Daliane Faria Grama1, Susana Zevallos Lescano2, Kelem Cristina Pereira Mota1, Brunna dos Anjos Pultz1, Juliana Silva Miranda1, Gesmar Rodrigues Silva Segundo3, Ernesto Akio Taketomi4, Karla Pereira Fernandes3, Jean Ezequiel Limongi1, Fabiana Martins de Paula5, Pedro Paulo Chieffi2, Márcia Cristina Cury6. 1. Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 2. Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo (USP), Laboratório de Helmintologia, São Paulo, Brazil. 3. Pediatric allergist, Ambulatório de Pediatria, Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 4. Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Alergia e Imunologia Clínica, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 5. Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. 6. Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil cury@umuarama.ufu.br.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies around the world suggest that infection with Toxocara spp. can contribute to the development or worsening of atopic diseases, especially in children. This study investigated the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in atopic children treated at the pediatric clinic of the Federal University of Uberlândia Clinical Hospital, identifying possible relationships with risk factors. METHODS: The study was conducted between November 2011 and March 2013. Blood samples were collected from 173 children aged 6 to 15 years, who were first subjected to clinical exams and then to a skin-prick test to determine the presence or absence of atopy. Risk factors for toxocariasis were analyzed based on a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to Toxocara spp. by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. was 19.6% (24/122) in atopic children and 15% (8/51) in non-atopic children, with no statistical difference. No significant association was found between infection and possible risk factors in atopic and non-atopic children. CONCLUSIONS: Although no statistical association was found between human toxocariasis and atopy, this study revealed a high seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in children that may indicate environmental contamination with the parasite's eggs in the area where these children live.
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies around the world suggest that infection with Toxocara spp. can contribute to the development or worsening of atopic diseases, especially in children. This study investigated the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in atopic children treated at the pediatric clinic of the Federal University of Uberlândia Clinical Hospital, identifying possible relationships with risk factors. METHODS: The study was conducted between November 2011 and March 2013. Blood samples were collected from 173 children aged 6 to 15 years, who were first subjected to clinical exams and then to a skin-prick test to determine the presence or absence of atopy. Risk factors for toxocariasis were analyzed based on a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to Toxocara spp. by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. was 19.6% (24/122) in atopic children and 15% (8/51) in non-atopic children, with no statistical difference. No significant association was found between infection and possible risk factors in atopic and non-atopic children. CONCLUSIONS: Although no statistical association was found between humantoxocariasis and atopy, this study revealed a high seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in children that may indicate environmental contamination with the parasite's eggs in the area where these children live.
Authors: Pedro Paulo Chieffi; Susana Angelica Zevallos Lescano; Gabriela Rodrigues E Fonseca; Sergio Vieira Dos Santos Journal: Res Rep Trop Med Date: 2021-05-19
Authors: Tatiani Vitor Harvey; Alice M Tang; Anaiá da Paixao Sevá; Camila Albano Dos Santos; Silvia Maria Santos Carvalho; Christiane Maria Barcellos Magalhães da Rocha; Bruno César Miranda Oliveira; George Rego Albuquerque Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2020-06-09