First Report on the Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Toxocara Infection in Blood Donors from Romania.

Human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease with a potentially major impact on public health. Our aim was to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxocara seroprevalence in blood donors from Romania. Serum samples were obtained from 1347 Romanian blood donors and serologically tested for anti-Toxocara antibodies. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to determine the risk factors associated with Toxocara infection. The overall prevalence of Toxocara antibodies was 29.6%, with a significant age-associated increase (p < 0.001). A higher rate was observed in individuals from rural areas compared to urban areas (p = 0.002) and in males compared to females (p = 0.001). In univariate statistical analysis, seropositivity was significantly associated with household ownership (p < 0.001), contact with soil (p < 0.001), owning dogs (p < 0.001), cats (p = 0.003), and consumption of undercooked poultry (p = 0.002). In a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model, only a lower level of education, age, male gender, consumption of undercooked or raw poultry, and contact with soil were associated with higher Toxocara seroprevalence. Our findings suggest a significant prevalence of Toxocara infection in this region. The identified risk factors highlight the necessity of health education programs that focus on public awareness and promote preventive behaviors, especially among at-risk populations.