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Levels of Toxocara infections in dogs and cats from urban Vietnam together with associated risk factors for transmission

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 July 2015

N. Thi Lan Anh ,
D. Thi Thu Thuy ,
D. Huu Hoan ,
N. Thi Hop  and
D. Trung Dung
N. Thi Lan Anh*
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Veterinary Research, 86 Truong Chinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
D. Thi Thu Thuy
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Veterinary Research, 86 Truong Chinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
D. Huu Hoan
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Veterinary Research, 86 Truong Chinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
N. Thi Hop
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, 245 Luong The Vinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
D. Trung Dung
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, 245 Luong The Vinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
*
*Fax: +84.4 8694082 E-mail: lananhnivr@yahoo.com.vn
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Abstract

The aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of Toxocara infection in household cats and dogs, together with the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in humans and the level of egg contamination in soil and vegetable samples from the local environment. Prevalence values of 47.8% of 253 cats and 37.7% of 284 dogs were recorded, together with 35.8% of eggs in soil samples, 25.0% in garden vegetables and in 56.3% of 16 dog-hair samples. The risk of the infection was higher for dogs and cats in households with egg-contaminated soil compared to those without evidence of soil contamination. The high prevalence of dog and cat Toxocara infection and their indiscriminate defecation behaviour contribute to a significant risk of transmission to humans as 58.7% of human blood samples were seropositive for Toxocara. Anthelmintic treatment of dogs and cats, plus educating household members, must be emphasized in any prevention programme in Vietnam.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 90 , Issue 4 , July 2016 , pp. 508 - 510
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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