Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of toxocariasis in Khmer adult people in Tra Vinh province, 2023

Abstract

Toxocariasis remains a public health concern in communities, especially in tropical and developing countries. A cross - sectional study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of toxocariasis among the Khmer adult population. The study was conducted with a total of 760 participants across 30 communes in eight districts and cities of Tra Vinh Province in 2023 using a 30-cluster random sampling method. Fluorescent antibody technique was applied to detect IgG antibodies against Toxocara spp. The results indicated a seropositivity rate of 73%. The rate of toxocariasis was 48% (individuals exhibiting both clinical symptoms and seropositivity). The most common clinical manifestations were integumentary and mucosal, followed by neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms. The symptoms with the highest prevalence were pruritus and skin eruptions, headaches, and dizziness, with rates of 57.5%, 46.6%, and 43.6% respectively. Factors associated with a higher risk of toxocariasis infection identified included older age, female gender, lower educational level, occupations such as farming or being unemployed or having no stable job, poverty or near-poverty status, not owning dogs or cats, and living in rural areas. The prevalence toxocariasis among the Khmer adult people in Tra Vinh province is alarmingly high. It is related to the socioeconomic conditions of the people, thereby highlighting the need for enhanced health education and communication efforts within the community.