[Epidemiological aspects of toxocariasis in Switzerland]

In the regions of Basel, Jura and Zürich (Switzerland) 765 blood donors completed a questionnaire with respect to symptoms, animal contacts and occupation, and their sera were tested for antibodies to tissue helminths in ELISA. 5.1%, 3.3% and 6.5% exhibited antibodies solely to the respective antigens of Toxocara canis, Fasciola hepatica, and Echinococcus granulosus. Combined seroreactions were mainly observed between F. hepatica and E. granulosus antigens. Reactivity to T. canis antigen was associated with animal contacts at work, as well as contacts with cattle and sheep but not dogs or cats. Toxocara antibodies were found in all age groups. Their prevalence varied markedly by region.