Authors : Luis Tinoco-Gracia , Alberto Barreras-Serrano , Gilberto Lopez-Valenci and Alma Rossana Tamayo-Sosa
Abstract: We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the seroprevalence to larva migrans of Toxocara canis in dogs of the urban area of Mexicali Baja California, México, for a 12 month period, from dogs attended at private veterinary clinics. Also, the risk factors associated with the seropositive values were evaluated. Sera were tested for antibodies to larva migrans of T. canis using a commercially available ELISA test. The dog owners were interviewed utilizing an epidemiologic questionnaire about sex, size, age, anthelmintic treatment, place where dog lives, access of dog to the street and number of dogs in the house. An adjusted seroprevalence of 56.1% (95% CI 49.6-62.5%) was obtained, while the apparent prevalence was 57.8%. Seroprevalence values were found to differ significantly (p<0.05) among dogs according to age and size. The risk factors associated with seroprevalence to T. canis were the number of dogs in the house and the access of dogs to the street, with OR of 1.90 (p<0.01) and 2.42 (p<0.01), respectively. The high seroprevalence of T. canis found in the present study suggests that dogs may constitute an underestimated risk of transmission for the human population and also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a periodic deworming calendar for dogs, limit the access of dogs into public parks, as well as educating dog owners about removing dog feces from public places.
Luis Tinoco-Gracia , Alberto Barreras-Serrano , Gilberto Lopez-Valenci and Alma Rossana Tamayo-Sosa , 2007. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Larva Migrans of Toxocara canis in Dogs from Mexicali Baja California, Mexico. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 198-202.