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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
08:05
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
[Toxocara canis and bronchial asthma].
María de Los Angeles López1, María V Bojanich, Juan M Jacobacci
1Area de Inmunología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Chaco. jmalonso@medreg.unne.edu.ar
Medicina
|March 16, 2010
Summary
Toxocara canis infection is linked to more severe asthma symptoms in children. This study found higher rates of the parasitic infection in children with severe asthma, suggesting it may worsen the condition.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Pediatric Allergy
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Toxocariasis, caused by the parasitic roundworm Toxocara canis, is prevalent in subtropical regions.
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children, with symptom severity varying widely.
- The potential link between parasitic infections and asthma exacerbation requires further investigation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between Toxocara canis infection and asthma symptom severity in children.
- To compare the seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection in asthmatic children versus a control group.
- To determine if Toxocara canis infection acts as a co-factor in bronchial asthma severity.
Summary:
- A study involving 47 asthmatic children and 53 controls in a subtropical region assessed Toxocara canis infection via ELISA and measured total IgE.
- Seropositivity for Toxocara canis was 57.4% in asthmatic children and 52.8% in controls.
- Significantly higher seropositivity (67.7%) was observed in asthmatic children with severe symptoms (grades II-IV) compared to those with mild symptoms (37.5%, p=0.0470).
Impact:
- The findings suggest that Toxocara canis infection may act as a co-factor, potentially increasing the severity of bronchial asthma symptoms in children.
- This research highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in the management of pediatric asthma, particularly in high-prevalence areas.
- Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association and inform public health strategies.
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