province, western Iran, an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) test with synthetic Toxocara canis antigen was performed. Patients & A total number of 260 children(2-12 years old) of both sexes were examined. The percentage of blood eosinophile and total IgE level was determined by ELISA test. Alternative-three-day stool samples were examined and epidemiological data were obtained by means of a questionnaire given to parents. The total prevalence was 8.46%. No significant difference in the frequency of infection according to age and gender was observed(P>0.05). 1.15% of cases were reported as geophagic, but their toxocara serologic test was negative. No significant difference was observed in this study between dog’s ownership and toxocara infection(P>0.05). This study can effectively increase population awareness about potential zoonotic hazard and also antihelminthic treatment of dogs by veterinarians and more efficient control of stray dogs.