Frequency of Toxocara spp. antibodies in umbilical cords of newborns attended atthe University Hospital in Southern Brazil and factors associated with infection.

ABSTRACT

Toxocariasis is a neglected and geographically widespread parasitic disease. The detection of specific antibodies associated with this disease is required to confirm its clinical diagnosis and to aid in prevention. Although helminth infection during pregnancy can promote foetal immune responses with long-term effects, specific information regarding the risk of Toxocara spp. infection to the human foetus during pregnancy is lacking. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the frequency of antibodies against Toxocara spp. in umbilical cord serum samples to determine the neonatal risk factors associated with Toxocara spp. infection. A cross-sectional study of the frequency of specific antibodies against Toxocara spp. was performed on umbilical cord samples of 280 neonates. A cord blood sample was obtained from each newborn after parturition, and serum samples were examined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Epidemiological data were obtained through a questionnaire regarding obstetric history (abortion history, premature birthhistory, and pregnancy and birth numbers), general aspects (animal contact anddiet) and socio-economic factors. The frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies in the umbilical cords of neonates was 20% in serum pre-adsorbed with Ascaris spp. antigen. Family income and dog ownership were considered risk factors associated with infection. No association was found between reproductive disorders and Toxocara seropositivity. The 20% frequency rate of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies in sera from umbilical cords of newborns can be related to IgG binding at the maternal-foetal interface, requiring greater care during pregnancy. Anti-Toxocara IgM and IgE antibodies no were found in umbilical cord serum samples, indicating that no vertical transmission of these parasites occurred in this population. Studies regarding antibodies against Toxocara spp. in umbilical cord sera are important for determining neonatal exposure to these parasites.