Seroprevalence of Toxocara Infection among Adult Individuals with Eosinophilia in Babol, 2013

Background and Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic disease with high eosinophil count caused by Toxocara (T.canis and T. cati(. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxocara IgG antibody among healthy adult individuals with over 10% eosinophilia count who referred to Health center of Babol and also to find out the risk factors associated with this infection. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 6984 subjects, 322 healthy adult with over 10% eosinophilia and aged above 15 years old, were randomly chosen throughout 2013. Serum samples were collected and examined using indirect ELISA technique as specific IgG against Toxocara canis. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Chi square test in SPSS ver. 16. The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 23.5% (n=76) in studied individuals. The cases were 45 (59.2%) male and 31(40.8%) female. The results showed significant differences between inhabitant area (elevated rate in rural area) (P=0.001) and job (elevated rate in farmers) (P=0.005). Our study showed that farmers and individuals resident in rural areas are more at risk of toxocariasis. Enhancing public awareness about this disease and more efficient control of stray dogs are recommended to decrease the rate of this infection.