Serological evaluation of toxocarosis in Amedyia District, Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region Iraq

The ova of Toxocara canis is common environmental contaminants of human habitation, due to the fact that dogs serve as final hosts. The presence of Toxocara ova in the soil which considerable as a risky factor for human public health. Humans, particularly children, frequently ingest these ova accidently and infected with disease. Infection in humans, in contrast to their definitive hosts, remains unusual host, often resulting in disease caused by the migrating larval stages without development to adult stage. This study is the first study in Duhok Governorate and Kurdistan region to determine the seroprevalance of toxocarosis among human population and the relation of the associated factors. A total of 600 blood samples were collected from children and adults of different ages (5-70) years and both genders. Blood samples were collected in a gel tubes, then centrifuged for isolation of sera. The sera were kept at -20ºC until used for detection of anti Toxocara canis IgG antibodies using ELISA. Out of 600 serum samples 38 (6.3 %) were seropositive. The rate of infection was higher in females 22/285 (7.7%) than males 16/315 (5.1%). The individuals belong the age group less than 5 years were more prevalent (21.4%) than other groups followed by age group (5-14) year with infection rate (9.6%). Toxocarosis is prevalent in adults and children of Amedyia district. These results require periodical studies on the rate of infection and associated risk factors in other areas of Duhok Governorate and Kurdistan region.