Contato com cão ou gato como fator de risco para toxocaríase em adultos e crianças: revisão sistemática e metanálise (2009-2019)

Abstract

Toxocariasis, a neglected parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution, has been reportedly associated to different risk factors in several epidemiological and meta-analysis studies. However, direct pet (dog and cat) contact as isolated associated risk factor for children and adults remains to be fully established. Accordingly, the present meta-analysis has aimed to directly assess pet contact for toxocariasis seropositivity in under-18 and adult persons, using a survey strategy of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus and Scielo Databases, from January 2009 to June 2019. A meta-analysis model of random effects was applied to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI 95%). The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the Cochran Q Test and I2 values. A total of 32transversal studies (n=14,979 individuals) from different geographic regions (classified by the World Health Organization) were included herein. In overall, 1,576/9,739 (16.18%; CI 95%=15.4-17) youngers and 411/5,240 (7.84%; CI 95%=7.1-8.6) adults in direct contact with dogs or cats were serologically reagent for anti-Toxocara antibodies. Association of direct pet contact was observed only in youngers, with both dogs (OR=1.66; p<0.0001) and cats (OR=1.79; p=0.0012). In addition, association of direct pet contact and serology was statistically significant in populations of Americas (OR=1.40; CI 95%=1.19-1.77), Middle East (OR=2.31; CI 95%=1.45-3.71) and West Pacific (OR=1.47; CI 95%=1.19-1.81). In conclusion, direct contact with pets, particularly by younger individuals and in regions such as Americas, Middle East, and West Pacific, should be always a public health concern for toxocariasis. Moreover, pets should be periodically dewormed, washed and hair cleaned prior to contact with youngers. Finally, robust statistical results herein may serve as basis for future strategies and preventive measures for safer pet contact.