RESUMO
PURPOSE: Animal hoarding has been associated with unhealthy human, animal and environmental conditions that predispose such individuals to serious life-threatening risks such as arson, malnutrition, cruelty and zoonosis. The study aimed to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies among individuals with animal hoarding disorder in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: 65 residences with register of animal hoarder behavior were visited and 11 residences were included in the study, with a total of 19 individuals consenting participation. A short questionnaire was applied to gather information regarding hoarders and their dogs/cats, and serum samples were screened to detect antibodies (IgG) against antigens of Toxocara spp. RESULTS: Overall, 14/19 individuals (73.7%) presented anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies. In 8/11 (72.7%) households at least one person was seropositive. Seropositivity was higher among women (10/13; 76.9%) than men (4/6; 66.7%). A total of 442 dogs (14-30 dogs; average = 23.3 per household) and 31 cats (1-20 cats; average = 4.8 per household) were observed. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first study to survey occurrences of toxocariasis among animal hoarders. The high population densities of dogs observed during visits, in conjunction with absence of veterinary care and unsanitary conditions, may indicate that situations of high levels of animal infection and soil contamination were present. CONCLUSION: In summary, the seroprevalence observed in this study indicated that there was a high risk of Toxocara spp. infection among individuals with animal hoarding disorder. Provision of educational programs to reduce the risk of infection in this population is warranted.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Doenças do Cão , Transtorno de Acumulação , Toxocara , Toxocaríase , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Humanos , Cães , Toxocara/imunologia , Gatos , Feminino , Masculino , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Transtorno de Acumulação/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Adulto , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Saúde Pública , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Inquéritos e Questionários , AdolescenteRESUMO
Hoarding refers to an excessive acquisition of objects and inability to part with apparently valueless possessions. While it can lead to excessive clutter, distress and disability, it is important to note that not all cases of hoarding are pathological. This article aims to suggest how one can make recommendations to patients and families when they encounter someone exhibiting hoarding behaviour. It also introduces the Hoarding Task Force and relevant legislation in Singapore to address the issue of hoarding in the community.