Toxocara antibodies in veterinary personnel

Abstract

The prevelance of antibodies to Toxocara canis was determined in 113 veterinary personnel from 22 animal clinics. One hundred and fourteen adult hospital in-patients served as controls. All participants completed a questionnaire supplying personal data and specifies regarding animal exposure and dog ownership. Antibodies to Toxocara were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) employing as antigen, excretorysecretory products from second stage larvae of Toxocara canis.Toxocara antibodies were found in ten (8.8%) of 113 veterinary workers and in 11 (9.6%) of 114 controls. Antibody prevalence was no different between males and females. Toxocara infection was not associated with dog ownership in veterinary workers or in hospitalized controls. A breakdown of the specific occupations among veterinary personnel failed to show a difference in antibody prevalence, nor did years of service as a veterinary worker correlate with the presence of Toxocara antibody.Our results suggest that toxocariasis is not associated with direct humandog contact nor with occupational exposure to dogs.