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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
11:17
Obtaining Highly Purified Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts by a Discontinuous Cesium Chloride Gradient
Published on: November 3, 2009
[How innocent is Toxocara?]
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|September 9, 1989
Summary
Toxocara infection in children may be linked to asthma and bronchitis. This study found a higher prevalence of these respiratory conditions in children with Toxocara antibodies, suggesting a potential causal relationship.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Investigated 234 children aged 3-6 years in The Hague, Netherlands.
- Assessed seropositivity for Toxocara antibodies.
- Excluded cross-reactions with Ascaris antibodies.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of Toxocara antibodies in young children.
- To explore the potential association between Toxocara infection and respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
Summary:
- 11.1% of children (26 out of 234) were seropositive for Toxocara.
- Seropositive children showed a significantly higher incidence of asthma or bronchitis (31%) compared to seronegative children (12%).
Impact:
- Findings suggest a potential link between toxocariasis and childhood asthma/bronchitis.
- Further research could confirm toxocariasis as a preventable cause of these respiratory illnesses.
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