Dados do Trabalho

Título

A One Health approach on toxocariasis in Brazilian quilombos of southern Brazil

Introdução

Toxocariasis has been listed on the top of neglected tropical zoonotic diseases. Approximately one fifth of the global human population has been exposed to Toxocara spp., particularly under socioeconomic vulnerability conditions, such as quilombola individuals. Although quilombola individuals and their dogs may be exposed to Toxocara spp., no study to date has assessed these Brazilian quilombola populations and their environment.

Objetivo (s)

The aim of the present study was to assess Toxocara spp. seropositivity in quilombola individuals, Toxocara spp. eggs in dogs, and soil of Brazilian quilombos of Paraná State.

Material e Métodos

This study was approved by Ethics Committee for Human Health of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (protocol 53828121.1.0000.0105), and by the Ethics Committee for Animal Use (protocol 22.000075139-9) of the State University of Ponta Grossa. A cross-sectional study was performed in four Brazilian quilombos of southern Brazil from December 2021 to March 2022. Information about age, sex, water source, dietary habit, dog and/or cat owners were assessed for risk factors. Serum samples from quilombola individuals were screened using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies detection. Additionally, feces and hair from dogs and soil were sampled for Toxocara spp. eggs detection. All dogs were vaccinated, dewormed, and treated for tick and fleas.

Resultados e Conclusão

Overall, 172/208 (82.7%; CI 95%: 77.0-87.2) quilombola individuals were seropositive. Male gender (p= 0.029), educational level (p=0.026) and drinking water source (p= 0.043) were associated to higher seropositivity. Final logistic regression revealed an increased odd (OR: 7.6) to seropositivity in quilombola individuals with more than 50 years old compared to the reference group (<10 years old). Also, quilombola individuals that reported soil contact have shown odds higher to be seropositive (OR: 4.4). Toxocara spp. eggs were retrieved in dog feces (5/96; 5.2%) and soil samples (18/60; 30.0%). Finally, to the authors knowledge, the present study has reported the highest seroprevalence for Toxocara spp. in Brazil to date. Further studies should be conducted to better estimate the Toxocara spp. prevalence in quilombola individuals and their dogs to improve the control strategies.

Palavras-chave

epidemiology, Public Health, seroprevalence, quilombola individuals, Toxocara spp., zoonosis