[Toxocariasis in children from a subtropical region]

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Context:

• Toxocariasis is a neglected global parasitic infection, with children in areas lacking basic sanitation facing the highest risk.
• Infantile toxocariasis presents diverse clinical manifestations, including asymptomatic cases, ocular larva migrans, and visceral larva migrans.
• Subtropical regions with deficient sanitary infrastructure are particularly vulnerable to endemic parasitic diseases.

Purpose:

• To investigate the clinical and immunological aspects of infantile toxocariasis in a subtropical region of Argentina.
• To determine the prevalence of Toxocara canis infection in children with eosinophilia in Resistencia City.
• To assess the association between environmental factors and toxocariasis in the studied pediatric population.

Summary:

• A study of 182 children (0-16 years) with eosinophilia in Resistencia, Argentina, revealed a 67.0% seroprevalence of Toxocara canis IgG.
• High infection rates correlated with poor sanitation (lack of potable water and sewerage), close contact with pets, geophagia, and unpaved streets.
• Clinical presentations included 77.8% asymptomatic, 6.7% ocular larva migrans, and 15.5% visceral larva migrans; serological follow-up indicated persistent or slowly declining antibody levels post-treatment.

Impact:

• The findings underscore the significant public health burden of toxocariasis in underserved regions, often overlooked by authorities.
• Highlights the need for improved sanitation and public health strategies to control parasitic infections in vulnerable populations.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering toxocariasis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric eosinophilia, especially in endemic areas.