Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Lebanon: a pilot study

• Published in: Parasitology Vol. 132; no. 5; pp. 635 - 639
• Main Authors: KANAFANI, Z. A., SKOURY, A., ARAJ, G. F., EL-KHOURY, M., SAWAYA, R. A., ATWEH, S. F., KANJ, S. S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.05.2006
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Antibodies, Helminth - blood; Biological and medical sciences; Blotting, Western; Cats; Data collection; Dogs; Education; ELISA; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay - methods; Family income; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; General aspects and techniques. Study of several systematic groups. Models; Humans; Invertebrates; Lebanon; Lebanon - epidemiology; Living conditions; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular weight; Multivariate analysis; Odds Ratio; Pilot Projects; Risk Factors; Sample size; Secondary schools; Seroepidemiologic Studies; seroprevalence; Sex Factors; Sleep disorders; Socioeconomic Factors; Studies; Teaching hospitals; Toxocara; Toxocara canis - immunology; Toxocariasis - epidemiology; Toxocariasis - immunology; Western blot; Lebanon; Asia; Western blot; Lebanon; seroprevalence; Toxocara; ELISA; Larva migrans; Parasite; Parasitosis; Helminthiasis; Infection; Nematode disease; Helmintha; Toxocariasis; Nemathelminthia; Invertebrata; Nematoda
• ISSN: 0031-1820; 1469-8161
• DOI: 10.1017/S0031182005009637

Toxocariasis is a common helminthic infection that has a worldwide distribution. However, data from Lebanon about the prevalence of this infection are non-existent. We conducted a Toxocara seroprevalence study with 150 subjects attending the outpatient clinics at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between May and June 2004. Serum specimens were tested for anti-Toxocara antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by Western blot. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for infection. The seroprevalence rate of toxocariasis was 19%. Male gender and below high school education were significantly associated with a positive serological test (odds ratios=3·1 and 2·8, respectively). Higher numbers of persons in the household, and low family income during childhood, were significant on bivariate analysis only. Toxocariasis is common in Lebanon. A large population-based survey is needed to confirm these results.