Toxocariasis: a silent threat with a progressive public health impact

Background: Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide, especially in impoverished communities. This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T. cati, the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats, respectively. In this article, recent advances in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed. Main text: Over the past two decades, we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis. However, lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries, lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden. Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms: visceral, ocular, covert and neural. Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending. Fortunately, multiple diagnostic modalities are available, which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies, can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity. Conclusions: Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients, there remains much work to be done. Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers, which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy. Also, further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease

Recommended method for recovery of Toxocara and other geohelminth eggs from soil

The flotation method elaborated for recovery of Toxocara and other geohelminth eggs from soil is described. Soil samples of about 500 ml volume are picked from 3-cm superficial layer of the ground. In the laboratory, 40 g of dry and sifted material is analysed according to following procedure: 1 h standing, 20 minutes shaking and 3 minutes centrifugation (1500 rpm) in 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), then centrifugation, like above, with H₂O for washing the sample and next with the saturated sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) for flotation the eggs. Specimen is prepared by placing a cover slip on the positive meniscus of the flotation liquid

Recommended method for recovery of Toxocara and other geohelminth eggs from soil

The flotation method elaborated for recovery of Toxocara and other geohelminth eggs from soil is described. Soil samples of about 500 ml volume are picked from 3-cm superficial layer of the ground. In the laboratory, 40 g of dry and sifted material is analysed according to following procedure: 1 h standing, 20 minutes shaking and 3 minutes centrifugation (1500 rpm) in 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), then centrifugation, like above, with H₂O for washing the sample and next with the saturated sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) for flotation the eggs. Specimen is prepared by placing a cover slip on the positive meniscus of the flotation liquid

A comparison of soil contamination with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati eggs in rural and urban areas of Wielkopolska District in 2000-2005

The aim of the studies was to compare the degree of soil contamination with Toxocara canis and T. cati eggs in rural and urban areas depending on time of sampling and type of places examined. Material and methods. Over 2000−2005 a total of 538 soil samples from 3 villages and 368 from Poznań city (Poland) areas were examined for Toxocara spp. eggs. In spring 418 samples in rural areas and 184 samples in urban areas were collected and in autumn 120 and 184 respectively. The samples were examined using flotation technique in saturated sodium nitrate. The discrimination of T. canis and T. cati eggs was based on the size of eggs and transparency of shell layers. Results. The contamination of soil with Toxocara eggs was higher in the urban areas (19.8% positive samples) than in the rural ones (15.6% positive samples) and city or village−backyards were most heavily contaminated. Both, in the villages and in the city, the degree of soil contamination with eggs in spring and autumn was similar (17.6 and 14.8% positive samples respectively). T. cati eggs were much more prevalent in urban areas (97% of all eggs recovered) while T. canis in rural areas (84% of all recovered eggs). The share of T. canis and T. cati eggs in soil contamination did not depend on the time of sampling