Sero-epidemiology of toxocariasis among school aged Children in Ho Chi Minh City: Preliminary results from a two phases community study
Tóm tắt
Background: Children are especially vulnerable to Toxocara infestation and its severe complications, however, there has not been any published data on the disease prevalence and treatment effectiveness in pediatric population. This paper was to present preliminary results of the study to determine the prevalence of toxocariasis in children aged 3 to 15 in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and its associated factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2023. Study was carried out at public schools, where participants were taken blood samples and given clinical examination to look for toxocariasis. Participants diagnosed with the infestation were invited to have treatment with Albendazole. Data was collected and analyzed to answer questions about toxocariasis prevalence and its associated factors.
Results: Anti - Toxocara antibodies were detected in 14.2% (140/986) of the study population. There were significant differences in percentage of serologically positive children among different grades, districts and carer’s educational level. Risk factors for sero-positivity based on multivariable analysis were educational level of carers, contact with dogs and/or cats, and improper collecting and disposing of dogs and/or cats stool.
Conclusion: This was the community-based prevalence study of toxocariasis in a pediatric population in Vietnam. Implementation of preventive measures such as public education, routine faecal examinations and chemotherapeutic treatment of animals is highly recommended.
