Endoparasites of household and shelter cats in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Endoparasitos de gatos domiciliados e de abrigos da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Endoparasitic infections are associated with morbidity in cats. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of endoparasites among cats of different life stages in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The samples were analyzed individually by macroscopic exploration for proglottids and centrifugal-flotation. Stool samples were obtained from household cats (n = 57) and shelter cats (n = 336). Endoparasites were detected in 50.64% of the samples. Among household and shelter cats, 21.05% and 55.66% were infected with endoparasites, respectively. In household cats, the most prevalent endoparasites were Ancylostoma spp. (in 25.0%) and Strongyloides spp. (in 25.0%), followed by Toxocara spp. (in 16.67%), Dipylidium caninum (in 16.67%), Cystoisospora spp. (in 8.33%), and Uncinaria spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 8.33%). In shelter cats, the most prevalent endoparasite was Ancylostoma spp. (in 29.41%), followed by Cystoisospora spp. (in 26.20%) and Toxocara spp. (in 16.58%), as well as Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 8.02%); Ancylostoma spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 11.76%); Cystoisospora spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.74%); Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.21%); and Dipylidium caninum + Ancylostoma spp. (in 0.53%). Endoparasitic infections in cats underscore the need for preventive veterinary care and routine coproparasitologic tests.(AU)

Endoparasitoses estão associadas à morbidade em gatos. Este estudo objetivou investigar a ocorrência de endoparasitos em gatos de diversas faixas etárias, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. As amostras passaram por exploração macroscópica à procura de proglotes de cestódeos e analisadas individualmente por centrífugo-flutuação. Assim, amostras fecais foram obtidas de gatos domiciliados (n = 57) e de abrigos (n = 336). Endoparasitos foram detectados em 50,64% das amostras fecais. Nos gatos domiciliados e de abrigos, 21,05% e 55,66% estavam infectados por endoparasitos, respectivamente. Ancylostoma spp. (25%) e Strongyloides spp. (25%) foram os helmintos mais prevalentes encontrados nas amostras de fezes dos gatos domiciliados, seguido por Toxocara spp. (16,67%), Dypilidium caninum (16,67%), Cystoisospora spp. (8,33%) e a associação de Uncinaria spp. e Ancylostoma spp. (8,33%). Entre os gatos dos abrigos, Ancylostoma spp. estavam presentes em 29,41% das amostras, seguidos por Cystoisospora spp. (26,20%), Toxocara spp. (16,58%) e as associações de parasitos Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. (8,02%), Ancylostoma spp. + Toxocara spp. (11,76%), Cystoisospora spp. + Ancylostoma spp (3,74%), Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocaraspp. + Ancylostoma spp. (3,21%) e Dipylidium caninum + Ancylostoma spp. (0,53%). Cystoisospora spp. foi o único protozoário encontrado. A presença de endoparasitos reforça a necessidade de cuidados veterinários preventivos e testes coproparasitológicos de rotina para evitar sua disseminação.(AU)

Factors associated with the presence of helminth eggs in the soil of public areas in Concepción, Chile / Fatores associados à presença de ovos de helmintos no solo de áreas públicas em Concepción, Chile

The aim of this study was to assess the association between the distance to the nearest feces, the type of substrate to be studied (feces, soil, grass), and whether a given area was licensed or not with the presence of helminth eggs in Concepción, Chile. A total of 256 samples taken from feces and either from soil or grass at 10 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm from feces (including 16 public areas), were examined for the presence of parasites using the ZnSO4 technique. The association between variables with the presence of eggs was assessed with multifactorial logistic regressions. 24.21% of samples presented at least one egg. The higher odds of Toxocara egg presence was positively associated with the licensed area type and the soil sample type (when compared with feces). The odds of Ancylostomatidae egg presence was positively associated with the licensed area type, but negatively associated with the soil sample type (compared with feces). The results suggest that finding eggs must be interpreted differently based on the parasite species and substrate to be analyzed, and that the presence of parasitized dogs is a more important contributing factor than the frequency with which the ground is cleaned of feces.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação da distância das fezes mais próximas, o tipo de substrato a ser estudado (fezes, solo, grama) e se as áreas foram licenciadas ou não, com a presença de ovos de helmintos zoonóticos em Concepción, Chile. Um total de 256 amostras colhidas no fecais, no solo ou na grama e a 10, 50 e 100 cm de fezes (incluindo 16 áreas públicas), foram examinadas quanto à presença de parasitas usando a técnica de flotação de sulfato de zinco. A associação de variáveis com a presença de ovos foi avaliada com regressões logísticas multifatoriais. Os 24,21% das amostras apresentaram pelo menos um ovo. As chances mais altas de ovos de Toxocara foram associadas positivamente ao tipo de área licenciado e ao tipo de amostra do solo (em comparação com as fezes). As chances de ovos de Ancylostomatidae também foram positivamente associadas ao tipo de área licenciado, mas negativamente associadas ao tipo de amostra do solo (em comparação com as fezes). Os resultados sugerem que o achado de ovos deve ser interpretado de maneira diferente em relação às espécies de parasitas e ao substrato a ser analisado, e que a presença de cães parasitados parece ser mais importante do que a frequência de limpeza das fezes do solo.(AU)

Kinetics and avidity of anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG) in rabbits experimentally infected with Toxocara canis / Cinética e avidez de anticorpos (IgG) anti-Toxocara em coelhos experimentalmente infectados com Toxocara canis

An evaluation was made of the kinetics and avidity of anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG) in rabbits experimentally infected with embryonated Toxocara canis eggs. Seventeen four month old New Zealand White rabbits were distributed into two groups. In the experimental group, twelve rabbits were infected orally with 1,000 embryonated T. canis eggs. A second group (n = 5), uninfected, was used as a control. Serum samples were collected for analysis on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 60 post-infection (DPI). An indirect ELISA test was performed to evaluate the reactivity index (RI) of IgG anti-T. canis antibodies and to calculate the avidity index (AI). The animals showed seroconversion from the 14th DPI, with high AI (over 50%) except for one animal, which presented an intermediate AI. At 60 DPI, all the animals were seropositive and maintained a high AI. The data indicated that specific IgG antibodies formed early (14 DPI) in rabbits infected with T. canis, with a high avidity index that persisted throughout the course of the infection.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar a cinética e a avidez de anticorpos anti-Toxocara canis, em coelhas infectadas experimentalmente com ovos embrionados de Toxocara canis. Foram utilizados 17 coelhos New Zealand de linhagem branca, com quatro meses de idade, distribuídos em dois grupos. No grupo experimental, doze coelhas foram infectadas, oralmente, com 1.000 ovos larvados de T. canis. Um segundo grupo (n=5), não infectado, foi utilizado como controle. Nos dias 7, 14, 21, 28 e 60 pós-infecção (DPI), foram coletadas amostras de soro para análise. O teste de ELISA indireto foi realizado para avaliar o índice de reatividade (IR) de anticorpos IgG anti-T. canis e para cálculo do índice de avidez (IA). A soroconversão nos animais ocorreu a partir do140 DPI, com verificação de alto IA (superior a 50%), com exceção de um animal, que apresentou médio IA. Aos 60 DPI, todos os animais foram soropositivos e mantiveram alto IA. Os dados mostram que em coelhos infectados por T. canis, anticorpos IgG específicos formam-se precocemente (14 DPI), apresentando alto índice de avidez e que se mantém durante o curso da infecção.(AU)

Aspectos epidemiológicos, diagnósticos y de tratamiento de la toxocariasis ocular / Epidemiological aspects, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular toxocariasis

Objetivo: Analizar la epidemiología, los métodos diagnósticos y los abordajes terapéuticos de la toxocariasis ocular en el Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo en el Servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital de Pediatría J. P. Garrahan analizándose en forma retrospectiva los pacientes con ELISA positivo para IgG anti-Toxocara canis vistos en el laboratorio de Parasitología y evaluados en el servicio de Oftalmología entre enero 2006 a junio de 2013. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 301 pacientes de los cuales 95 (31,5%), presentaron diagnóstico de toxocariasis ocular (59 niños y 36 niñas) y 206 no tuvieron afección oftálmica por Toxocara canis. El 100% de los pacientes con afección ocular por el parásito presentó algún grado de alteración de la visión. Las formas de toxocariasis ocular que se registraron son: granuloma periférico aislado en 12 pacientes (12,6%), granuloma periférico con pliegue unido a papila en 36 (37,9%), granuloma de polo posterior en 7 (7,4%), endoftalmitis crónica en 3 (3,2%), neurorretinitis subaguda unilateral difusa en 2 (2,1%), desprendimiento de retina en 23 (24,2%) y en 12 (12,6%) forma indeterminada. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de la toxocariasis ocular en la infancia tiende a hacerse en forma tardía ya que los niños pequeños no suelen manifestar a los padres la disminución visual de un ojo siendo el motivo de consulta más frecuente el estrabismo. El diagnóstico es clínico. La forma oftalmoscópica de presentación más frecuente en nuestro estudio fue el granuloma periférico con pliegue falciforme unido a papila. Oftalmoscopicamente la toxocariasis ocular puede presentarse de formas sumamente disímiles, lo cual hace dificultoso su diagnóstico y obliga a pensar siempre en éste en un niño que presenta inflamación intraocular unilateral. El uso de antiparasitarios en nuestros pacientes fue irregular (AU)

Objective: To assess the epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment approach in ocular toxocariasis at the Pediatric Hospital Juan P. Garrahan. Material and methods: An observational descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Pediatric Hospital Juan P. Garrahan. Patients with a positive ELISA for anti-Toxocara canis IgG seen at the laboratory of parasitology and evaluated at the Department of Ophthalmology between January 2006 and June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: 301 patients were included in the study of whom 95 (31.5%) had a diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis (59 boys and 36 girls) and in 206 the eyes were not affected by toxocariasis. All patients with ocular toxocariasis had some degree of visual impairment. The forms of ocular toxocariasis found were: isolated peripheral granuloma in 12 patients (12.6%), peripheral granuloma with the fold united to the papilla in 36 (37.9%), posterior pole granuloma in 7 (7.4%), chronic endophthalmitis 3 (3.2%), diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis 2 (2.1%), retinal detachment in 23 (24.2%), and an indeterminate form in 12 (12.6%). Conclusions: The diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis in childhood is often late as children are not able to report vision loss to their parents. Strabism is the most common reason for consult. The diagnosis is clinical. The most frequent ophthalmoscopic presentation was peripheral granuloma with a falciform fold attached to the papilla. Ophthalmoscopically, ocular toxocariasis may present heterogeneously, resulting in a difficult diagnosis. The disease should always be suspected in a child with unilateral intraocular inflammation. The use of antiparasitic agents was variable in our patients (AU)

Toxocariasis in waste pickers: a case control seroprevalence study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of Toxocara infection in humans in Mexico has been poorly explored. There is a lack of information about Toxocara infection in waste pickers. AIMS: Determine the seroepidemiology of Toxocara infection in waste pickers. METHODS: Through a case control study design, the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was determined in 90 waste pickers and 90 age- and gender-matched controls using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Associations of Toxocara exposure with socio-demographic, work, clinical, and behavioral data of the waste pickers were also evaluated. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies was significantly higher in waste pickers (12/90: 13%) than in control subjects (1/90: 1%) (OR = 14; 95% CI: 2-288). The seroprevalence was not influenced by socio-demographic or work characteristics. In contrast, increased seroprevalence was found in waste pickers suffering from gastritis, and reflex and visual impairments. Multivariate analysis showed that Toxocara exposure was associated with a low frequency of eating out of home (OR = 26; 95% CI: 2-363) and negatively associated with consumption of chicken meat (OR = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.003-0.59). Other behavioral characteristics such as animal contacts or exposure to soil were not associated with Toxocara seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Waste pickers are a risk group for Toxocara infection. 2) Toxocara is impacting the health of waste pickers. This is the first report of Toxocara exposure in waste pickers and of associations of gastritis and reflex impairment with Toxocara seropositivity. Results warrant for further research.

Toxocara seropositivity, atopy and wheezing in children living in poor neighbourhoods in urban Latin American.

BACKGROUND: Toxocara canis and T. cati are parasites of dogs and cats, respectively, that infect humans and cause human toxocariasis. Infection may cause asthma-like symptoms but is often asymptomatic and is associated with a marked eosinophilia. Previous epidemiological studies indicate that T. canis infection may be associated with the development of atopy and asthma. OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible associations between Toxocara spp. seropositivity and atopy and childhood wheezing in a population of children living in non-affluent areas of a large Latin American city. METHODS: The study was conducted in the city of Salvador, Brazil. Data on wheezing symptoms were collected by questionnaire, and atopy was measured by the presence of aeroallergen-specific IgE (sIgE). Skin prick test (SPT), total IgE and peripheral eosinophilia were measured. Toxocara seropositivity was determined by the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies, and intestinal helminth infections were determined by stool microscopy. FINDINGS: Children aged 4 to 11 years were studied, of whom 47% were seropositive for anti-Toxocara IgG; eosinophilia >4% occurred in 74.2% and >10% in 25.4%; 59.6% had elevated levels of total IgE; 36.8% had sIgE≥0.70 kU/L and 30.4% had SPT for at least one aeroallergen; 22.4% had current wheezing symptoms. Anti-Toxocara IgG was positively associated with elevated eosinophils counts, total IgE and the presence of specific IgE to aeroallergens but was inversely associated with skin prick test reactivity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Toxocara seropositivity was high in the studied population of children living in conditions of poverty in urban Brazil. Toxocara infection, although associated with total IgE, sIgE and eosinophilia, may prevent the development of skin hypersensitivity to aeroallergens, possibly through increased polyclonal IgE and the induction of a modified Th2 immune reaction.

Gastrointestinal parasites in goats from Monte Castelo, Santa Catarina, Brazil / Parasitas gastrintestinais em caprinos de Monte Castelo, Santa Catarina, Brasil

This study was carried out with the aim of estimating the degree of gastrointestinal helminth infection in goats on the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina. Twelve young females and 11 adult females were used. Every 28 days, feces samples were taken to quantify the nematode eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Larval culturing was performed on a pool of positive samples from the same group. The fecal egg counts (FECs) ranged from zero to 10,400 EPG in the young group and zero to 7,600 EPG in the adult group. The mean FECs were between 583.3 and 4441.7 in the young group and between 418.2 and 2181.8 in the adult group. Eggs of the order Strongylida and genera Moniezia and Toxocara, and oocysts of Coccidia, were observed. The young animals were more affected and Haemonchus was the most prevalent genus in the samples.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de estimar o grau de infecção dos helmintos gastrintestinais em um rebanho caprino criado no Planalto Norte Catarinense. Foram utilizadas 12 fêmeas jovens e 11 adultas, das quais, a cada 28 dias, foram coletadas amostras de fezes diretamente do reto, totalizando 12 coletas, para quantificação de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) e cultivo de larvas através de "pool" das amostras positivas do mesmo grupo. A contagem de OPG variou de zero a 10.400 nos animais jovens e de zero a 7.600 nos adultos. As médias do OPG entre as coletas foram de 583,3 a 4.441,7 no grupo jovem e de 418,2 a 2.181,8 nos adultos, sendo observados ovos da ordem Strongylida, dos gêneros Moniezia e Toxocara, bem como oocistos de coccídeos. Os animais mais jovens foram os mais acometidos, sendo o gênero Haemonchus o mais prevalente.

Gastrointestinal parasites in goats from Monte Castelo, Santa Catarina, Brazil / Parasitas gastrintestinais em caprinos de Monte Castelo, Santa Catarina, Brasil

This study was carried out with the aim of estimating the degree of gastrointestinal helminth infection in goats on the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina. Twelve young females and 11 adult females were used. Every 28 days, feces samples were taken to quantify the nematode eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Larval culturing was performed on a pool of positive samples from the same group. The fecal egg counts (FECs) ranged from zero to 10,400 EPG in the young group and zero to 7,600 EPG in the adult group. The mean FECs were between 583.3 and 4441.7 in the young group and between 418.2 and 2181.8 in the adult group. Eggs of the order Strongylida and genera Moniezia and Toxocara, and oocysts of Coccidia, were observed. The young animals were more affected and Haemonchus was the most prevalent genus in the samples.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de estimar o grau de infecção dos helmintos gastrintestinais em um rebanho caprino criado no Planalto Norte Catarinense. Foram utilizadas 12 fêmeas jovens e 11 adultas, das quais, a cada 28 dias, foram coletadas amostras de fezes diretamente do reto, totalizando 12 coletas, para quantificação de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) e cultivo de larvas através de "pool" das amostras positivas do mesmo grupo. A contagem de OPG variou de zero a 10.400 nos animais jovens e de zero a 7.600 nos adultos. As médias do OPG entre as coletas foram de 583,3 a 4.441,7 no grupo jovem e de 418,2 a 2.181,8 nos adultos, sendo observados ovos da ordem Strongylida, dos gêneros Moniezia e Toxocara, bem como oocistos de coccídeos. Os animais mais jovens foram os mais acometidos, sendo o gênero Haemonchus o mais prevalente.

Seroepidemiología de la toxocariasis en una comunidad indígena Yucpa de la Sierra de Perijá al occidente de Venezuela / Seroepidemilogy of toxocariasis in a Yucpa amerindian community from the Perijá Mountains, western Venezuela

El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia de infección por Toxocara spp en una comunidad indígena de la sierra de Perijá, al occidente de Venezuela, identificando el efecto de los cambios socioculturales sobre los factores de riesgo. Se estudió el 75,4% del total de la comunidad (110 individuos). La determinación de anticuerpos anti-Toxocara spp se realizó a través de una técnica de ELISA comercial. El análisis estadístico se realizó a través de la prueba de Chi cuadrado y la correlación de Spearman. El porcentaje general de infección fue de 21,7%, la más alta prevalencia se observó en el grupo de mayores de 50 años (37,5%). No se apreciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con relación al sexo. La prevalencia encontrada fue más alta que la apreciada en poblaciones urbanas y más baja que en otras comunidades indígenas. El proceso de transculturización en esta comunidad indígena es un factor de riesgo para la infección por Toxocara spp

The aim of this study was to determine the Toxocara spp infection seroprevalence in an Amerindian community from western Venezuela, identifying the effect of socio-cultural changes on the risk factors. 75.4% of the community, 110 individuals, were studied. Blood samples were gathered by venous puncture. Determination of anti-Toxocara spp antibodies was carried out using a commercial ELISA technique. The overall prevalence was 21.7%. Higher prevalence was observed in the age group >50 years old (37.5%). There were no statistically significant differences with regard to sex. The prevalence found was higher than that of an urban population and lower than in other indigenous communities. The transculturization process in this indigenous community is a risk factor for Toxocara spp infection

Bottle feeding and exposure to Toxocara as risk factors for wheezing illness among under-five Amazonian children: a population-based cross-sectional study.

We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for wheezing and asthma in young Amazonian children. A population-based cross-sectional survey of 606 children aged 6-59 months was performed in two small towns in Acre State, Northwestern Brazil. Information on outcome variables (recent wheezing and medical diagnosis of asthma) and demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, maternal and nutritional variables was obtained by interviewing children's mothers or guardians. Infections with intestinal parasites and antibodies to the zoonotic nematode Toxocara were diagnosed using standard laboratory techniques. Multiple unconditional logistic regression models were used to describe associations between independent variables and outcomes. The prevalence of recent wheezing (one or more reported episodes in the past 12 months) was 42.6%, but only 19.8% of wheezing children were also reported to have a medical diagnosis of asthma (prevalence, 8.5%); 21.5% of the children examined had antibodies to Toxocara. Increased risk of asthma was independently associated with early introduction of bottle feeding, defined as <4 months of exclusive breastfeeding [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.21, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.07-4.59, P = 0.033], and seropositivity to Toxocara (aOR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.17-4.77, P = 0.016), suggesting two potential targets for public health interventions.

Characterization of excretory/secretory antigen from Toxocara vitulorum larvae.

Toxocara vitulorum is a nematode parasite of the small intestine of cattle and water buffalo, particularly buffalo calves between one and three months of age, causing high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this research was to characterize the excretory/secretory (ES) antigens of T. vitulorum larvae by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and Western blot (WB), using immune sera and colostrum of buffalo naturally infected by T. vitulorum. The parasitological status of the buffalo calves was also evaluated using sequential fecal examinations. The results showed that the ES antigen revealed eight (190, 150, 110, 90, 64, 56, 48, and 19 kDa) protein bands by SDS-PAGE. The majority of these bands were recognized in the sera and colostrum of infected buffalo with T. vitulorum when analyzed by WB. However, particularly fractions of high molecular weight (190, 150, 110, and 90 kDa) were represented in more prominent bands and persisted in the groups of buffalo calves at the peak of egg output, as well as during the period of rejection of T. vitulorum by the feces of the calves. During the period of post-rejection of the worms (between the day 118 and 210 of age) the serum antibodies did not react with any protein bands. On the other hand, sera from buffalo calves at one day of age (after suckling the colostrum and at the beginning of infection) reacted with the same bands detected in the serum and colostrum of the buffalo cows.

Huevos infectivos de toxocara, en arenas de plazas y parques de Asunción, Paraguay / Toxocara ova in the sand of squares and parks of Asunción, Paraguay

Los vermes del género Toxocarapertenecen a la familia Ascaridae, siendo los agentes patógenos más importantes para el hompe T. canis y T. cati, productores de larva migrante visceral (LMV). Las larvas de Toxocara fueron identificadas por primera vez por Beaver, en 1952, en una biopsia de hígado de un niño de 2 años, acompañado por hepatomegalia y eosinofilia. El cuadro de LMV ocurre principalmente en niños de 1 a 5 años, con una historia de consumo de suelos (geofagia), contaminados con heces de caninos o felinos infectados. Los hallazgos clínicos pueden incluir marcada eosinofilia, hepatomegalia, neumonitis transitoria e hipergammaglubulinemia. Con el objeto de analizar la presencia de los huevos de estos helmintos en las plazas de la ciudad de Asunción, se tomaron muestras de suelo que contenían arena, en las cercanías de los juegos infantiles. Se sortearon aleatoriamente 51 plazas y parques, de un total de las 98 registrados en la Municipalidad de Asunción. Se halló la superficie de la zona que poseía arena, de las plazas sorteadas y se tomaron 2 muestras de 30 x 30 cm de superficie por 0,5 cm de profundidad, por cada 15 m2. Para el efecto fueron utilizados espátulas y frascos, previamente esterilizados. Se llenaron con agua los frascos y se agitaron fuertemente para obtener una buena emulsión, se filtraron las muestras y se procesaron por el método de flotación con sulfato de zinc al 33 por ciento. De los 51 sitios analizados, se encontraron huevos de Toxocara en 27 de ellos (53 por ciento). Entre los parques más concurridos que presentaron huevos de Toxocara fueron el Parque Caballero y el de Ñu guazú. La elevada prevalencia de huevos de Toxocara, encontrados en los suelos de plazas y parques públicos, indica el elevado riesgo para la salud de las personas, ya que los mismos son utilizados como áreas de recreación, especialmente por los niños, siendo ellos los que tienen más contacto con las arenas en las zonas de juego.

Contaminación ambiental por huevos de toxocara sp. en algunas plazas y parques públicos de Santiago de Chile, 1999 / Environmental contamination by toxocara sp. eggs in public squares and parks from Santiago, Chile, 1999

Most of cases of visceral larva migrans syndrome are caused by Toxocara canis larvae. Man acquires the infection by accidental ingestion of ripe eggs of the helminth. In order to find out the frequency of the presence of Toxocara sp. eggs in dog fecal specimens from public places of Santiago city in 1999 july-september a study was carried out in 84 squares and 12 parks from 32 couties. Three fecal samples were collected in each of these places, making a total of 288. Each sample was processed according to a modified Telemann method and three smears of each were microcopically examined. Toxocara sp. eggs were found in 39 (13.5 percent) fecal specimens. In 28/84 (33.3 percent) squares and in 8/12 (66.7 percent) parks these eggs were detected. These results make necessary the control of dogs and cats populations with the aim of reduce the presence of animals without responsible owners. It schould be advisable to prevent dogs and cats defecation in public areas grounds, trying to exclude these animals from recreation areas

Asma y toxocarosis encubierta / Asthma and covert toxocariasis

Se estudió la relación entre asma bronquial y toxocarosis encubierta. Se seleccionaron 38 pacientes con síndrome de asma bronquial. Se estabelecieron criterios de inclusión/exclusión. Como población control se evaluaron 44 pacientes sin asma con los mismos criterios. Los anticuerpos antitoxocara de tipo IgG e IgE se detectaron mediante enzimoinmunoanálisis (ELISA). Las pruebas cutáneas se realizaron mediante inyección de alergenos habituales y de material excretor/secretor de Toxocara canis obtenido por cultivo in vitro de larvas en estadio II (Ag E/S). Dentro de la población con asma resultó serológicamente positiva el 68.42 por ciento, diferenciándose significativamente de la población control (13.63 por ciento). El porcentaje de pacientes asmáticos con ambos marcadores antitoxocara positivos fue 26.31 por ciento. En la población control fue 4.54 por ciento. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes con asma y seropositividad para IgE antitoxocara dieron reactividad cutánea para el Ag E/S de T. canis. Se concluye que el grupo de pacientes con asma bronquial presentó una indudable asociación con los marcadores serológicos antitoxocara IgE e IgG positivos y con la reactvidad cutánea al Ag E/S, por lo que podría inferirse que cursan una toxocarosis encubierta.

Granuloma cerebral por toxocara sp: comunicación de un caso pediátrico / Brain granuloma produced by toxacara sp: report of a pediatric case

La toxocarosis es la infección parasitaria producida en el hombre por la migración de larvas de Toxocara sp a través de diferentes parénquimas: hígado, pulmón, sistema nervioso central (SNC) y ojo. Se presenta el caso de un escolar de 7 años con un cuadro convulsivo focal secundariamente generalizado e imagen de nódulo hipodenso en la tomografía axial computarizada. Ella vivía en una región rural y tenía estrecho contacto con perros. Recibió tratamiento antibiótico oral con cotrimoxazol, rifampicina y metronidazol durante 82 días. Por persistencia de la lesión, recurrencia de la convulsión y antecedentes epidemiológicos, se realizó estudio serológico para toxocarosis (test de ELISA IgG), que fue positivo en dilución de 1:512. Se trató con albendazol por 21 días y posteriormente se controló con resonancia magnética cerebral que fue normal, la serología se negativizó y las convulsiones no se repitieron. El compromiso de SNC por Toxocara sp puede producir encefelitis, mielitis, meningitis eosinofílica, granuloma cerebral, encefalopatía estática, alteraciones motoras y psiquiátricas. Es fundamental la educación sobre las medidas de prevención

Asma y toxocarosis encubierta / Asthma and covert toxocariasis

Se estudió la relación entre asma bronquial y toxocarosis encubierta. Se seleccionaron 38 pacientes con síndrome de asma bronquial. Se estabelecieron criterios de inclusión/exclusión. Como población control se evaluaron 44 pacientes sin asma con los mismos criterios. Los anticuerpos antitoxocara de tipo IgG e IgE se detectaron mediante enzimoinmunoanálisis (ELISA). Las pruebas cutáneas se realizaron mediante inyección de alergenos habituales y de material excretor/secretor de Toxocara canis obtenido por cultivo in vitro de larvas en estadio II (Ag E/S). Dentro de la población con asma resultó serológicamente positiva el 68.42 por ciento, diferenciándose significativamente de la población control (13.63 por ciento). El porcentaje de pacientes asmáticos con ambos marcadores antitoxocara positivos fue 26.31 por ciento. En la población control fue 4.54 por ciento. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes con asma y seropositividad para IgE antitoxocara dieron reactividad cutánea para el Ag E/S de T. canis. Se concluye que el grupo de pacientes con asma bronquial presentó una indudable asociación con los marcadores serológicos antitoxocara IgE e IgG positivos y con la reactvidad cutánea al Ag E/S, por lo que podría inferirse que cursan una toxocarosis encubierta. (AU)

Verduras de consumo humano como probable fuente de infección de toxocara sp. para el hombre / Vegetables for human consumption as probable source of toxocara sp. infection to man

Although Toxocara canis life cycle is known, other possible mechanisms dynamically involved in its transmission to man are still ignored. The object of the present investigation was to search the occurrence of Toxocara sp. eggs in vegetables which humans consume. Five hundred and thirty six vegetables from a supply distribution center in Mexico City (Distrito Federal) were examined. Those included 212 carrots, 76 potatoes, 31 radishes, 22 mushrooms, 27 lettuces, 20 sweet potatoes and 66 bundles of spinaches, 32 bundles of salt-worts, 29 bundles of coriander, and 21 bundles of purslane. Each unit or bundle was @ashed with 50 ml of sterilized water, allowing sedimentation at room temperatura for 8 hours. Five ml of sediment were centrifugated at 3,000 r.p.m. for 5 minutes. Sediment was examined in lugol stained fresh plates through light microscopy, which tumed to be Toxocara sp. eggs were found only in two vegetables: 1.9 percent of car-rots and 6.5 percent of radishes. Toxocara sp. eggs were: 66.7 percent recently emitted and 33.3 percent embryonated. Other parasite elements were: Ascaris lumbricoides eggs 1.9 percent in carrots, 2.6 percent in potatoes, 9. 1 percent in mushrooms, 6.9 percent in corianders, 20.0 percent in sweet potatoes and 6. 1 percent in spinachs. Entamoeba histolytica cyts were found in 0.9 percent of carrots. Soil contamination with Toxocara sp. eggs from parasitized dogs or cats, or with either sewage systems or contaminated water where vegetables for human consumption are grown, play a role as a transmission mechanism must be deeperly studied since 33.3 percent of Toxocara sp. eggs found contained larvae, potentially infective to man

Frecuencia de hallazgo de huevos de toxocara cati en gatos domésticos de Ciudad de México y del estado de México / Frequency of toxocara cati eggs in domestic cats at Mexico City and at Mexico State

Toxocariosis is a zoonosis which has beem widely studied in dogs. However, not much is known about this parasitosis in cats. The aim of the present work was to determine the frequency of Toxocara cati in domestic cats in Mexico City and the State of Mexico. Feces of 660 domestic cats were studied by the Faust concentration-floating test; 401 samples were from cats living in Mexico City of which 308 lived in houses and 93 in apartments; 231 were from urban areas of the State of Mexico an 28 from a rural area of the same state. The total frequency of T. cati eggs obtained from domestic cats in Mexico City was 42.9 percent; in cats living in apartments it was 18.3 percent and in cats living in houses it was 50.3 percent. In domestic cats from the State of Mexico, T. cati frequency was 36.4 percent in the urban and 21.4 percent in the rural areas. We consider that toxocariosis frequency observed at the two studied sites is high and that the need to prevent dissemination of the infectious forms of T. cati is urgent,as it the necessity of informing the population of the risk of living with T. cati parasited animals and of the anatomopathological alterations caused by T. cati in man

Contaminación de suelos por huevos de toxocara sp en parques públicos y jardines de casas-habitación de la ciudad de México / Soil contamination with toxocara sp eggs in public parks and home gardens from Mexico city

Due to the high number of stray dogs and cats which defecate in public places in Mexico city (3 millions approximately), in addition to domestic dogs and cats, exists the potential risk to man of infection by toxocara sp eggs. A study to determine the contamination frequency by toxocara sp eggs in public parks, public flower beds, and home gardens in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, was carried out in the 1995 first semester. Fourteen hundred and five soil samples were collected from 156 public parks, 83 public flower beds and 42 home gardens across the 16 delegations in Mexico City, Distrito Federal. Samples were processed by the zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation method, and supernatants read by microscopy. Out of the whole 281 sampled sites, 12,5 percent were found contaminated with toxocara sp eggs. Positivity found was: 10,9 percent in public parks, 13,3 percent in public flower beds and 16,7 in home gardens. Ninety percent of the eggs were embryonated or larvaeted measuring 60 to 90 micrometers. The high contamination frecuencies found make necessary to prompt for public health measures granted the risk of infection acquisition spread on the most exposed population (children) provided that it is acquired via geophagia.