Abstract

DE ABREU, Angela et al. Seroprevalence against - toxocara canis in children 1 to 6 years of age with and without respiratory symptoms. Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2011, vol.74, n.3, pp.100-104. ISSN 0004-0649.

Introduction: In view of the presence of Visceral Larva Migrans Syndrome in Venezuela, it is necessary to know the seroprevalence against one of its causal agents: Toxocara canis. Objective: a transversal study was performed to determine the presence of serum IgG anti-Toxocara canis antibodies and their relation with respiratory symptoms and risk factors for Visceral Larva Migrans Syndrome in patients from 1 to 6 years, who assisted to two urban outpatient clinics of Barquisimeto-Venezuela. Methods: 215 children 1 to 6 years old with and without respiratory symptoms were evaluated. Previous information on the investigation and request of the consent in writing of their care givers, an interview was withheld and a blood sample was drawn to determine serum IgG anti-Toxocara canis antibodies by the ELISA method, with DRG® commercial kit. Statistic analysis: percentage and proportions were calculated and Relative Prevalence (RP) and χ Squared used, with an interval of statistical confidence of 95%. Results: antibodies were detected in 34.4% of the children. The greater percentage of seroreactives was represented by children with respiratory symptoms (83.8%), those in the age group of 3 to 4 years (55.4%), boys (54.1%), those who referred soil contact and/or geophagy (95.9%) and contact with puppies under three months of age (90.5%), that consumed water of inadequate quality (85.1%) and that had inadequate disposal of canine excretes (60.8%). Conclusion: the high seroprevalence creates the necessity of new studies to evaluate accurately the epidemiologic characteristics of the infection by T. canis in Lara and Venezuela in order to establish suitable control plans.

Keywords : Toxocara canis; Anti-Toxocara canis IgG; Visceral Larva Migrans Syndrome.