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Protective and risk factors for toxocariasis in children from two different social classes of Brazil

Vamilton Alvares Santarém1, Flávia Noris Chagas Leli, Guita Rubinsky-Elefant

  • 1Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista-Unoeste, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil. vamilton@unoeste.br

Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|May 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Toxocara infection in children is linked to socioeconomic status. Higher income protects against toxocariasis, while owning a cat increases risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • * Parasitology and Public Health
  • * Epidemiology of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Background:

  • * Toxocariasis, caused by *Toxocara* species, is a zoonotic infection with global prevalence.
  • * Socioeconomic factors are known to influence the transmission and prevalence of parasitic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To determine the prevalence of *Toxocara* spp. antibodies in children from different socioeconomic classes.
  • * To identify protective and risk factors associated with toxocariasis in these populations.

Main Methods:

  • * Cross-sectional study involving 252 children (126 middle-class, 126 disadvantaged) in Presidente Prudente, Brazil.
  • * Serological testing using anti-*Toxocara* ELISA to assess prevalence.
  • * Surveys administered to parents/guardians to collect data on risk and protective factors.

Main Results:

  • * Overall *Toxocara* seroprevalence was 11.1%, with 9.5% in middle-class and 12.7% in disadvantaged children.
  • * Higher family income was a significant protective factor against toxocariasis.
  • * Being female, owning a cat (overall and for both groups), and owning a dog (middle-class only) were identified as significant factors.

Conclusions:

  • * Socioeconomic status significantly impacts *Toxocara* infection risk.
  • * Protective and risk factors for toxocariasis can vary between different socioeconomic strata.
  • * Tailored public health interventions are crucial for effective prevention of *Toxocara* infections.

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