Toxocara infection in pregnant women: seroprevalence and risk factors.

Background: Human toxocariasis caused by T. canis is a worldwide and typically neglected zoonotic parasitic disease. Certain behaviors such as a geophagia habit, poor personal hygiene, close contact with young dogs, and ingestion of raw meat, as well as age, and socioeconomic status, affect the prevalence of the disease. In this study, we aimed at investigating the frequency of Toxocara infection among pregnant women and the epidemiological factors associated with disease.

Methods: Toxocariasis-specific IgG antibodies were measured using a commercial ELISA technique in 200 pregnant women between December 2021 and May 2022. A questionnaire filled by participants included options for demographic information (age, gender, residency), gestational age, number of previous pregnancies, history of abortion, drug use, comorbidities, history of parasitic disease, and keeping pets (dogs or cats).

Results: In total, 15 (7.5%) of the 200 participants (mean age 29.7 ± 18.7 years) had anti-T. canis antibodies. High-titer antibodies were most prevalent among the subjects aged 25-29 years. Logistic regression analysis showed that the pregnant women who had a history of abortions (P = 0.029), and keeping pets and contact with dogs and cats (P = 0.031) had an increased risk of acquiring toxocariasis. The study showed that demographic characteristics such as age group, pregnancy trimester, and underlying conditions were not significantly associated with toxocariasis (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Considering the significant prevalence of toxocariasis in pregnant women as well as its health risks, preventive health measures against the toxocariasis risk factors seem more necessary.