Convergence between helminths and breast cancer: intratumoral injection of the excretory/secretory antigens of the human parasite Toxocara canis (EST) increase lung macro and micro metastasis.

Introduction: Worldwide, breast cancer is the most important cancer in incidence and prevalence in women. Different risk factors interact to increase the probability of developing it. Biological agents such as helminth parasites, particularly their excretory/secretory antigens, may play a significant role in tumor development. Helminths and their antigens have been recognized as inducers or promoters of cancer due to their ability to regulate the host's immune response. Previously in our laboratory, we demonstrated that chronic infection by Toxocara canis increases the size of mammary tumors, affecting the systemic response to the parasite. However, the parasite does not invade the tumor, and we decided to study if the excretion/secretion of antigens from Toxocara canis (EST) can affect the progression of mammary tumors or the pathophysiology of cancer which is metastasis. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether excretion/secretion T. canis antigens, injected directly into the tumor, affect tumor growth and metastasis. Methods: We evaluated these parameters through the monitoring of the intra-tumoral immune response. Results: Mice injected intratumorally with EST did not show changes in the size and weight of the tumors; although the tumors showed an increased microvasculature, they did develop increased micro and macro-metastasis in the lung. The analysis of the immune tumor microenvironment revealed that EST antigens did not modulate the proportion of immune cells in the tumor, spleen, or peripheral lymph nodes. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the lungs showed increased metastasis in the EST-treated animals compared to controls, accompanied by an increase in VEGF systemic levels. Discussion: Thus, these findings showed that intra-tumoral injection of T. canis EST antigens promote lung metastasis through modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment.

Dynamics of ex vivo cytokine transcription during experimental Toxocara canis infection in Balb/c mice.

The cytokine microenvironment is crucial in generating and polarizing the immune response. A means of monitoring this environment would be of great value for better understanding Toxocara canis immune modulation. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of cytokine transcription ex vivo, during early (24-48 hours) and late (15-30 days) times post-infection, in the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and intestinal mucosa of Balb/c mice experimentally infected with T. canis larvae. Mice in the treated group were infected with 100 third-stage larvae (L3), whereas mice in the control group were not infected. Analyses were performed at different times: 24-48 hours post-infection (HPI), 15-30 days post-infection (DPI). IL4, IL10, IL12 and Ym1 mRNA transcriptions were analyzed through qPCR. This study showed cytokine transcription mediated by migrating larvae in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen at 24-48 HPI, whereas cytokine transcription in the intestinal mucosa was observed only at late times (15-30 DPI). These results suggest that the T. canis larvae migration during infection might play a role in cytokine dynamics. Since the cytokine microenvironment is crucial in modulating immune response, knowledge of cytokine dynamics during T. canis infections pave the way to better understand its interaction with the host.

Sexual Dimorphism in the Physiopathology and Immune Response during Acute Toxocara canis Infection.

BACKGROUND: Toxocara canis (T. canis) is a helminth parasite of zoonotic and veterinary health significance that causes the disease known as Toxocariasis. This disease has been associated with conditions of poverty, especially in tropical climate zones throughout the world. Although it rarely causes important clinical manifestations, T. canis can lead to blindness, meningoencephalitis, or other nervous manifestations in humans. Moreover, some studies show its importance in the development of tumor growth, which have been associated with the parasite's ability to modulate the host's immune response. While different studies have evaluated the immune response during this disease, currently, there are no studies where the infection is analyzed from the perspective of sexual dimorphism. METHODS: To evaluate sex differences in susceptibility, we analyzed lesions and parasite loads in lung and liver at 7 days post-infection. In addition, immune cell subpopulations were analyzed in spleen, mesenteric and peripheral lymph nodes. Finally, the production of cytokines and specific antibodies were determined in the serum. Statical analyses were performed using a Two-way ANOVA and a post-hoc Bonferroni multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Female rats had a higher number of larvae in the liver, while male rats had them in the lungs. The percentages of immune cells were evaluated, and in most cases, no significant differences were observed. Regarding the cytokines production, infection can generate a decrease in Th1 such as IL-1ß in both sexes and IL-6 only in females. In the case of Th2, IL-4 increases only in infected males and IL-5 increases in males while decreasing in females due to the effect of infection. IL-10 also decreases in both sexes as a consequence of the infection, and TGF-ß only in females. Finally, the infection generates the production of antibodies against the parasite, however, their quantity is lower in females. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that T. canis infection is dimorphic and affects females more than males. This is due to a polarization of the inadequate immune response, which is reflected as a higher parasite load in this sex.

Anthelmintic efficacy of nitazoxanide in dogs naturally infected with Toxocara canis.

Toxocara canis (T. canis) is a gastrointestinal nematode in dogs, and its larvae also infect humans, causing severe larval migratory disease. Anthelmintic drugs have become the primary means to combat T. canis. In this study, the efficacy of nitazoxanide (NTZ) was tested against all the internal stages of T. canis, including L3 larval stage in vitro experiments and gastrointestinal worm in vivo experiments. In the in vitro experiment, after treatment with NTZ at 7.81 and 62.5 µg/mL for 12 h, the larval mortality efficacy reached 90.0 and 100.0%, respectively. In the in vivo experiments, 100 mg/kg NTZ possessed good anthelmintic efficacy against T. canis, with an egg per gram (EPG) reduction of 99.19%, and 90.00% of dogs cleared with residual worms. These results were comparable to those of the positive control drug. The highest anthelmintic efficacy was observed in the group treated with 150 mg/kg NTZ. Based on faecal egg counts, the number of T. canis eggs decreased by 100.00%, and the percentage of dogs cleared with residual worms achieved 90.00% after 7 days of treatment in the 150-mg/kg NTZ treatment group. In general, NTZ showed great potential to be applied as an anthelmintic against T. canis.

Case Report: Toxocariasis Manifesting as Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion.

Toxocariasis is a prevalent zoonosis caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati. It ranges in severity from mundane to life-threatening, depending on organ involvement. The lungs are often affected, manifesting as coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. However, pleural effusions rarely occur in patients with pulmonary toxocariasis. We report the case of a 74-year-old man with highly suspected toxocariasis who presented with an eosinophilic pleural effusion and eosinophilia. He developed dyspnea and a right-sided pleural effusion. Thoracentesis revealed an exudative effusion containing numerous eosinophils. The pleural effusion continued to increase, and the eosinophilia rapidly progressed. Although the patient had not recently had contact with animals or known exposure to contaminated food, water, or soil, toxocariasis was confirmed by positive serological test results for anti-Toxocara antibodies in the serum and pleural effusion. The patient was cured with albendazole treatment for 28 days. The pleural effusion and eosinophilia resolved and did not recur. Clinicians should consider toxocariasis in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with eosinophilic pleural effusions.

Difficult to treat liver abscesses in children - Do not forget parasitic infections.

Liver abscess (LA) is a significant health concern worldwide, particularly in tropical regions such as India, and is usually pyogenic or amoebic in origin. In rare cases it can be caused by parasites. We present two children with difficult-to-treat LAs, revealing underlying parasitic infections as the causative agents, implicated by eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin-E levels and exposure to domestic animals. In the first case, disseminated echinococcosis was diagnosed through imaging, serology and histopathology. The second case showed a relationship between LAs and Toxocara infection, evidenced by microscopic stool examination of a household cat.

Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. co-infection in pregnant women in low-income areas of Brazil.

Introduction: Despite human toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis having been listed among the top six most neglected parasitic zoonoses worldwide, presenting similar associated risk factors and transmission routes, few studies have been conducted in pregnant women and the consequences of concurrent infection remain to be fully established. Accordingly, the present study has serologically assessed the co-infection and associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. in pregnant women, assisted by the public Unified National Health System (SUS) in southeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected and tested for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by chemiluminescence immunoassay and against Toxocara spp. by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to gather socioeconomic information to assess the risk factors associated with seropositivity to toxocariasis/toxoplasmosis by univariate analysis followed by logistic regression. Results: Overall, seropositivity was 69/280 (24.6, 95% CI: 19.96-30.01) for T. gondii and 56/280 (20.0, 95% CI: 15.73-25.08) for Toxocara spp. Co-infection was observed in 25/280 (8.9, 95% CI: 6.12-12.85) pregnant women, with increased odds (OR: 3.3, CI 95%: 1.77-6.14, p = 0.0002). Logistic regression revealed that a higher educational level (high school or college) significantly reduced the likelihood of co-infection seropositivity, owning cats increased the odds of toxocariasis, and older pregnant women presented significantly higher T. gondii seropositivity. Conclusion: Co-infection herein highlights the importance of educational programs in the prevention of toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and other high-risk populations.

Toxocara canis infection in multiple types of animals: ophthalmological and pathological observations.

Human ocular toxocariasis (OT), caused by pet roundworm Toxocara canis (Nematoda Ascaridoidea), is a worldwide ocular parasitic infection that poses a severe threat to eyesight, especially in school-aged children. However, the infection process and pathological mechanism of Toxocara are difficult to study in the human body. This study was designed to explore long-term ocular manifestations in different rodents infected with Toxocara canis, uncovering the specific pathological mechanism and migration pathway of larvae after infection. The three types of experimental animals we selected were C57BL/6 mice, Mongolian gerbils and Brown Norway rats. Mice were randomly divided into five groups and infected orally with 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs; gerbils were randomly divided into four groups and infected orally with 1000, 2000, 4000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs; rats were randomly divided into three groups and infected orally with 2000, 6000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs. Their ocular changes were closely observed and recorded for at least 2 months. We also enucleated the eyeballs of some animals to perform pathological sectioning and hematoxylin-eosin staining. After 3 dpi (days post-infection), hemorrhagic lesions, mechanical injury of the retina and larval migration could be observed in some infected animals. The ocular infection and mortality rates tended to be stable at 7 dpi. Larval tissue, structure disorder and inflammation could be observed in the pathological sections. In conclusion, the mice infected with 2000 T. canis eggs and gerbils infected with 1000, 2000 and 4000 T. canis eggs showing obvious ocular lesions and lower mortality rates could provide a basis for long-term observation.

Seroprevalence and Potential Risk Factors of Toxocariasis among General Population in Southwest Iran: Implications on the One Health Approach.

Toxocariasis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases distributed worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and the associated risk factors among general populations living in urban and rural areas of Abadan and Khorramshahr cities in Khuzestan Province, Southwest Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and September 2022. There were 363 participants (190 females and 173 males) aged from <20 to ≥60 years old. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in serum samples were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A structured questionnaire was employed to collect information regarding sociodemographic status and probable risk factors associated with toxocariasis. It was found that the seroprevalence rate in males (15.0%, 95% CI = 10.47-21.11) was higher than in females (10.5%, 95% CI = 6.92-15.70). Moreover, we observed that the seroprevalence was higher in participants at younger ages compared to other age ranges (COR = 2.55, 95% CI = 0.92-7.12, p =0.073). The findings of the univariate analysis revealed that residency in rural areas (p < 0.001), using unpurified water (p < 0.001), contact with dog (p =0.002), contact with soil (p < 0.001), consumption of improperly washed vegetables (p < 0.001), and history of drinking untreated water (p < 0.001) were risk factors associated with toxocariasis. Further comprehensive studies with a focus on humans and animals should be designed in different areas of the Province. The data represented by the current study are useful to health policymakers to consider precise surveillance and effective prevention measures to control this zoonotic infection among general populations.

Intestine proteomic and metabolomic alterations in dogs infected with Toxocara canis.

Toxocariasis is an important zoonotic parasitic disease. Toxocaris canis adults live and reproduce in the intestinal tract of dogs and other canine hosts, and the infectious eggs are continuously excreted in feces, which causes environmental contamination and has an important public health significance. In this study, TMT proteomic and untargeted metabolomic methods were used to explore the physiological and pathological effects on the intestinal tract of dogs which infected with T. canis, and a series of bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). The proteomics results showed that 198 DEPs were mainly enriched in the immune system and signal transduction pathway, and involved in the regulation of the occurrence and development of cancer and infectious diseases. T. canis could disrupt intestinal permeability by increasing the expression of proteins such as zinc finger protein DZIP1L and myosin heavy chain 10. Additionally, T. canis infection could also inhibit the host immune response by decreasing the expression of MHC-II, NF-κB, DLA and other immune-related molecules. While, the metabolomics results revealed that the expression of oxoglutaric acid, glutamate, d-aspartate, arginine, taurochenodeoxycholic acid and taurocholic acid which participated in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, bile secretion, biosynthesis of amino acids pathway were significantly decreased. The correlation results of proteomics and metabolomics showed that DEPs and DEMs were mainly co-enriched in bile secretion pathway to regulate intestinal peristalsis. Analyzing DEPs and DEMs will not only provide insights into the mechanisms of host parasite interaction, but also aid in identifying potential targets for therapy and diagnosis, thus setting the groundwork for effectively preventing and managing toxocariasis.

The larvicidal effect of the supernatant of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on Toxocara canis.

Human toxocariasis is a parasitic anthropozoonosis that is difficult to treat and control. A previous study carried out with Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 revealed that the cell free supernatant (CFS) of this probiotic killed 100% of Toxocara canis larvae in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the CFS of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, which may be involved in its larvicidal effects on T. canis. L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 was cultured, and lactic and acetic acids present in the CFS were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The levels of pH and H2O2 were also analyzed. To assess the larvicidal effect of the CFS, this was tested pure and diluted (1:2 to 1:128) on T. canis larvae. High concentrations of lactic and acetic acids were detected in the CFS. The acidity of the pure CFS was observed at pH 3.8, remaining acidic at dilutions of 1:2 to 1:16. Regarding the in vitro larvicidal effect, 100% death of T. canis larvae was observed using the pure CFS and 1:2 dilution. Based on these results, it can be inferred that the presence of higher concentrations of organic acids and low pH of the medium contributed to the larvicidal activity of the CFS of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356. In addition, the maintenance of the larvicidal effect, even after dilution, suggests a greater chance of the larvicidal effect of this CFS against T. canis in vivo.

Migratory pattern of zoonotic Toxocara cati and T. canis in experimentally infected pigs.

BACKGROUND: Over a billion people are infected with Toxocara canis or T. cati, the roundworms of dogs and cats. Historically, T. canis has been considered the main species responsible for human toxocarosis, but as serodiagnosis cannot discriminate between the two species, this remains unresolved. We used pigs as a relevant large animal model for human infection to assess the migratory pattern of T. cati and T. canis. METHODS: Pigs were inoculated with T. cati or T. canis eggs or PBS (negative controls) and necropsied 14 or 31 days later. Different organs and tissues were examined for parasites and pathological changes. RESULTS: Overall, the two parasite species had a similar migration pattern reaching multiple organs and tissues, including the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and diaphragm. We recovered larvae of both species in the brain, suggesting that T. cati also can cause neurological toxocarosis in humans. Both species induced systemic eosinophilia and histopathological changes in the lungs, livers, and mesenteric lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: This study emphasises the importance of T. cati as a zoonotic agent and the need to develop diagnostic methods that can differentiate between sources of infection in humans.

Toxocarosis in a patient with autism spectrum disorder presenting with severe hypereosinophilia and acute respiratory distress: a case report.

A boy with known autism spectrum disorder was transferred to our department due to a rapidly worsening respiratory situation. The patient's history revealed previous treatment with albendazole against a Toxocara infection 2 weeks prior in Poland. Blood analysis showed such severe eosinophilia and markedly elevated levels of IgE that, initially, a hematologic malignancy was suspected. However, diagnostic workup including autoimmune diagnostic, molecular genetic testing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), bone marrow aspiration, and parasitological testing led to the diagnosis of an insufficiently treated Toxocara infection. Treatment with albendazole and prednisone (six cycles for 4 weeks each) was administered. This treatment regime led to prompt improvement of symptoms and normalization of laboratory findings.

Efficacy of artemether against toxocariasis in mice: parasitological and immunopathological changes in brain, liver, and lung.

Toxocariasis is a zoonosis that represents a serious threat to public health particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Currently, albendazole, the most effective drug for treating visceral toxocariasis, shows moderate efficacy against the larvae in tissues and has some adverse effects. Artemether is an antiparasitic drug mainly used in the treatment of malaria and showed effectiveness against numerous helminthic infections. Besides, it possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, and neuroprotective properties. Thus, the study's aim was to investigate artemether's effects in comparison with albendazole on the therapeutic outcome of experimental toxocariasis. For this aim, 140 laboratory-bred mice were divided into four main groups: uninfected control, treatment control, albendazole-treated, and artemether-treated groups. The treatment regimens were started at the 15th dpi (early treatment), and at the 35th dpi (late treatment). The effectiveness of treatment was determined by brain larval count, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examination. Artemether showed more effectiveness than albendazole in reducing brain larval counts, markers of brain injury including NF-κB, GFAP, and caspase-3, the diameter and number of hepatic granulomas, hepatic oxidative stress, hepatic IL-6, and TG2 mRNA, and pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. The efficacy of artemether was the same when administered early or late in the infection. Finally, our findings illustrated that artemether might be a promising therapy for T. canis infection and it could be a good substitution for albendazole in toxocariasis treatment.

Cerebro-Ocular Toxocariasis Revealed by Bilateral Cystoid Macular Edema.

DESIGN: Case Report Case description: This report describes the case of a female patient diagnosed with oculo-cerebral toxocariasis manifesting initially in the form of isolated bilateral cystoid macular edema. Diagnosis was made by means of positive anterior chamber and lumbar puncture western blots. The unusual presentation, ancillary findings and treatment are discussed. The control of intraocular inflammation that was only partially responsive to steroids was eventually achieved with pegylated interferon alfa-2a. CONCLUSION: Isolated macular edema is a rare presentation of ocular toxocariasis. Interferon alfa-2a may prove useful in case of insufficient control of inflammation.

Safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients with ocular toxocariasis.

AIMS: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant in patients with active uveitis due to ocular toxocariasis (OT). METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with OT were recruited in this retrospective study, including 51 patients in DEX group treated with intravitreal DEX implant and 27 patients in control group without intervention. The reduction of vitreous haze scores (VHS), the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes, intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract progression and formation were recorded at baseline (V0), 1 (V1), 3 (V3) and 6 months (V6) after treatment in DEX group, and V0 and V6 in control group. RESULTS: There was no change in VHS and BCVA in control group between V0 and V6. Better VHS (p=0.001) and BCVA (p=0.022) was achieved in DEX group; the rate of VHS=0 was 0%, 67.4%, 42.9% and 44.9% at V0, V1, V3 and V6, respectively (p＜0.001), and the mean BCVA was improved from logMAR 1.5±0.9 to 1.2±0.9 at V1, 1.4±1.0 at V3 and 1.4±1.2 at V6. A favourable BCVA at V1 was associated with older age (p=0.038) and uninvolved macula (p=0.000) in DEX group. No significant difference in IOP elevation ≥10 mm Hg, cataract progression and formation between groups. More eyes needed retinal surgery in control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to investigate use of intravitreal DEX implant in OT patients, which can efficiently reduce ocular inflammation and improve BCVA in macular uninvolved patients.

Epidemiological profile of human toxocariasis in patients examined at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC/SVSA/MS) between 2014 and 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Toxocariasis is caused by nematodes of Toxocara genus, which infest dogs and cats, with humans serving as paratenic hosts. METHODS: The epidemiological profile of patients examined for toxocariasis between October 2014 and October 2019 at Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC) was outlined. The frequency of anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were evaluated using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: From a total of 734 samples, 56% were from male (p < 0.05). Regarding age, the group with the most solicitations were from ≤11 years old individuals (p < 0.05). Pará state had the highest number of exams requested (92%), with the majority from residents of urban areas, accounting for 81.5% of samples (p < 0.05). The overall toxocariasis seroprevalence was 41.8%, the male sex being the most frequent with 60.9% (p < 0.05). The most affected age group was ≤11 years old, with a total of 67.8% of positive samples (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high rates obtained emphasize the need for complementary studies on toxocariasis in Brazil, especially in Pará state, contributing to epidemiological surveillance actions in the control of this infection. Besides, health campaigns for domestic and stray animals, also can contribute to a more effective surveillance in controlling parasitic infections and encourages the One Health approach.

Toxocara canis-induced changes in host intestinal microbial communities.

BACKGROUND: Toxocara canis is a roundworm that resides in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and causes various pathological changes. The dog's intestinal system consists of a diverse and dynamic bacterial community that has extensive effects on intestinal physiology, immunity and metabolics. In the case of intestinal parasites, interactions with the host intestinal flora are inevitable during the process of parasitism. METHODS: We studied the role of T. canis in regulating the composition and diversity of the intestinal flora of the host by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and various bioinformatics analyses. RESULTS: The α-diversity analysis showed that Toxocara canis infection resulted in a significant decrease in the abundance and diversity of host intestinal flora. The ß-diversity analysis showed that the intestinal flora of infected dogs was similar to that carried by T. canis. Analysis of the microflora composition and differences at the phylum level showed that the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B ratio) increased with T. canis infection. Analysis of species composition and differences at the genus level revealed that the proportion of some of the pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium sensu stricto and Staphylococcus, increased after T. canis infection. CONCLUSIONS: Toxocara canis infection affected the composition and diversity of the flora in the host intestinal tract. These results not only shed light on the potential mechanism of T. canis invasion and long-term survival in the intestinal tract, but also provide a new basis for the development of anthelmintic drugs.

Seroprevalence of Toxocara at Tra Vinh University Hospital in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the seroprevalence of Toxocariasis and its associated risk factors among individuals attending the outpatient department at Tra Vinh University Hospital, Vietnam, in 2022. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among outpatients of Tra Vinh University Hospital. Toxocariasis diagnosis was based on the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) performed at the hospital's laboratory department. We assessed the seroprevalence of Toxocariasis and evaluated associated risk factors, including demographics and certain behaviors. RESULTS: Of the 249 participants surveyed, 165 tested positive for Toxocariasis, yielding a seroprevalence of 66.3% (95% CI: 60.4-72.1). Multivariate analysis revealed that age groups up to 30 and 30-60 years had higher odds of Toxocariasis infection, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 2.52 (95% CI: 1.04-6.11) and 3.21 (95% CI: 1.44-7.15) respectively. Additionally, individuals residing in rural areas and those in contact with dogs or cats had increased risks, with aORs of 2.21 (95% CI: 1.21-4.01) and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.10-3.79), respectively. Notably, hand washing before eating emerged as a protective factor against Toxocariasis, presenting an aOR of 0.38 (95% CI: 0.19-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore a significant seroprevalence (66.3%) of Toxocara spp. among outpatients at Tra Vinh University Hospital. Proactive measures, including hand hygiene before meals and after pet interactions, are advocated. There is a pronounced need for community-level epidemiological surveillance for human Toxocariasis.

Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection.

Toxocariasis remains an important neglected parasitic infection representing one of the most common zoonotic infections caused by the parasite Toxocara canis or, less frequently, by Toxocara cati. The epidemiology of the disease is complex due to its transmission route by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Even though the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control classified toxocariasis amongst the top six parasitic infections of priority to public health, global epidemiological data regarding the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Although the vast majority of the infected individuals remain asymptomatic or experience a mild disease, the infection is associated with important health and socioeconomic consequences, particularly in underprivileged, tropical, and subtropical areas. Toxocariasis is a disease with multiple clinical presentations, which are classified into five distinct forms: the classical visceral larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis, common toxocariasis, covert toxocariasis, and cerebral toxocariasis or neurotoxocariasis. Anthelmintic agents, for example, albendazole or mebendazole, are the recommended treatment, whereas a combination with topical or systemic corticosteroids for specific forms is suggested. Prevention strategies include educational programs, behavioral and hygienic changes, enhancement of the role of veterinarians, and anthelmintic regimens to control active infections.