Latent and AsymptomaticToxocaraInfection among Young Population in Northwest Iran: The Necessity of Informing People as a Potential Health Risk

Abstract

Objectives. This study was designed to determine the frequency of anti-Toxocaraantibodies in youngsters aging from 2 to 20 years in northwest Iran.Materials and Methods. 397 samples were taken randomly almost equally from four locations in Urmia, west Azerbaijan, during August 2014 to September 2015. Anti-ToxocaraIgG antibody assays were done on sera by using ELISA kit (IBL, Germany). In order to prevent cross-reaction, the samples of the patients who are infected with other parasites in stool exam, especially Ascarididae family, were also excluded. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results. 12 (3%) of the serum samples were positive for anti-ToxocaraIgG. According to the Chi-square analysis, risk factors such as mother’s educational level, keeping dogs or cats as pets, and history of coughing were related toToxocarainfection (P<0.05). There was no relationship between toxocariasis and gender, history of onychophagy, pica, fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia; however, we found a significant relationship betweenToxocarainfection and chronic coughing (P=0.045).Conclusion. Toxocariasis in northwest Iran can be considered as a public health problem. This study may also help to increase the awareness about this infection.