Seroepidemiological study for toxocariasis among children in Zanjan-northwest of Iran

Determination of seroepidemiological survey of Toxocara infection in 810 sera from children inhabitants in rural and urban area of Zanjan (North-West of Iran) was adjusted for specific antibody level against of second stage larvae of Toxocara for excretory and secretory antigens based on ELISA technique. In contrast of the other studies, the overall seroprevalence was quite low, reaching to 2.7% out of 810 samples was positive to anti Toxocara species antibodies. Neither age nor gender seemed to be significant factor to positive serology. Seroprevalence of anti Toxocara antibody were detected in 8 out of 494 (1.6%) children from urban area, whereas 316 sample (4.4%) were the positive in the rural area. Positive children who had contact or ownership of cats and dog were 6.9 and 3.9%, respectively. Albeit, concerning to this study, seroprevalence of toxocariosis is lower than other countries and other studies in Iran. But protections of toxocariosis in children must be taking into account in public health program. Suggest that increase of hygiene education would be a crucial affective on population to reduce infection risk factor and zoonotic disease.