title: Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Lebanon: a pilot study.
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.
authors.affiliation: American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Z A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Kanafani
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skoury
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Araj
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El-Khoury
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Sawaya
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Atweh
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kanj
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002415:Cats; D004285:Dogs; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D017166:Toxocara canis / Q000276:immunology*; D014120:Toxocariasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000909:Antibodies, Helminth