Toxocaral infection in hydatid control officers: diagnosis by enzyme immunoassay

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Toxocara canis larva excretory/secretory antigen has been set up in Christchurch. Employing this test, elevated specific antibody levels for toxocara larvae were found in 3.3% (3/90) of urban adult blood donors and 4.4% (4/90) of secondary school students. In comparison, elevated levels were present in 25.6% (23/90) of New Zealand hydatid control officers. It can be concluded from the present study that the higher risk of toxocariasis experienced by hydatid officers is reflected in elevated specific antibody titres in a significant proportion of individuals when compared with controls.