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Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Lebanon: a pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 January 2006

Z. A. KANAFANI ,
A. SKOURY ,
G. F. ARAJ ,
M. EL-KHOURY ,
R. A. SAWAYA ,
S. F. ATWEH  and
S. S. KANJ
Z. A. KANAFANI
Affiliation:
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon
A. SKOURY
Affiliation:
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon
G. F. ARAJ
Affiliation:
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon
M. EL-KHOURY
Affiliation:
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon
R. A. SAWAYA
Affiliation:
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon
S. F. ATWEH
Affiliation:
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon
S. S. KANJ
Affiliation:
American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon
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Abstract

Toxocariasis is a common helminthic infection that has a worldwide distribution. However, data from Lebanon about the prevalence of this infection are non-existent. We conducted a Toxocara seroprevalence study with 150 subjects attending the outpatient clinics at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between May and June 2004. Serum specimens were tested for anti-Toxocara antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by Western blot. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for infection. The seroprevalence rate of toxocariasis was 19%. Male gender and below high school education were significantly associated with a positive serological test (odds ratios=3·1 and 2·8, respectively). Higher numbers of persons in the household, and low family income during childhood, were significant on bivariate analysis only. Toxocariasis is common in Lebanon. A large population-based survey is needed to confirm these results.

Keywords

ToxocaraELISAWestern blotseroprevalenceLebanon
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 132 , Issue 5 , May 2006 , pp. 635 - 639
Copyright
2006 Cambridge University Press

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