Resumen

DEVERA, Rodolfo et al. Toxocara canis INFECTION: SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY IN SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM CIUDAD BOLIVAR, BOLÍVAR STATE, VENEZUELA. Saber [online]. 2015, vol.27, n.4, pp.537-546. ISSN 2343-6468.

The seroprevalence of infecions by the nematode, Toxocara canis is high in some population groups in Venezuela. However, there are few studies in school children, so the actual clinical-epidemiological situation is unknown. Between April and June of 2013, 475 children between 5 and 14 years old (8.85 ± 1.78 years), 234 (51.2%) females and 223 (48.8%) males, from five schools in Ciudad Bolívar, Bolívar State, Venezuela, were evaluated to determine the prevalence of T. canis antibodies. With the consent of the representative of each participating child, an epidemiological data sheet was filled up and a blood sample was taken to apply a serological test (ELISA IgG, IgG RIDASCREEN® Toxocara, Laboratories R-Biopharm). The prevalence of antibodies to T. canis in the population evaluated was 58.9% (269/457). There was no statistically significant difference according to age (χ2 = 5.82; d.f.: 4; p = 0.21) or gender (χ2 = 0.81; d.f.: 1; p = 0.37). Some factors (biotic, socioeconomic and environmental) related to infections with T. canis were studied but none was statistically significant. In conclusion, we determined a high seroprevalence (58.9%) of T. canis infection in school children without differences regarding age or gender. It is necessary to perform additional clinical studies and to implement prevention and control campaigns.

Palabras clave : Toxocariasis; seroprevalence; children.

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