Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Lebanon: a pilot study

Abstract

Toxocariasis is a common helminthic infection that has a worldwide distribution. However, data from Lebanon about the prevalence of this infection are non-existent. We conducted a Toxocara seroprevalence study with 150 subjects attending the outpatient clinics at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between May and June 2004. Serum specimens were tested for anti-Toxocara antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by Western blot. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for infection. The seroprevalence rate of toxocariasis was 19%. Male gender and below high school education were significantly associated with a positive serological test (odds ratios = 3.1 and 2.8, respectively). Higher numbers of persons in the household, and low family income during childhood, were significant on bivariate analysis only. Toxocariasis is common in Lebanon. A large population-based survey is needed to confirm these results.

Human Toxocariasis in Rural Brazilian Amazonia: Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, and Spatial Distribution

“…11 Several risk factors for toxocariasis have been identified in human populations, but inconsistent results are abundant. Male gender, for example, was suggested to be associated with both increased [27][28][29][30] and decreased 31 risk of infection, with some large studies showing no association between gender and risk. [32][33][34] Young age, 35 low socioeconomic status, 36 low parental education, 34,37 and poor sanitation 6 are additional factors contributing to Toxocara exposure in some communities.…”

Toxocariasis: visceral larva migrans in children

“…Outros autores mostraram associação significativa entre sorologia positiva e indicadores socioeconômicos, como baixo salário e nível de escolaridade 5,33,37 . Vários autores encontraram alta prevalência em regiões com baixo poder aquisitivo, baixo índice de urbanização e parte da população sem acesso às condições sanitárias 17,33,38 .…”

“…Vários estudos mostraram soroprevalência variando entre 9,7 e 43% 30,37,[46][47][48][49] . Outros trabalhos de descrição de casos isolados mostraram toxocaríase em crianças entre 16 meses e 6 anos 1,50-54 .…”

“…Em outros estudos brasileiros, a idade prevalente foi acima de 5 anos 13,31,33,55 . Em estudos caso-controle, não foi encontrada diferença significativa em relação à idade 17,29,33,[35][36][37]58 .…”

“…Vários autores mostraram maior prevalência no sexo masculino 19,37,39,41,42,46 , com relação masculino 1,5 a 2,3:1 feminino 5,26,28,58 . Assim como em adultos, essa relação mantém-se até três vezes maior no sexo masculino em relação ao sexo feminino 59 .…”