Toxocara Seroprevalence in Europe and Considerations for Future Research

Toxocarosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic parasitic diseases, caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Studying the epidemiological situation is a real challenge for specialists in the field worldwide. The aim of this study was to highlight the epidemiological aspects of the prevalence rate in Europe, and we found that the distribution of Toxocara infection is uneven, depending on geographical, climatic and socio-economic factors. Currently, there is a continuous spread of this parasite in many regions, including economically developed countries, but the exact prevalence is not known because there are no regular reports and statistical evidence regarding toxocarosis. The presence of nonspecific symptoms and subclinical disease may delay diagnosis and treatment, with long-term implications for the patient, and because of this, we discussed the possible Toxocara detection methods, with several novel and interesting approaches. Toxocarosis is included among the neglected parasitic diseases, requiring seroprevalence studies to be carried out to develop programs to reduce the frequency of this parasitosis.