Insights into the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in Kuwait: A comparison between the general population and waste collectors.

Abstract

Background: Toxocara spp. are zoonotic nematodes transmitted primarily through environmental contamination with eggs from infected dogs and cats. Human infection is often underdiagnosed, particularly in high-income countries, and data from the Gulf region remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. among the general adult population in Kuwait and to compare it with waste collectors, a vulnerable occupational group with frequent exposure to environmental contaminants and stray animals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuwait. Serum samples were collected from 200 adults attending government polyclinics and 196 waste collectors recruited from residential compounds. Demographic data were obtained using structured questionnaires. Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and statistical relationships with demographic variables were assessed.

Results: The overall prevalence was 16%, while Toxocara IgG seroprevalence was significantly higher among waste collectors (24.5%) compared with the general adult population (7.5%) (p-value <0.01). Significant statistical relationships were observed between seropositivity and nationality (Southeast Asian), age (>40 years), and lower educational level within the general population (p-values <0.05).

Conclusions: Toxocara infection is present at moderate levels in Kuwait, with substantially higher seroprevalence among waste collectors, suggesting potential occupational and environmental risk despite the country's high-income status. This may also partly reflect prior exposure in endemic regions before migration. These findings highlight the need for integrated One Health surveillance incorporating human, animal, and environmental components to inform targeted prevention strategies.