Risk of human toxocarosis in Poland due to Toxocara infection of dogs and cats

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to present the current data on the risk of toxocarosis in humans in Poland and to give an overview of the clinical and diagnostic aspects of the disease. The number of reported clinical cases of Toxocara infection in children in Poland in medical literature has increased recently. The results of field surveys aimed to evaluate the soil contamination with geohelminth eggs conducted during the last few years showed that Toxocara is the most common zoonotic agent in urban public sites and in rural settlements. The questionnaire revealed rural inhabitants' low awareness of zoonotic parasite threats to humans. In particular parents should be advised as to what proper preventive measures to undertake to eliminate the toxocarosis risk factors for children in rural environment. Prevention of initial environment contamination with Toxocara canis and T. cati eggs, which includes proper treatment regimes to eliminate patent infections in dogs and cats and preventing pets from defecating in public areas and private households is vital. To provide the public with suitably presented information as well as pet owners with uniform recommendations, a close collaboration between veterinary and public health professionals is crucial.

Risk of soil-transmitted helminth infections on agritourism farms in central and eastern Poland

“…However, exposure to Toxocara eggs is much higher than to other geohelminths, as evidenced by the large number of reports from many parts of the world (Magnaval et al 2001;Gawor et al 2015). Also in this study we found Toxocara spp.…”

“…The high prevalence of the infection together with the high fecundity of the roundworm and the increasing number of pet animals explain the elevated level of soil contamination with Toxocara eggs in public and private places (Gawor et al , 2015. Human exposure to the infective stages (embryonated eggs) is high, and the risk of infection is noticeably increased by the fact that the eggs survive in the environment for several years.…”

Legal aspects associated with the lack of possibilities of preventing the spread of toxocarosis and toxoplasmosis in Poland

“…Currently, the municipal authorities must, by March 31st, adopt an annual program for the care of homeless animals and the prevention The authors of the publication draw attention to the diversity of threats, not only between countries and cities, but even between nearby areas. 3,5,7,17,19,30,31,33,37,44 In the light of the above, changes to the Polish law in the field of public health protection, which have occurred in recent years, are very questionable. The removal of diseases with dangerous and irreversible effects to human health and life from the list of infectious diseases defies logical explanation.…”

“…This is despite many reports indicating the need for monitoring the dangers for people, especially children, coming from the animals constituting the links of the epidemiological chain. 30 state the constant risk of human contact with factors causing both diseases. 1,3,4,8,14,18,30,31,38,53 Despite difficulties in diagnosing toxoplasmosis and toxocarosis in humans sanitary services, without keeping records of these diseases and without knowing local threats, cannot take preventive action.…”

“…Not all playgrounds, including sandboxes, are protected against cats, especially since these animals are active at nig ht. 3,4,7,30,31,33,36,40,51,[102][103][104][105] The risks to children is amplified due to their geophagy, and frequent face touching especially around the mouth and nose. Also, due to their small posture, children are exposed to airborne forms of invasive parasites which rise up with the dust.…”