First report demonstrating the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetables grown in community gardens in Europe

Healy, Sara R.; Morgan, Eric R.; Prada, Joaquín M.; Betson, Martha

doi:10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00158

Cited by 11 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…(Wright et al ., 2016) or third-stage larvae of Ancylostoma (Jelinek et al ., 1994). In addition to direct infection through the environment, toxocariasis can be regarded as a food-borne pathogen since contaminated vegetables are a common source of infection (Healy et al ., 2022). Hence, the high prevalences of Ancylostoma spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats

Fernández¹,

Santana-Hernández

Rodríguez-Ponce

2022

J. Helminthol.

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The influence of climate on parasite distribution has been demonstrated in different regions worldwide. Despite its small size, Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) constitutes a ‘biodiversity laboratory’ due to the huge climatic differences between municipalities. Feral cats may represent a threat to biodiversity due to their predatory behaviour. In addition, they may be a source of pathogens zoonotic to humans. To study the climatic/seasonal influence and prevalence of feral cat parasites throughout the island, a total of 290 stool samples from 29 feral cat colonies were analysed following standard concentration protocols (sodium chloride, formol-ether and zinc sulphate). In total, 13 feline parasitic taxa were found, with the most common species being Ancylostoma spp., which, together with Toxocara spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Giardia spp., are considered a concern for human health. Nematodes were the most common parasites in all areas. Nematodes and protozoans were significantly more prevalent in temperate mild (75.0% and 30.0%) than in dry desert areas (29.3% and 18.7%). In contrast, cestodes were significantly more prevalent in dry desert than in temperate mild areas (26.0% and 13.3%). Only protozoans exhibited statistically significant seasonal patterns, mostly in the wet season. Data reported in this study endorse the usage of small and diverse islands such as Gran Canaria to study the climatic influence on parasitic communities in wild/feral animals. Cat colonies require better management to reduce their threat to endemic wildlife, domestic animals and public health, being invasive species that harbour zoonotic parasites.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats

Fernández¹,

Santana-Hernández

Rodríguez-Ponce

2022

J. Helminthol.

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“…Fortunately, anthelmintics that are safe and effective against Toxocara in dogs are widely available, and the same is also true for cats. Other studies have found a high frequency of T. cati eggs in public areas, 12 while cats are arguably more likely than dogs to contaminate private gardens and allotments 57,58 . In parallel with efforts to limit pollution of public areas with dog faeces, 43,59 more effective anthelmintic treatment regimens should be prioritised in both dogs and cats to eliminate as far as possible the shedding of Toxocara into public and private environments and resulting zoonotic disease.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

WormWatch: Park soil surveillance reveals extensive Toxocara contamination across the UK and Ireland

et al. 2022

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Background: Toxocarosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease, but sources of infection are not well documented over large geographical scales. To determine levels of environmental contamination, soil from 142 parks and recreational areas across the UK and Ireland was assessed for the presence of Toxocara. Methods: Toxocara ova (eggs) were isolated from soil samples by sieving and flotation and then enumerated. Individual eggs were isolated and imaged, and a subset was characterised by species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing. Results: Characteristic Toxocara-type eggs were found in 86.6% of parks, with an average of 2.1 eggs per 50 g of topsoil. Representative eggs were confirmed as Toxocara canis by Sanger sequencing, with many eggs containing developed larvae, hence being viable and potentially infective. Positive samples were more common, and egg density was higher, in parks with greater perceived levels of dog fouling. Limitations: Samples were collected at a single timepoint and with limited spatial mapping within parks. Further study is needed to discern spatiotemporal differences within parks and recreational areas. Conclusion: Toxocara is widespread in soil in public parks, indicating a need for further efforts to reduce egg shedding from pet dogs. Standardised methods and large-scale surveys are required to evaluate risk factors for egg presence and the impact of interventions.

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“…1 8 For example, a recent publication reported the presence of Toxocara eggs on around 2% of lettuces from community gardens in england where cats, dogs and foxes had been sighted. 15 Toxocarosis is not spread by person-to-person contact. 6…”

Section: Routes Of Transmission From Animals To Humansmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although it is rare, people can also become infected from eating undercooked or raw meat containing Toxocara larvae from an infected animal such as a lamb or rabbit, or from contaminated raw vegetables 1 8. For example, a recent publication reported the presence of Toxocara eggs on around 2% of lettuces from community gardens in England where cats, dogs and foxes had been sighted 15…”

Section: Routes Of Transmission From Animals To Humansmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxocarosis in humans: how much of a problem is it in the UK?

Patterson

2022

DTB

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Toxocara canis(from dogs) is recognised as a potential cause of human toxocarosis, butToxocara cati(from cats) and other species (eg,Toxascaris leoninafound in foxes) are also possible causes. Most colonisation withToxocaraspecies does not lead to symptomatic infection in well-cared for adult animals; young and debilitated animals are at greater risk. Humans can acquire infection from infected animals, for example, via soil contaminated with faeces; however, most human infections are asymptomatic, with symptomatic infection being very rare in the UK. The risk of human infection is reduced by measures such as hand washing and responsible disposal of dog faeces. Some organisations recommend regular prophylactic treatment of pet dogs and cats. However, there are concerns that some parasiticides are contaminating the environment. As an example of a One-Health problem there is a potential conflict between the needs of animal health, human health and the health of the wider ecosystem. Also, considering that only about 5% of non-juvenile household dogs shedToxocaraeggs at a given time, it has been questioned whether it is worthwhile to invest in frequent blind treatments. British veterinary organisations have suggested less frequent treatment may be more appropriate and should be based on individual risk assessment and faecal examinations for worms rather than blanket regular prophylactic treatment, which could reduce the impact of parasiticides on the environment without greatly increasing the risks to animal or human health.

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First report demonstrating the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetables grown in community gardens in Europe

Cited by 11 publications

References 30 publications

Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats

Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats

WormWatch: Park soil surveillance reveals extensive Toxocara contamination across the UK and Ireland

Toxocarosis in humans: how much of a problem is it in the UK?

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