A rare case of presumptive pleural toxocariasis.

Toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan helminthiasis linked to contamination with Toxocara cati or Toxocara canis. Only six isolated cases of pleural toxocariasis have been reported in the literature. We describe a case of pleurisy with isolated eosinophilia varying between 600 and 1500/mm3 likely linked o presumptive toxocariasis in a 72-year-old patient. Our patient was admitted to hospital with severe dyspnoea, asthenia and diarrhoea. Imaging studies confirmed right unilateral pleurisy without any parenchymal involvement. Serology of serum and pleural fluid was positive for anti-Toxocara antibodies by ELISA and immunoblotting. Treatment by pleural drainage and anti-parasitic medication with albendazole for 8 days resulted in the resolution of symptoms. A decrease in the levels of polynuclear eosinophils and total IgE confirmed the clinical resolution. The presence of hypereosinophilia in pleural fluid should evoke a diagnosis of pleural toxocariasis. Clinical symptoms and imaging are non-specific, but positive serology for anti-Toxocara antibodies in serum and pleural fluid can confirm the diagnosis.

Testing of sand from recreational areas and sandpits in Warsaw, for presence of Ascaris Lumbricoides and Toxocara spp.

INTRODUCTION: Improper maintenance of the cleanliness of sand in sandboxes can be a source of human pathogenic helminths, including Toxocara spp., Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides, leading to parasitic infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sanitary condition of sandboxes in playgrounds and recreational areas in Warsaw for the presence of Human roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) and Toxocara spp. in sand. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 450 sand samples from 90 sandboxes in the city of Warsaw were analyzed. The flotation method was used for the study, and the material was evaluated using a light microscope. RESULTS. The conducted examinations did not reveal the presence of parasite eggs, indicating that hygiene rules were observed and appropriate recommendations were followed. CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed sand samples are free of the tested parasites.

Knowledge and practices on consumption of free-range chickens in selected rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with focus on zoonotic transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp.

Chickens are a host to a variety of pathogens of zoonotic importance and this depends more on the husbandry system practiced. Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp which are more prevalent in free-range chickens (FRC) can be acquired by humans via the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat (muscle) and/or viscera contaminated with infective stages of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices on the household consumption of FRC meat and viscera by rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa, as a risk factor in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens with special emphasis on T. gondii and Toxocara spp. A cross-sectional study was conducted on twenty (20) randomly selected households in four selected communities located on the northern coast (Gingindlovu and Ozwathini) and southern coast (uMzinto and Shongweni) of KZN province using a semi-structured questionnaire. To determine the presence of selected zoonotic pathogens in FRC, birds were purchased from randomly selected households in the study localities for sacrifice. Brain tissues were collected and subjected to molecular detection of T. gondii using TOX4 and TOX5 primers while other tissues and organs that were collected were subjected to molecular detection of Toxocara spp using Nem 18S primers. Questionnaire data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive and chi-square statistics were used to assess knowledge and practices related to FRC consumption and zoonosis transmission. Molecular results showed four positive samples for T. canis from Gingindlovu (n = 1), uMzinto (n = 1), and Shongweni (n = 2). The role of FRC consumption in zoonosis transmission is discussed.

Chickens bred extensively as sentinels from soil contamination by Toxocara.

Environmental contamination by Toxocara spp eggs can be verified by parasitological techniques, which are mostly laborious, have low sensitivity, and may require repeated tests to establish the contamination status of a certain area. Given the significance of this parasite as an agent of infections in humans, that may cause blindness, especially in children, broilers chickens created extensively were evaluated as possible markers of parasite environmental contamination, through the detection of anti-Toxocara serum antibodies. Eighteen 15-day-old Label Rouge broilers were released on a farm with a history of dogs with Toxocara infection. At 0, 15 and 30 days after the release birds blood samples were taken, as well as soil samples. At the end of the experiment the birds were slaughtered, and the gastrointestinal tract was collected for coprological exams. The presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies resulted in increased reactivity indexes with time, and at 15 days five of the birds were positive and at 30 days, seven birds showed seroconversion. Examination of the soil samples by the centrifugation-flotation method in hyper saturated zinc sulfate solution revealed contamination by embryonated or infertile eggs of Toxocara at all times of collection, as well as the presence of Ascaridia eggs at 15 days after release of birds. Examination of bird's stool samples at the end of the experiment demonstrated 100% infection by Ascaridia galli, however there was no correlation between the counts of this parasite and the ELISA reactivity indices for anti-Toxocara antibodies. The results obtained allow us to infer the possibility of using anti-Toxocara spp-specific antibodies determination in birds raised extensively, which could then serve as sentinels of environmental contamination by this parasite.

Seroprevalence of Tissue and Luminal Helminths among Patients in Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Vietnam, 2018.

A serological survey was performed using ELISA to estimate the prevalence of tissue and luminal helminthic infections among hospital patients in Hanoi region, Vietnam. An overall seroprevalence of tissue and luminal helminthiases was 64.0% (95% CI 61.2-66.8) among 1,120 patients who visited Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Vietnam in 2018. The highest seroprevalence was observed against Toxocara spp. (59.0%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (46.3%), Gnathostoma spp. (25.5%), cysticercus (12.8%), Angiostrongylus cantonensis (10.5%), Fasciola spp. (11.1%), and Clonorchis sinensis (8.7%). Mono-infection by one species (11.1%) was lower than multiple infections (53.0%) (P<0.05). The seroprevalence in males (59.3%) was lower than in females (66.2%) but not statistically significant (P>0.05). Children (<15 years) revealed lower seroprevalence (34.0%) than adults (68.4%), and the age group 51-70 years revealed the highest seroprevalence (76.0%). Among the seropositive patients, eosinophilia (≥8.0%) was noted in 80.2%. The present results suggested active transmission of various tissue and luminal helminths among people in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Endoparasite infection hotspots in Estonian urban areas.

The human-animal bond is beneficial for human health, but companion animals also pose a potential threat as vectors of zoonotic parasites, especially in urban areas where both human and dog densities are high. However, the knowledge about parasitic spillover in the urban environment is relatively scarce. The aim of the present study was to reveal which factors determine parasitic contamination in Estonian towns and provide up-to-date information about intestinal parasites of the Estonian dog population. In total, 657 samples of dog excrement was collected over one year of investigation from five towns in Estonia. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate factors predicting infection risk in urban areas. In general, infection risk and intensity models predicted higher infection with endoparasites for small dogs in smaller towns, especially in apartment-house districts and in potential hazard zones. Helminth eggs and Giardia/Cystoisospora oocysts were detected in 64 samples, with an overall prevalence of 9.8%.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections associated with wastewater and sludge reuse: a review of current evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To review current evidence on infections related to the concentration of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs in wastewater, sludge and vegetables irrigated with wastewater or grown on sludge-amended soils. METHOD: Search of Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar databases for publications reporting on STH egg concentration in wastewater, sludge and vegetables and for epidemiological studies on wastewater/sludge reuse and STH infections. RESULTS: STH egg concentrations were variable but high in wastewater and sludge especially in developing countries. They ranged from 6 to 16 000 eggs/L in wastewater and from 0 to 23 000 eggs/g in sludge and far exceed limits set in the WHO guideline for wastewater/sludge reuse. Numbers of STH eggs on vegetables ranged from 0 to 100 eggs/g. The concentration of STH eggs in wastewater, sludge and vegetables therefore relates to risks of infection through different exposure routes. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological evidence reveals an increased prevalence of STH infections associated with direct exposure to wastewater or sludge (farmers) and consumption of vegetables grown on soil treated with it. This calls for increased efforts to reduce the adverse health impact of wastewater and sludge reuse in line with the WHO multi-barrier approach.

Clinical usefulness of Western blotting and ELISA avidity for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis.

The serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is difficult. Specific IgGs detected routinely with ELISA based on Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) antigens often persist for years at an elevated level, which does not allow either the differentiation between an active and persistent infection or monitoring of the effect of treatment. Additionally, false-positive results may occur in co-infections with other helminths due to cross-reactions. We evaluated the usefulness of an IgG avidity index (AI) and a Western blotting (WB) IgG in the diagnosis of patients suspected of Toxocara infection. We studied 138 subjects who were submitted to serological testing two or more times. Confirmation of an infection by WB was achieved in 73.2% of patients. A high AI was obtained in 89.1% of patients, and low AI and borderline AI were found in only 10.9%. Low and borderline values of AI remained at similar levels in subsequent studies over 2-3 years. The results showed the necessity of obligatory verification of all ELISA IgG positive and questionable results by WB. The index of IgG avidity may be helpful in excluding recent infection, but its usefulness in detecting an active phase of invasion requires further research.

Knowledge gaps in the epidemiology of Toxocara: the enigma remains.

Toxocara species infect a wide range of companion, domestic and wild animals as definitive and paratenic hosts, via multiple routes of transmission, producing long-lived tissue-inhabiting larvae and resistant eggs that can survive in the external environment. Therefore Toxocara and the disease it causes in humans, toxocariasis, represents an ideal aetiological agent for the development of the one health approach. However, despite increasing awareness of the public health significance of toxocariasis, gaps in our understanding of certain key aspects of the parasite's biology and epidemiology remain. These gaps hinder our ability to integrate research effort within the veterinary, medical and environmental disciplines. This review will highlight key deficits in our understanding of nine dimensions of Toxocara epidemiology and discuss a potential scenario to develop a more integrated, one health approach to improve our understanding of the prevention and control of this complex and cryptic zoonosis.

Production of interleukins 4 and 10 in children with hepatic involvement in the course of Toxocara spp. infection.

Toxocara spp. infestations present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, from general inflammation of internal organs with eosinophilic granuloma formulation through ocular or brain involvement. There is also an asymptomatic form. The known factors that influence the clinical form of the disease are the intensity of the infestation, the localization of the larvae, the age of the patient, the efficiency of the immune system and the history of reinfection. The aim of our study was to evaluate the production of interleukins 4 (IL-4) and 10 (IL-10) in children in the course of Toxocara spp. infections with hepatic involvement. The analysis of peripheral leucocytes, eosinophils, immunoglobulin E, and IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations presented significantly higher values in children with radiologically confirmed liver granuloma than in uncomplicated hepatomegaly. Based on statistical analysis, we confirmed the IL-4/IL-10 ratio variation in the analysed groups: patients with liver lesions showed a ratio of <1, while children without granulomas had a ratio of >2. The relevant analysis confirmed a positive statistical correlation in both seropositive groups for IgE and IL-4, and only in the granuloma group for IgE and IL-10.

Characterisation of a new, highly effective method for detecting nematode eggs (Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris spp.) in sewage sludge containing flocculants.

Because traditional methods used for sewage sludge parasitological examinations have low sensitivity, a new, highly effective method (own method - OM) was devised. The principle of this method is to eliminate the flocculent effect on the structure of sewage sludge by mechanically damaging floccules in the presence of surfactants and to increase the effectiveness of egg isolation processes in large volumes of liquids. The objective of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of the OM in detecting nematode eggs in sewage sludge samples containing flocculants. In the first stage, the effectiveness of the OM was compared to 4 other methods routinely used in parasitological examinations of dehydrated sewage sludge. Next, method standardisation was performed using sewage sludge samples supplemented with eggs from 3 parasite species (Ascaris suum, Toxocara canis and Trichuris vulpis). The study demonstrated that OM efficiency was 6-65 times greater than other methods, depending on the method and type of detected eggs. Limit of detection (LOD) calculations for the OM were performed on samples supplemented with a known number of parasite eggs resulting in 10, 5 and 3 eggs/50 g of sample for A. suum, T. vulpis and T. canis eggs, respectively. The limits of quantification (LOQ) of the OM were established as 200 eggs/50 g of sample for A. suum and T. vulpis eggs and 50 eggs/50 g of sample for T. canis eggs. The rectilinear regression functions, which determined the relationship between the number of eggs detected in OM measurements and the number of eggs contained in the samples, were characterised by high and statistically significant coefficients of determination (r2). The slopes of the trend lines were 0.3188, 0.3821 and 0.3276, and the intercepts were -11.223, -9.0261 and -23.15 for A. suum, T. canis and T. vulpis eggs, respectively. Method sensitivity, calculated as the slope coefficient of the regression function and expressed as a percentage, ranged from 32% to 38% depending on egg type. The study confirmed that the OM may be applied to quantify parasite eggs in dehydrated sewage sludge containing polyelectrolytes.

A Toxocara cati eggs concentration method from cats' faeces, for experimental and diagnostic purposes.

Toxocariosis is a zoonotic parasite infection worldwide distributed, now considered a neglected disease associated to poverty. For experimental infection in animals and to develop the diagnosis in humans it is necessary to obtain large number of Toxocara spp. larval eggs. Toxocara cati eggs recovered percentage from faeces of infected cats was determined employing a novel egg concentration method. The McMaster egg counting technique and the concentration method were applied on 20 positive cats' sample faeces obtained from naturally infected cats. The mean percentage of eggs recovered by the concentration method was 24.37% higher than the count obtained by McMaster egg counting technique. The main advantage of this method is that it can be obtained a small final volume with a high number of recovered eggs and a good quality inoculum for experimental and diagnostic purposes.

A case of ocular toxocariasis successfully treated with albendazole and triamcinolon.

We present a case of ocular toxocariasis treated successfully with oral albendazole in combination with steroids. A 26-year-old male visited the authors' clinic with the chief complaint of flying flies in his right eye. The fundus photograph showed a whitish epiretinal scar, and the fluorescein angiography revealed a hypofluorescein lesion of the scar and late leakage at the margin. An elevated retinal surface and posterior acoustic shadowing of the scar were observed in the optical coherence tomography, and Toxocara IgG was positive. The patient was diagnosed with toxocariasis, and the condition was treated with albendazole (400 mg twice a day) for a month and oral triamcinolone (16 mg for 2 weeks, once a day, and then 8 mg for 1 week, once a day) from day 13 of the albendazole treatment. The lesions decreased after the treatment. Based on this study, oral albendazole combined with steroids can be a simple and effective regimen for treating ocular toxocariasis.

Association between Alzheimer's disease and Toxocara infection/exposure: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Infections may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Limited evidence suggests Toxocara spp. infection/exposure could influence AD development. METHODS: We investigated Toxocara seropositivity and AD in Iranian adults using a matched case-control study. Our sample included 90 AD cases and 91 healthy older adults. Anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We computed the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through univariable and multivariable analyses, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: There were 33/90 (36.67% [95% CI 26.75 to 47.48]) anti-Toxocara IgG seropositive individuals identified among the AD cases and 21/91 (23.07% [95% CI 14.89 to 33.09]) among the healthy controls. In univariable analysis, a significant association was identified between anti-Toxocara IgG seropositivity and AD (OR 1.93 [95% CI 1.01 to 3.69], p<0.001). Moreover, the association remained significant (OR 2.18 [95% CI 1.05 to 4.49], p<0.001) in multivariable analysis after adjustment for covariates. There was no association between anti-Toxocara IgG seropositivity and the severity of AD (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.21 to 2.61], p=0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that Toxocara exposure/infection could be a potential risk factor for development of AD. To better understand a real causality between Toxocara exposure/infection and AD and related dementias, follow-up designed and adequately powered studies are needed.

Global Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global and regional seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. and associated risk factors among children. METHODS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was followed based on the Preferred Reporting. Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We searched the online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and Google Scholar search engine for studies that measured seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. among children, published between 1 January 2000 and 15 January 2022. Accordingly, the pooled seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model. RESULTS: A total of 65 articles from 22 countries met the inclusion criteria. The global seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection among children was estimated as 25% (95% CI 22-29). Meta-regression analysis showed that the type of population studied (p = 0.002) and year of publication (p = 0.044) it may be the source of heterogeneity. The highest and lowest pooled seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection were estimated in Thailand and Colombia as 58.2% (95% CI 50.9-65.5) and 7.04% (95% CI 3.05-11.3), respectively. Male gender was associated with a higher risk of Toxocara spp. compared to females, and this association was statistically significant (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.09-1.41, p = 0.001). However, residing in rural areas did not show a statistically significant increase in risk compared to living in urban areas (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 0.88-2.21, p = 0.143). CONCLUSION: Toxocariasis is common among children, hence, prevention and control scheme of this helminth in children should be considered by health officials and health policymakers, especially in developing countries, where seroprevalence is highest.

Parasites of Stray Cats in Iran: A Parasitological and Histopathological Study.

Many zoonotic parasitic diseases, including Toxocara cati, may be spread by stray cat populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasites by performing parasitological and histopathological examinations on stray cats in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 106 stray cats from different geographical areas of Shiraz, southern Iran, were examined for the presence of parasites. The overall prevalence was found to be 83.02% (88/106), and eight parasites were found. The parasites included three genera of cestodes [Joyeuxiella echinorhynoides (52.83%), Taenia taeniaeformis (21.70%), and Dipylidium caninum (1.89%)], three nematodes [Physaloptera praeputialis (23.59%), Toxocara cati (15.09%), and Rictularia sp. (1.89%)], one protozoa [Isospora spp. (6.60%)], and one arthropod [Ctenocephalides felis (5.66%)]. The prevalence did not significantly differ between males and females. It did appear, nevertheless, that the age of cats may be regarded as a risk factor for these parasitic infections. Histopathological examination revealed some parasite-induced lesions in the intestine and stomach, including hyperemia, hemorrhage, mucosal destruction and inflammation. The lung tissues showed some histopathological lesions such as hemorrhage, edema, emphysema and mild inflammation, and dormant larvae were found in one tongue sample. The results of the present study showed that parasitic infections and, more importantly, T. cati are relatively prevalent in stray cats, and the people living in this area are at serious risk of this zoonotic disease. The cats in this region need to be monitored, and specific preventive measures should be developed by public health officials.

First Sero-Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. Infections in the Police Dogs and Their Trainers in Iran.

PURPOSE: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Toxocara spp. are two types of parasites that can infect humans and various animals, including dogs. Police dogs and their trainers have a vital role in law enforcement, and their health and well-being are crucial for them to effectively carry out their duties. No study has yet been conducted on the prevalence of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. infections among police dogs and their trainers in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the sero-molecular prevalence of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. infections in police dogs and their trainers in Tehran, the capital of Iran. METHODS: In Tehran province, the anti-narcotics police have nearly 200 well-trained police dogs. Each dog is assigned a dedicated trainer and upon completing missions, is housed separately in a designated area. In the present study, a total of 150 samples were gathered. These included 50 blood samples from randomly selected police dogs, 50 fecal samples from the same dogs, and 50 blood samples from their trainers. The Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) was performed to detect T. gondii antibodies in dog blood samples and the ELISA system was utilized to identify anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Toxocara antibodies in the sera of the dog trainers. A specific segment of the SAG2 and ITS genes were amplified via nested-PCR in order to molecularly detect T. gondii in human blood samples and Toxocara spp. in dog fecal samples. RESULTS: Regarding serological findings, the prevalence of T. gondii in dog and human blood samples was 4% (2/50) and 10% (5/50), respectively. According to reports, the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in human blood samples was 6% (3/50). No statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of the examined parasites and variables (age, sex, and breed) in dogs, as well as the age variable in military personnel. Molecular findings showed that out of the 50 dog fecal samples and 50 human blood samples, there was no presence of Toxocara spp. and T. gondii, respectively. CONCLUSION: Understanding the prevalence of parasitic infections helps public health officials assess the risk to human and animal populations. This information can guide the development of prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of these infections. Overall, the prevalence of parasitic infections, particularly T. gondii and Toxocara spp., in police dogs and their trainers remains uncertain and necessitates further in-depth research.

One health approach to toxocariasis in Brazilian indigenous populations, their dogs, and soil contamination.

Introduction: Although socioeconomic vulnerability and lifestyle factors may contribute to the transmission of Toxocara spp., no study has investigated indigenous populations in Brazil using the One Health approach. Methods: Accordingly, this study assessed anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in Brazilian indigenous people and healthcare professionals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Presence of Toxocara spp. eggs (feces and hair) in dogs as definitive hosts and in soil samples of the indigenous communities were also recovered and molecularly investigated. Results: Overall, 342/463 (73.9%) indigenous individuals and 46/147 (31.3%) non-indigenous healthcare professionals were seropositive for Toxocara spp. In addition, T. canis eggs were retrieved from 9/194 (4.6%) dog fecal samples and 4/204 (2.0%) dog hair samples, mainly from the Paraná State communities (3/42; 7.1%). Soil contamination was observed only in the Paraná State communities (36/90; 40.0%), with the molecular detection of T. canis. River water consumption was also associated with indigenous seropositivity (Odds ratio, 11.4). Discussion: Indigenous individuals in Paraná State communities were 2.72-fold more likely to be seropositive than those in São Paulo State, likely due to a lack of sanitary infrastructure. In this scenario, a primarily soil-transmitted disease may also have become waterborne, with embryonated eggs probably spread to water supplies by rain. Full-time healthcare professionals in daily contact with indigenous communities were 9.2-fold more likely to be seropositive than professionals who visited sporadically, suggesting exposure to Toxocara spp. during their work and raising health concerns. In addition, the findings herein showed a significantly higher seroprevalence in indigenous people than in healthcare workers (χ2 = 85.5; p < 0.0001), likely due to overtime exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, Brazilian indigenous communities are highly exposed to toxocariasis, with poor infrastructure and contact with contaminated river water as associated risk factors and a higher risk of infection in healthcare professionals working full-time in these communities.

One health approach to toxocariasis in quilombola communities of southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis has been listed among the most neglected parasitic diseases worldwide, with approximately one fifth of the global population exposed, particularly those living under poverty. In Brazil, communities of descendants of enslaved blacks (quilombola) have historically had some of the highest rates of vulnerability and poverty, characterized by lack of health assistance, poor quality of life, and nutritional insecurity. METHODS: A cross-sectional sampling of quilombola individuals living in four communities of southern Brazil, as well as their dogs and the soil, was carried out from December 2021 to March 2022. Sociodemographic and other information such as water source, alimentary habits, and dog and cat ownership were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire for assessing toxocariasis risk factors. Human serum samples were tested by ELISA for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibody detection was carried out on dog feces and hair, and soil samples were surveyed for presence of Toxocara spp. eggs. RESULTS: Overall, 172/208 individuals (82.7%, 95% CI = 77.0-87.2) were seropositive, the highest seroprevalence rate to date in Brazil. Male gender (P = 0.029), educational level (P = 0.026), and drinking water source (P = 0.043) were associated with seropositivity by univariate analysis. Final logistic regression revealed increased odds (P = 0.017, OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.5-42.7) to have seropositivity in individuals > 50 years old (< 10 years old). As expected, individuals with soil contact were more likely seropositive (P = 0.038, OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.1-18.8). Although retrieved in only 5/96 (5.2%) dog feces, Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 18/60 (30.0%) soil samples. CONCLUSIONS: The high vulnerability and seroprevalence observed in quilombola communities clearly demand a One Health approach for detection, monitoring, and prevention of infection by Toxocara spp. in both human and dog populations.

Parasitological contamination of arable soil in selected regions of Poland - preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The hygienic status of arable soils in most developed countries has been unknown. In the presented study, a preliminary investigation was undertaken to determine the contamination with eggs of parasitic nematodes in the soil of arable fields in Poland. The aim of the study was to determine whether such contamination is common enough to constitute a significant problem and what factors may influence it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 5 Polish provinces from autumn 2021 to spring 2022. The provinces differed significantly in terms of the area of agricultural land, agricultural suitability, type of soil, scale of cattle and pig breeding, production of manure and slurry, and the use of manures and organic fertilizers for fertilization. A total of 133 soil samples were collected. Parasitological examination of soil samples was carried out using the PN-Z-19006 method [1], with confirmed high sensitivity. RESULTS: Parasite eggs were found in a total of 67 samples, of which 56 samples contained eggs of roundworms of the genus Ascaris (an average of 3.29 eggs/100 g of soil), 23 contained eggs of whipworms (an average of 1.22 eggs/100 g), and 3 contained eggs of Toxocara (1 egg/100 g). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the percentage of positive samples were found depending on the period in which the samples were taken. The percentage of positive samples collected in autumn (53.57%) was higher than the percentage of positive samples collected in spring (48.05%). Similarly, the average number of eggs of in positive samples collected in autumn (3.43 eggs/100 g) was higher than the average number of eggs in samples collected in spring (2.90 eggs/100 g). Differences in the percentage of positive samples were also found depending on the region of origin of the samples.