Seroprevalence of toxocariasis and its related risk factors among municipal street sweepers in Shiraz District in Fars Province, southern Iran

Abstract Background Sweeping the street is a hazardous job that exposes the workers to soil-transmitted diseases, in particular, toxocariasis. In this cross-sectional study, the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among street sweepers in Shiraz, southern Iran was assessed. Methods: Overall, 384 subjects, aged 24 to 64 years (all men), were randomly selected for the detection of antibodies to Toxocara by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Anti-Toxocara antibodies were detected in sera of 101(26.3%) out of 384 subjects. Most of the seropositive cases were in the age group of 31 to 50 years, yet no significant difference was found between age and Toxocara seropositivity (P > 0.05). Out of 101 seropositive cases, 21(20.8%) had a work experience of fewer than 5 years and 80 (79.2%) had a work experience greater than or equal to 5 years. However, no significant association was observed between work experience and Toxocara seropositivity. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that street sweepers are at high risk of infection with Toxocara infection. Therefore, appropriate preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of infection in this vulnerable group.