Fatores socioepidemiológicos para toxocaríase em crianças atendidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde na região do Oeste Paulista, São Paulo

Abstract

Toxocariasis is among the neglected soil-transmitted parasitic zoonosis, and it has been considered a public health hazard, particularly for disadvantaged populations. Children has been considered more prone to become infected by ingestion of Toxocara spp. eggs while playing with soil. The knowledge of risk factors plays a pivotal role to prevent human infection by toxocariasis etiological agents. Herein, the present study evaluated the seroprevalence and factors associated with anti-Toxocara antibodies among children assisted by public health service, in southeastern Brazil, between november 2023 and april 2024. A cross-sectional study was designed to screen anti-Toxocara antibodies in 260 children by ELISA indirect test. A questionnaire was applied to gather socio-epidemiological and living conditions information. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to investigate the factors associated with seropositivity in children. Thirty out of 260 (11.5%; CI 95%: 8.2-16.0%) children were seropositive for Toxocara spp. antibodies. Male children were at a higher risk (OR: 4.4; p= 0.003) of exposure to toxocariasis comparing to the girls. Having a mother with graduate education level (OR: 0.21; p= 0.016), drinkable water supply (OR: 0.29; p= 0.017), and having the hygienic habit of washing hands before meals (OR: 0.32; p= 0.033) were revealed as protective factors. The presented results suggest a stability in the seroprevalence for toxocariasis in the studied paediatric population comparing the results obtained in a previous study carried out in 2011. Further, risk/protective factors herein were similar to those observed previously. Innovative strategies, including a One Health approach, should be considered for investigating and educating children to mitigate exposition and infection by Toxocara spp.