Soil contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. eggs in elementary school playgrounds in the extreme south of Brazil / Contaminação do solo de praças de recreação de escolas de ensino fundamental por ovos de Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp. no extremo sul do Brasil

Abstract Millions of people worldwide, and especially schoolchildren, may be infected by geohelminths due to their exposure to a contaminated environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. eggs in recreation areas at elementary schools in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sand samples were collected from 22 schools and were processed using the centrifugal flotation method. Helminth eggs with zoonotic potential were found in 12 out of the 22 schools (54.5%). Contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. was observed in 36.4% (8/22) and 27.3% (6/22) of the soil samples collected at these schools, respectively. These findings of eggs show that the school communities are exposed to risks of zoonotic transmission.

Resumo Milhões de pessoas podem ser acometidas por geohelmintos, especialmente crianças em idade escolar, devido a sua maior exposição a ambientes contaminados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a contaminação do solo por ovos de Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp. em áreas de recreação de escolas de ensino fundamental da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram colhidas amostras de areia de 22 escolas e processadas pelo método de centrífugo-flutuação. Em 54,5% (12/22) das escolas houve registro da presença de ovos de helmintos com potencial zoonótico. A contaminação por Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp. foi observada em 36,4% (8/22) e 27,3% (6/22) das amostras de solo das escolas, respectivamente. Existe a presença de ovos de Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp., havendo risco de transmissão de zoonoses à comunidade escolar.

Detection of enteroparasites in foliar vegetables commercialized in street- and supermarkets in Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil / Detecção de enteroparasitas em hortaliças comercializadas em feiras e supermercados em Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

Foliar vegetables contaminated with fecal residues are an important route of transmission of intestinal parasites to humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of parasitic forms of protozoa and helminths on lettuces (Lactuca sativa) and collard greens (Brassica oleracea) sold in street- and supermarkets in the city of Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. A total of 30 samples of each vegetable (15 samples from each supermarkets and street markets) was analyzed. All samples were processed by spontaneous sedimentation method and centrifugal flotation. In 45% of the samples, immature forms of intestinal parasites were identified with 66.7% helminths eggs and 33.3% protozoan cysts or oocysts. Significantly more lettuce samples were contaminated with eggs, cysts or oocyst of at least one parasite than collard green samples (U=216; Z=-3.45; P <0.001). The parasitic forms were identified morphologically up to the family level with eggs of Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae and Taeniidae, or oocysts of Eimeriidae, to the genus with Cystoisospora sp. and Toxocara sp., and to the species level with Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum and Hymenolepis nana. The presence of these infective agents in lettuce and collard green from both street- and supermarkets highlights the high risk of spreading parasites by eating raw vegetables sold in Aparecida de Goiânia.

Hortaliças contaminadas com resíduos fecais são importantes vias de transmissão de parasitas intestinais ao homem. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de formas parasitárias de protozoários e helmintos em alface (Lactuca sativa) e couve (Brassica oleracea) vendidas em feiras e supermercados na cidade de Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Um total de 30 amostras de cada vegetal (15 amostras de supermercados e 15 de feiras livres) foi analisado. Todas as amostras foram processadas pelos métodos de sedimentação espontânea e centrífugo-flutuação. Em 45% das amostras foram identificadas formas imaturas de parasitas intestinais sendo 66,7% ovos de helmintos e 33,3% de cistos ou oocistos de protozoários. Significativamente, mais amostras de alface estavam contaminadas com ovos, cistos ou oocistos de pelo menos um parasita do que as amostras de couve (U = 216; Z = -3,45; P <0,001). As formas parasitárias foram identificadas morfologicamente ao nível de família com ovos de Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae e Taeniidae ou oocistos de Eimeriidae, dos gêneros Cystoisospora sp. e Toxocara sp., e ao nível de espécies com Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum e Hymenolepis nana. A presença desses agentes infecciosos em alface e couve, provenientes tanto de feiras quanto de supermercados, ressalta o alto risco de veiculação de parasitas pela ingestão de hortaliças cruas comercializadas em Aparecida de Goiânia.

Toxocariasis en niños: análisis de 85 casos en un hospital pediátrico de Argentina / Toxocariasis in children: analysis of 85 cases in a paediatric hospital in Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: La toxocariasis es una enfermedad parasitaria ampliamente distribuida. Las formas clínicas descritas son la asintomática (TA), larva migrans visceral (LMV), larva migrans ocular (LMO) y encubierta (TE). OBJETIVOS: Describir las características clínicas, de laboratorio, evolución y tratamiento de los casos y comparar las diversas formas clínicas de presentación. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de todos los pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de toxocariasis atendidos en el Servicio de Infectología del Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde entre 2012 y 2019. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 85 pacientes. El 63,5 % fueron varones y la mediana de edad fue de 60 meses. Cuarenta y nueve pacientes presentaron TA, 14 LMV, 15 LMO y 7 TE. Los pacientes con LMV presentaron menor edad y recuento de eosinófilos más altos. Todos los casos de LMO presentaron mal pronóstico visual. Se indicó tratamiento con albendazol en todos los casos de LMV, en los casos activos de LMO, en 4 TE y en 3 TA. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio representa uno de los más grandes llevados a cabo en el país. Todas las formas clínicas excepto las LMO tuvieron buena evolución. Resulta fundamental enfatizar en la prevención y en el diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad para instaurar de manera oportuna el tratamiento y evitar secuelas.

BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis is a widely spread parasitic disease. The most frequent clinical form is asymptomatic (AT) although it may present with visceral larva migrans (VLM), ocular larva migrans (OLM) or covert (TE) involvement. Aims: To describe the clinical presentation, laboratory, evolution and treatment characteristics of the cases and to compare the various clinical forms of presentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all children diagnosed with toxocariasis attended at the Infectology Service of the Pedro de Elizalde Children's General Hospital between 2012-2019. RESULTS: We included 85 patients. 63.5% were males and the median age was 60 months. 49 patients presented AT, 14 VLM, 15 OLM and 7 TE. Children with LMV had lower age and higher eosinophil count. All the cases of OLM evolved with a poor visual prognosis. Treatment with albendazole was indicated in all cases of LMV, in active cases of LMO, in 4 TE and in 3 AT. CONCLUSION: This study represents one of the largest conducted in our country. The ocular forms had bad prognosis, while the visceral and covert forms had good evolution. It is essential to emphasize the prevention and early diagnosis of the disease in order to establish timely treatment and avoid sequelae.

Manifestaciones oculares de la toxocariasis en escolares del estado Anzoátegui en Venezuela / Ocular manifestations of toxocariasis in schoolchildren from the state from the Anzoátegui state in Venezuela

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar manifestaciones oculares de la toxocariasis en escolares. Se realizó un estudio en dos escuelas del estado Anzoátegui en Venezuela en el 2019. Se empleó la prueba de ELISA para determinar los anticuerpos IgG contra Toxocara spp. Las familias completaron un cuestionario y los niños fueron evaluados clínicamente por pediatras y oftalmólogos. Participaron 118 niños, el 18,6% presentó anticuerpos anti-Toxocara spp. Las manifestaciones clínicas con asociación estadísticamente significativa fueron las reacciones alérgicas, epífora y disminución de la agudeza visual. En la evaluación oftalmológica se encontró queratitis, uveítis, iritis, granuloma retiniano, endoftalmitis, amaurosis, leucocoria, desprendimiento de retina y endotropía. Los hallazgos muestran una alta frecuencia de enfermedad ocular en niños con toxocariasis de un estado de Venezuela.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine ocular manifestations of toxocariasis in schoolchildren. A study was conducted in two schools in the Anzoátegui state in Venezuela in 2019. The ELISA test was used to determine IgG antibodies against Toxocara spp. The families completed a questionnaire, and the children were clinically evaluated by pediatricians and ophthalmologists. 118 children participated, 18.6% presented anti-Toxocara spp. The clinical manifestations with a statistically significant association were allergic reactions, epiphora, and decreased visual acuity. The ophthalmological evaluation found keratitis, uveitis, iritis, retinal granuloma, endophthalmitis, amaurosis, leukocoria, retinal detachment and endotropia. The findings show a high frequency of eye disease in children with toxocariasis from a state of Venezuela.

Presentación atípica de toxocariasis infantil: a propósito de un caso / Atypical presentation of infant toxocariasis: about a case

Resumen Se presenta el caso de una niña de 8 años, procedente de la Amazonia peruana, con una presentación atípica de una toxocariasis. El cuadro clínico, de un mes de evolución, fue caracterizado por dolor abdominal crónico, palidez y geofagia, asociado a una masa abdominal y linfoadenopatías generalizadas. No hubo sintomatología respiratoria, dérmica, ocular o neurológica. En el hemograma se encontró una anemia y eosinofilia periférica acentuada y una eosinofilia moderada en el aspirado medular. El diagnóstico fUe confirmado por serología por el método de enzimoinmunoanálisis (ELISA), que mostró la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxocara de tipo IgG e IgM. Se administró tratamiento con albendazol 400 mg al día, durante cinco días, con una evolución favorable.

Abstract We present the case of an 8-year-old girl with an atypical presentation of toxocariasis, from the Peruvian Amazon. A month ago, the clinical presentation was characterized by the presence of abdominal pain, paleness and geophagia, associated with an abdominal mass and generalized lymphadenopathy. There were no respiratory, dermal, ocular or neurological symptoms. Marked peripheral eosinophilia was found in the blood count, and moderate eosinophilia in the spinal cord aspírate. The diagnosis was confirmed by serology with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which showed the presence of IgG and IgM anti- Toxocara antibodies. Treatment with albendazole 400 mg once daily was administered for five days with favorable evolution.

Geohelminths in the soil of the Laguna dos Patos in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil / Geohelmintos no solo da Laguna dos Patos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract This study aimed at examining the prevalence of eggs and larvae of parasites - that may cause diseases to humans and other animals - in the soil of public squares located on the shore of Laranjal beaches, in the Laguna dos Patos, in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Four fieldwork trips - one per season - were taken to collect samples on six squares built on the shore of these beaches. Five samples of soil were collected on every square on every fieldwork trip. The material was processed by Caldwell & Caldwell's technique. Four squares (66.7%) were positive for helminth eggs and sample positivity was 8.3% (10). Toxocara spp. and Ancylostoma spp. were the main genera found in these places. Even though prevalence was lower than the one observed by other studies which were carried out in the area, helminths with zoonotic potential were found in the soil of the squares. It should be highlighted that measures to control dogs in these areas must be implemented and public policies must be put forth to make pets' owners and beach goers aware of the need to mitigate environmental contamination.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a prevalência de ovos e larvas de parasitos - que podem causar doenças em humanos e outros animais - no solo de praças públicas localizadas na orla das praias do Laranjal, na Laguna dos Patos, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Quatro viagens de campo - uma por estação - foram realizadas em seis praças construídas na orla dessas praias. Cinco amostras de solo foram coletadas por praça em cada saída de campo. O material foi processado pela técnica de Caldwell e Caldwell. Quatro praças (66,7%) foram positivas para ovos de helmintos e a positividade da amostra foi de 8,3% (10). Toxocara spp. e Ancylostoma spp. foram os principais gêneros encontrados nesses locais. Embora a prevalência tenha sido menor que a observada por outros estudos realizados na área, helmintos com potencial zoonótico foram encontrados no solo das praças. Deve-se ressaltar que medidas para o controle de cães nessas áreas devem ser implementadas e políticas públicas devem ser concretizadas para tornar os donos de animais de estimação e frequentadores destas praias, conscientes da necessidade de mitigar a contaminação ambiental.

Frequency of enteroparasitic infections and serum positivity for Toxocara spp. in children from a public day care center in Southern Brazil / Frequência de enteroparasitos e de soropositividade para Toxocara spp. em crianças de uma creche pública do Sul do Brasil

Abstract Introduction Day care centers play an important social role in children's early education and development. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections and infection with Toxocara spp. in children from a day care center in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted using fecal samples from 50 children, ages three to six years, using Ritchie, Faust, Rugai, and Kinyoun's techniques. A closed and structured epidemiological questionnaire was used to collect data from the parents/guardians of the children. Serological studies for detection of antibodies to Toxocara spp. by immunoenzymatic assays using Toxocara excretion and secretion antigen (TES) were conducted on sera collected from 41 children. Results: The frequency of enteroparasites was 18%, with 43.9% of the children testing seropositive for Toxocara spp. Low family income and low literacy levels of parents/guardians were common factors between the families of the parasite-positive children. For the children who tested positive for Toxocara spp., most of the parents/guardians reported using only water for sanitizing raw vegetables and fruits. Conclusions: The high seropositivity rates for Toxocara spp. indicate that children were exposed to this parasite, and it is important to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, the seropositivity for enteroparasites and the interviews with the parents/guardians indicate the need to educate the studied population regarding the modes of intestinal parasite transmission and the prophylactic measures needed to prevent their dissemination.

Resumo Introdução As creches desempenham um importante papel social na educação e desenvolvimento inicial das crianças. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a frequência de infecções parasitárias intestinais, além de infecção por Toxocara spp. em crianças de uma creche na cidade do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: Para o estudo, foram coletadas amostras fecais de 50 crianças de três a seis anos, analisadas pelas técnicas de Ritchie, Faust, Rugai e Kinyoun, sendo aplicado um questionário epidemiológico fechado e estruturado aos pais/responsáveis ​​das crianças. Também foi realizada uma pesquisa sorológica de anticorpos para Toxocara spp. em 41 crianças, pelo ensaio imunoenzimático, associado ao antígeno de excreção e secreção (ES), com soros pré-adsorvidos com antígeno somático de Ascaris lumbricoides. Resultados: A frequência de enteroparasitos foi de 18%, enquanto que 43.9% das crianças foram soropositivas para Toxocara spp.. Baixa renda familiar e baixo nível de alfabetização dos pais/responsáveis ​​foram fatores comuns entre as famílias das crianças parasitadas. A maioria dos pais ou responsáveis das crianças, com diagnóstico positivo para enteroparasitos ou para Toxocara spp., relatou utilizar apenas água para a higienização de verduras e frutas. Conclusões: As altas taxas de soropositividade para Toxocara spp. indicam que as crianças foram expostas a esse parasito, sendo importante minimizar o risco de infecção. Além disso, a positividade de 18% para enteroparasitos e os dados obtidos com as entrevistas realizadas com os pais ou responsáveis demonstram a necessidade da realização de trabalhos com a população estudada que visem a divulgação sobre as parasitoses intestinais, especialmente sobre medidas profiláticas especificas.

Occurrence of geohelminths in the soil of public squares in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazilian Western Amazon / Ocorrência de geohelmintos em solo de praças públicas em Rio Branco, estado do Acre, Amazônia Brasileira

Soil contamination by dog and cat feces can become a public health problem due to the transmission of various etiologic agents that cause zoonoses. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of geohelminths in the soil of some public square areas of the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre State, Western Brazilian Amazon. Five public squares were selected, and soil samples collection was performed from April 2014 to March 2015. The samples were processed by using the Baermann-Moraes and centrifugal-flotation methods. Geohelminths positivity was of 25% for Tox o c ara spp., 6.6% for the Ancylostomatoidea Superfamily and 1.6 for Trichuris spp.. Measures should be implemented to prevent the free access of animals to these places, as well as deworming of stray dogs and cats and the implementation of population control and policies for such animals.(AU)

A contaminação do solo por fezes de cães e gatos pode se tornar um problema de saúde pública devido à transmissão de vários agentes etiológicos que causam zoonoses. Este estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência de geohelmintos no solo de praças públicas do município de Rio Branco, estado do Acre, Brasil. Cinco praças públicas foram selecionadas e amostras de solo foram colhidas entre abril de 2014 e março de 2015. As amostras foram processadas pelos métodos de Baermann-Moraes e centrífugo-flutuação. A positividade observada para geohelmintos foi de 25% para Tox o c ara spp., 6,6% para a Superfamília Ancylostomatoidea e 1,6% para Trichuris spp.. Medidas devem ser implementadas para prevenir a livre circulação de animais nestes locais, bem como a desverminação de cães e gatos de rua e a implementação de políticas de adoção e controle populacional de cães e gatos.(AU)

Factors associated with the presence of helminth eggs in the soil of public areas in Concepción, Chile / Fatores associados à presença de ovos de helmintos no solo de áreas públicas em Concepción, Chile

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the association between the distance to the nearest feces, the type of substrate to be studied (feces, soil, grass), and whether a given area was licensed or not with the presence of helminth eggs in Concepción, Chile. A total of 256 samples taken from feces and either from soil or grass at 10 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm from feces (including 16 public areas), were examined for the presence of parasites using the ZnSO4 technique. The association between variables with the presence of eggs was assessed with multifactorial logistic regressions. 24.21% of samples presented at least one egg. The higher odds of Toxocara egg presence was positively associated with the licensed 'area type' and the soil 'sample type' (when compared with feces). The odds of Ancylostomatidae egg presence was positively associated with the licensed 'area type', but negatively associated with the soil 'sample type' (compared with feces). The results suggest that finding eggs must be interpreted differently based on the parasite species and substrate to be analyzed, and that the presence of parasitized dogs is a more important contributing factor than the frequency with which the ground is cleaned of feces.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação da distância das fezes mais próximas, o tipo de substrato a ser estudado (fezes, solo, grama) e se as áreas foram licenciadas ou não, com a presença de ovos de helmintos zoonóticos em Concepción, Chile. Um total de 256 amostras colhidas no fecais, no solo ou na grama e a 10, 50 e 100 cm de fezes (incluindo 16 áreas públicas), foram examinadas quanto à presença de parasitas usando a técnica de flotação de sulfato de zinco. A associação de variáveis ​​com a presença de ovos foi avaliada com regressões logísticas multifatoriais. Os 24,21% das amostras apresentaram pelo menos um ovo. As chances mais altas de ovos de Toxocara foram associadas positivamente ao 'tipo de área' licenciado e ao 'tipo de amostra' do solo (em comparação com as fezes). As chances de ovos de Ancylostomatidae também foram positivamente associadas ao 'tipo de área' licenciado, mas negativamente associadas ao 'tipo de amostra' do solo (em comparação com as fezes). Os resultados sugerem que o achado de ovos deve ser interpretado de maneira diferente em relação às espécies de parasitas e ao substrato a ser analisado, e que a presença de cães parasitados parece ser mais importante do que a frequência de limpeza das fezes do solo.

Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection in Cats in Daegu, Republic of Korea, and Efficacy of Treatment Using Topical Emodepside/Praziquantel Formulation

The purpose of this study was 2-fold: 1) to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in cats reared in Daegu, Republic of Korea and 2) to assess the efficacy and safety of a topical emodepside/praziquantel formulation for cats with parasitic infections. The gastrointestinal parasite infections were examined microscopically using the flotation method. Of 407 cats, 162 (39.8%) were infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite, including Toxocara cati (63.0%), Toxascaris leonina (31.5%), Taenia taeniaeformis (3.7%), and Cystoisospora felis (1.9%). None of the infected animals had multiple infections. When the data were analyzed according to sex, age, and type of cat, stray cats showed statistically higher prevalence than companion cats (P<0.05). On the 5th day after treatment, no parasitic eggs were detected using microscopic examination. In addition, no adverse effects, such as abnormal behaviors and clinical symptoms, were observed in the cats treated with the drug. These results quantify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats in Daegu, Republic of Korea, and show that topical emodepside/praziquantel is a safe and effective choice for treating the parasitic infections in cats.

Análise epistemológica dos conhecimentos científicos sobre Toxocara sp. com ênfase na infecção humana / Epistemological analysis of the scientific knowledge about Toxocara sp. with the emphasis on human infection

Resumo Este artigo objetivou analisar a evolução do conhecimento sobre Toxocara sp. em seu aspecto zoonótico por meio de dados científicos entre os anos de 1996 a 2015 utilizando a epistemologia como ferramenta. A análise epistemológica da evolução do conhecimento sobre o aspecto zoonótico de Toxocara sp. no Brasil demonstrou que, de uma maneira geral, foram agregadas poucas novas informações as quais tiveram, ao longo do período estudado, absorção lenta, descontínua, e não foram inseridas na realidade social do ponto de vista de Saúde Pública.

Abstract The scope of this article was to analyze the evolution of knowledge about Toxocara sp. from a zoonotic point of view by means of scientific data published between the years 1996 and 2015 using epistemology as a tool. The epistemological analysis of the evolution of knowledge on the zoonotic aspect of Toxocara sp. in Brazil revealed that, in general, little new information was added which had, over the period studied, slow and discontinuous absorption, and was not incorporated in the social reality from the standpoint of public health.

Frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies in broiler chickens in southern Brazil / Frequência de anticorpos anti-Toxocara em frangos de corte no Sul do Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in naturally infected broiler chickens (n = 189) from the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. The chickens were reared in a semi-intensive system by small family farmers (n = 7). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the presence of anti- Toxocara spp. IgY after serum adsorption with Ascaridia galli antigens. An overall seroprevalence of 67.7% (128/189; 95% CI = 61.1-74.4) was observed. The frequency of positive animals by farm ranged from 29.6% to 100%. The optical density and reactivity index values observed in ELISA test indicated the possible chronicity of infection of the evaluated chickens. Associations between the presence of antibodies and the area where the chickens were reared (p = 0.382) or the population density of dogs on the farm (p = 0.785) were not observed. This study shows a high prevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in broiler chickens reared in semi-intensive systems and provides evidence that chickens are a good indicator of environmental contamination by larva migrans agents. Further studies are necessary to assess the risk factors associated with poultry infection and the likelihood of toxocariasis transmission to humans via the ingestion of free-range chicken meat.

Resumo A finalidade do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença de anticorpos anti- Toxocara, em frangos de corte naturalmente infectados (n = 189), no Norte do Paraná, Sul do Brasil. Os frangos foram criados em sistema semi-intensivo, em pequenas propriedades rurais (n = 7). Os testes sorológicos foram realizados pela técnica de ELISA, para detecção de anticorpos IgY (IgG), com pré-adsorção do soro com antígenos de Ascaridia galli. Foi observada uma prevalência de 67,7% (128/189; IC 95% = 61,1-74,4). A frequência de animais soropositivos por propriedade variou de 29,6% a 100%. Os valores da Densidade Ótica e do Índice de Reatividade observados no teste de ELISA indicaram uma possível cronicidade de infecção dos frangos avaliados. Não foi observada correlação entre a positividade dos animais, quando comparada a área (p = 0,382) e a densidade populacional de cães por propriedade (p = 0,785). O presente estudo verificou uma alta prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxocara em frangos de corte criados em sistema semi-intensivo e oferece dados que apontam esses animais como bons indicadores de contaminação ambiental por agentes de larva migrans . Estudos futuros são necessários para avaliar os fatores de risco associados e a possibilidade da transmissão de toxocaríase ao ser humano pela ingestão de carne de frango.

Contamination by parasites of zoonotic importance in fecal samples from Florianópolis Beaches, Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Contaminação por parasitas de importância zoonótica em amostras fecais nas praias de Florianópolis, SC, Brasil

Helminths and protozoa are examples of endoparasites that, during their biological cycles, can alternate between free-life stages and parasitic stages in the environment. Pets, such as dogs and cats, live together with men and play an important role in the society; however, these animals may carry a large number of parasites which, besides showing direct pathogenicity to the host, represent risks to the human health, as is the case of parasitic zoonoses. Public areas like parks, gardens, squares and beaches may offer risks to human users since these environments may contain feces deposited by parasitized dogs. The present study verified the occurrence of helminth eggs and/or protozoan cysts or oocysts in fecal samples collected from sand strips at the beaches Armação do Pântano do Sul, Campeche and Morro das Pedras, in the south of Florianópolis Island, Santa Catarina State (SC), during the summer period. Pet feces were collected in the 2016/2017 summer season, from December 2016 to February 2017. In the Laboratory of Animal Parasitology (CCA-UFSC), fecal samples were processed based on Willis-Mollay flotation technique and Hoffman sedimentation technique. Samples from all three analyzed beaches were positive for the presence of parasites and fecal material was found along the seashore, sites where people walk freely and barefoot. Of 104 fecal samples collected, 45 (43.27%) were positive for one or more parasites. The greatest prevalence was found in Campeche Beach, which had 72.22% positive samples. Ancylostomids were most prevalent, indicating that cutaneous larva migrans is likely to occur in humans. Other parasites such as Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp. and Giardia spp. were also detected in coproparasitological analyses. Based on the results, it was concluded that contamination of the beaches in Florianópolis Island, SC, constitutes a public health problem due to the possibility of zoonosis transmission. These results reinforce the importance of establishing health programs for parasite control and educational programs for elucidating the risks of transmission of these zoonoses to the population, as an attempt to reduce environmental contamination risks at beaches of seaside resorts.(AU)

Helmintos e protozoários são exemplos de endoparasitas que, durante seus ciclos biológicos, podem alternar fases de vida livre e de vida parasitária no ambiente. Animais de companhia, como cães e gatos, possuem convívio direto com o homem e desempenham importante papel na sociedade, porém estes animais podem possuir muitos parasitas próprios que, além da patogenicidade direta ao hospedeiro, representam riscos à saúde humana, no caso das zoonoses parasitárias. A utilização de áreas públicas como parques, jardins, praças e praias por estes animais, pode oferecer riscos aos seus frequentadores humanos, uma vez que pode ocorrer a deposição de fezes nesses ambientes por cães parasitados. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de ovos de helmintos e/ou cistos ou oocistos de protozoários em amostras de fezes coletadas nas faixas de areia das praias da Armação do Pântano do Sul, Campeche e Morro das Pedras, no sul da ilha de Florianópolis, Estado de Santa Cararina-SC, Brasil, durante o período de verão. As coletas de amostras de fezes de animais domésticos foram realizadas na temporada de verão 2016/2017, a partir de dezembro de 2016 até fevereiro de 2017. No Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal (CCA-UFSC), as amostras de fezes foram processadas pela técnica de flutuação de Willis-Mollay e pela técnica de sedimentação de Hoffman. Amostras colhidas nas três praias analisadas mostraram-se positivas para a presença de parasitos. Material fecal foi observado ao longo de toda orla, locais em que as pessoas caminham livremente e sem calçados. De um total de 104 amostras de fezes coletadas nas praias, 45 (43,27%) estavam positivas a um ou mais parasitas. A praia do Campeche foi a que apresentou maior prevalência, com 72,22% de amostras positivas. Os ancilostomídeos, responsáveis pela larva migrans cutânea em humanos, foram os mais prevalentes. Outros parasitas como Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp. e Giardia spp. também foram detectados nas análises coproparasitológicas. Com base nos resultados obtidos, concluímos que a contaminação das praias na Ilha de Florianópolis, SC, constitui um problema de saúde pública, devido à possibilidade de transmissão de zoonoses. Estes resultados reforçam a importância da implantação de programas sanitários de controle de parasitas e programas de educação, esclarecendo os riscos de transmissão destas zoonoses à população, a fim de reduzir os riscos de contaminação ambiental nas praias de balneários.(AU)

Larva migrans visceral. Presentación de un caso / Visceral larva migrans. Report of a case

RESUMEN La larva migrans visceral es una enfermedad que se produce al ingerir huevos infectantes de nematodos parásitos de gatos y perros (Toxocaracanis y Toxocaracati); los cuales eclosionan en el intestino del hombre y las larvas se distribuyen en todo el organismo, principalmente hígado, pulmón, corazón y cerebro. Las larvas en su migración dejan trazos de hemorragias, necrosis y células inflamatorias; algunas son destruidas por la respuesta inmune del huésped y otras forman granulomas eosinofílicos. Los síntomas dependen del tejido u órgano afectado, de la intensidad de la infección y del grado de la respuesta inmunológica inducida. Se presenta un caso del sexo masculino de 72 años que ingresa en el Servicio de Medicina del Hospital Militar Docente “Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy”, de Matanzas, por cuadro de fiebre, diarreas, tos seca, astenia, anorexia y pérdida de peso al que se le diagnosticó larva migrans visceral. Por lo atípico de la edad del paciente y la complejidad del diagnóstico decidimos presentar este caso (AU).

ABSTRACT Visceral larva migrans is a disease produced after the ingestion of infectant eggs of cat´s and dog´s nematode parasites (Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati). These parasites harch in the men´s intestines and the larvas are distributed around the organism, mainly in the following organs: liver, lungs, hearth and brain. In their migration, the larvas leave traces of hemorrhage, necrosis and inflammatory cells; several of them are destroyed by the host´s immune answer and others form eosinophilic granulomas. The symptoms depend on the affected tissue or organ, on the infection intensity and on the level of induced immunologic answer. The case of a male patient, aged 72 years-old is presented. He entered the Medicine Service of the Teaching Military Hospital “Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy”, of Matanzas with fever, diarrhea, dry cought, asthenia, anorexia and weight loss.Visceral larva migrans was diagnosed. The presentation of the case was decided because of the atypical patient´s age and the complexity of the diagnosis (AU).

Identifying anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in horses of Mexico / Identificação de anticorpos IgG anti-Toxocara em cavalos do México

Both the presence of owned dogs and stray dogs allows the spread of Toxocara, a parasite whose eggs can be found in soil, water and food. Animals, including horses, serve as definitive and paratenic hosts. In México, where consumption of horse meat is common, Toxocara is a zoonotic parasite. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in work horses and horses intended for human consumption by ELISA. ELISA was chosen for analysis as paratenic hosts do not shed Toxocara eggs in their feces. Blood samples were collected from a total of 188 horses, 94 of which were work horses and 94 horses from the slaughter house. Samples were analyzed by ELISA, and the general equine seroprevalence was found to be 44.6% (n = 188). Adult horses for slaughter had a 61.7% greater presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies (p = 0.006). Toxocara IgG antibodies were found in horses, confirming that horses are paratenic hosts and possible sources of infection for other animals and people.(AU)

Tanto a presença de cães com dono quanto de cães vadios permitem a disseminação de Toxocara, e o parasita está presente no solo, na água e nos alimentos. Animais, incluindo cavalos, apresentam-se como hospedeiros definitivos e paratênicos. No México, o consumo de carne de cavalo é comum, e Toxocara é um parasita zoonótico. ELISA foi escolhido para análise, já que hospedeiros paratênicos não jogam ovos de Toxocara em suas fezes. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a presença de anticorpos anti-Toxocara por ELISA, em cavalos de trabalho e em cavalos para o consumo humano. As amostras de sangue foram retiradas de 188 cavalos: 94 cavalos de trabalho e 94 cavalos de trabalho do matadouro. Soros dos animais foram analisados por ELISA e 44,6% dos equinos apresentaram anticorpos anti-Toxocara. Cavalos adultos para abate têm 61,7% mais elevada a presença de anticorpos anti-Toxocara (P = 0,006). Anticorpos IgG Toxocara foram encontrados em cavalos, confirmando cavalos paratênicos como hospedeiros e possíveis fontes de infecção para outros animais e pessoas.(AU)

Eosinophilic Myocarditis-Associated Toxocariasis / 대한내과학회지

Human toxocariasis is a common helminthozoonosis due to the infestation of toxocara canis or toxocara cati larvae, and is a common cause of blood eosinophilia in Korea. Toxocariasis has various clinical manifestations depending on the involved organ, and cardiac involvement can range from asymptomatic to fulminant myocarditis with cardiogenic shock. Treatment of toxocariasis is based on corticosteroid and anthelmintic therapies. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old male with eosinophilic myocarditis caused by toxocariasis as diagnosed via serial echocardiography follow up.

Seroprevalence of Toxocara in Children from Urban and Rural Areas of Ilam Province, West Iran

OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxocara in children ≤ 10 years old, from rural and urban areas of Ilam. METHODS: Serum samples from 383 children ≤ 10 years old, were selected randomly from rural and urban areas of Ilam province and surveyed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: The total rate of infection with Toxocara was 22% (31% with a history of contact with dogs and cats, and 14% without a history of contact). Of those infected, 23% were male and 18% were female, 36% lived a rural life and 20% had an urban life. A significant correlation was found between the incidence of disease, and urban and rural life, as well as exposure to dogs and cats. There was no correlation between prevalence and gender or age. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of infection with Toxocara amongst children in Ilam province, preventive work in the community such as education in risk management and periodic treatment with anti-parasitic drugs and elimination of stray dogs and cats is an appropriate measure.

Toxocara canis Mimicking a Metastatic Omental Mass from Sigmoid Colon Cancer: A Case Report

Toxocara canis is an important roundworm of canids and a fearsome animal parasite of humans. Human infections can lead to syndromes called visceral larva migrans (VLM), ocular larva migrans, neurotoxocariasis, and covert toxocariasis. VLM is most commonly diagnosed in children younger than 8 years of age, but adult cases are relatively frequent among those infected by ingesting the raw tissue of paratenic hosts in East Asia. This research reports the case of a 59-year-old man with sigmoid colon cancer, who visited our institution for surgery. An intraperitoneal mass was found on preoperative computed tomography, and it was thought to be a metastatic mass from sigmoid colon cancer. A postoperative histologic examination and serum test showed eosinophilic granuloma due to toxocariasis. Diagnosis of VLM is often difficult and highly suspicious in adults. Researchers suggest, although rarely, that VLM be included in the differential diagnosis as a cause of intraperitoneal tumors.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Toxocara tanuki (Nematoda: Ascaridae) from Korean Raccoon Dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis

Present study was performed to describe the morphological and molecular characterization of Toxocara tanuki (Nematoda: Ascaridae) from Korean raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, naturally infected in the Republic of Korea (Korea). Juvenile and adult worms of T. tanuki were recovered in 5 out of 10 raccoon dogs examined and the larval worms were detected in 15 out of 20 muscle samples (75%). Small lateral alae were observed on the cranial end of the body in male and female adults and 2 long spicules (3.0–3.5 mm) were characteristically observed in the posterior end of males. In SEM observation, 18 pairs of proximal precloacal, a precloacal median, a postcloacal median and 5 pairs of postcloacal papillae were uniquely revealed in the posterior portion of males, but the proximal papillae were not shown in the lateral ends of females. Molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA partial DNA sequences was revealed the same finding in both samples, adult worms and muscle larvae, which are closely related to T. tanuki. In conclusion, it was confirmed for the first time that T. tanuki is indigenously distributed, the Korean raccoon dog is acted as the natural definitive host of this nematode in Korea and the morphological characteristics of T. tanuki were shown in specific structure for single postcloacal median papilla in male.

Clinical Manifestation and Outcomes of Neuroretinitis in Korea

PURPOSE: In the present study, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of neuroretinitis in Korea were investigated. METHODS: Seven consecutive patients with neuroretinitis from 2012 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The present study included 9 eyes of 7 patients. The subjects consisted of 5 males and 2 females and the mean age was 45.1 ± 13.2 years. Two patients had Influenza-like symptoms and the others had no specific general symptoms. The mean best corrected visual acuity was logMAR 0.48 ± 0.55 (0-1.6) on the initial visit. Four patients 40 years of age or under had no abnormal findings in laboratory work-up. Conversely, 3 patients over 40 years of age were positive for Toxocara based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two of 3 patients positive for Toxocara were treated with albendazole and 1was not. Eight eyes had good visual recovery over 20/30 except for 1 patient who did not take the albendazole despite being positive for Toxocara detected using ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: Three of 7 patients with neuroretinitis in Korea showed positive results for Toxocara based on ELISA. In cases with seropositive Toxocara ELISA results, albendazole treatment should be considered.