Clinical Spectrum of Toxocariasis: A Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon.

Aims: Toxocariasis is a prevalent zoonotic disease worldwide caused primarily by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Despite its prevalence, studies focusing on clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings of toxocariasis in the Middle East North African (MENA) region are limited, highlighting a significant gap in research. The aim of this study is to describe the spectrum of toxocariasis observed at a tertiary center in Lebanon and review the geographic distribution of infected individuals and their demographics.

Methods: The medical records of 225 patients who tested positive for Toxocara IgG via ELISA between 2002 and 2022 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) were reviewed.

Results: 141/225 patients had confirmed positive Toxocara-specific IgG by Western blot. These patients were mostly middle-aged, with a mean of 46  years and predominantly males. Most were Lebanese (95.3%), residing in Mount Lebanon or Beirut governates. Patients were mainly symptomatic (78.5%), and the most common presenting symptoms were neurological complaints. For those with Toxocara myelitis (23 patients), spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings showed focal lesions (54.5%) mostly at the thoracic vertebrae.

Conclusions: Given the challenges associated with diagnosing this disease, further studies are essential to enhance our understanding of toxocariasis in the region.