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Toxocara spp. seroprevalence in pregnant women in Brasília, Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The impact of gestational toxocariasis is an understudied topic on female reproductive health. We estimated anti-Toxocara IgG prevalence among pregnant women in Brasília, Brazil, and investigated the association of the infection with history of abortion and contact with pets.

METHODS:

Infection was diagnosed using ELISA with excretory/secretory antigens. Participant information was obtained via questionnaires.

RESULTS:

Of 311 pregnant women, 23 were anti-Toxocara IgG positive. Twenty-two percent of anti-Toxocara IgG-positive participants and 26% had previously miscarried. Previous contact with pets was associated with higher toxocariasis prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS:

A direct relationship between toxocariasis and contact with pets was observed, but there was no relationship with the miscarriage prevalence.

Keywords:
Toxocara spp; Pregnancy; Animal contact

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