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Correlation between asthma and Toxocara canis infection
Roxana-Gabriela Cobzaru1, Carmen Rîpă, Maria Magdalena Leon
1Discipline of Parasitology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Grigore T. Popa-Iasi School of Medicine.
Summary
Asthma patients show a significantly higher prevalence of toxocariasis, indicated by anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG and IgE). This suggests a potential link between asthma and Toxocara canis infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide.
- Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the roundworm Toxocara canis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between asthma and toxocariasis in children.
- To determine the seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection in pediatric asthma patients compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 76 asthma patients and 88 controls (aged 5-16 years).
- ELISA was used to detect anti-Toxocara canis serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgE.
- Cutaneous reactivity testing was performed using common allergens and T. canis E/S antigen.
Main Results:
- Seroprevalence of toxocariasis was significantly higher in asthma patients (68.42%) than in controls (13.63%).
- A greater percentage of asthmatic patients had dual anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG and IgE) compared to controls (26.31% vs. 4.54%).
- All asthma patients with anti-Toxocara IgE exhibited cutaneous reactivity to the T. canis E/S antigen.
Conclusions:
- Asthma patients, particularly those with anti-Toxocara IgE and IgG antibodies, may have a concurrent toxocariasis infection.
- Findings suggest a potential etiological or exacerbating role of toxocariasis in pediatric asthma.
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