A Retrospective Study on the Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxocara canis Antibodies in the Human Population of a Romanian City

Abstract

Ascariasis is frequently diagnosed in the dog population, and Toxocara canis is the main agent that causes larva migrans syndrome in humans. In big cities, the number of pets is constantly increasing, especially canids. In Romania, in addition to dogs with owners, a large number of dogs without owners are found in public green spaces. Timisoara is one of the largest cities in Romania, with a population of approximately 306.462 people. In the present study, the seroprevalence of anti-T. canis antibodies was investigated in different age groups using the ELISA method. The samples were taken and analyzed in a private laboratory. The results indicated a major deficiency in the control of ascariasis in animals. The overall seroprevalence recorded in 371 individuals who were referred to the laboratory during 2017-2020 was 22.64%. The elderly were the most affected (39.39%) and children were the least affected (7.4%) groups.