Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in children with atopy

Methods: The study was conducted between November 2011 and March 2013. Blood samples were collected from 173 children aged 6 to 15 years, who were first subjected to clinical exams and then to a skin-prick test to determine the presence or absence of atopy. Risk factors for toxocariasis were analyzed based on a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodiesto Toxocara spp. bymeans of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:The seroprevalence ofToxocaraspp. was 19.6% (24/122) in atopic children and 15% (8/51) in non-atopic children, with no statistical difference. No significant association was found between infection and possible risk factors in atopic and non-atopic children. Conclusions: Although no statistical association was found between human toxocariasis and atopy, this study revealed a high seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in children that may indicate environmental contamination with the parasite’s eggs in the area where these children live.