The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Peter M. Schantz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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national seroprevalence and risk factors for zoonotic Toxocara spp infection
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2008Co-Authors: Kimberly Y Won, Peter M. Schantz, Deanna Kruszonmoran, Jeffrey L JonesAbstract:To estimate the prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection in a representative sample of the United States population 6 years of age, sera from participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) were tested for antibodies to Toxocara. Among the 30,930 persons selected for the survey, 82% (N 25,733) were interviewed, and 91% (N 23,527) of those interviewed underwent physical examination of which 87% (N 20,395) were tested. The age adjusted Toxocara seroprevalence was 13.9% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 12.5, 15.3), and was higher in non-Hispanic blacks (21.2%) than non-Hispanic whites (12%) or Mexican Americans (10.7%; P < 0.001). Increased Toxocara seropositivity was associated with head of household level of education (low versus high) (odds ratio (OR): 2.2; CI: 1.8, 2.8), poverty (OR: 1.5; CI: 1.3, 1.8), elevated blood lead concentrations (OR: 1.4; CI: 1.1, 1.9), and dog ownership (OR: 1.2; CI: 1.1, 1.4). Toxocara infection is widespread and associated with specific risk groups.
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toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp co infection
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2008Co-Authors: Jeffrey L Jones, Deanna Kruszonmoran, Kimberly Y Won, Marianna Wilson, Peter M. SchantzAbstract:Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. infections can cause systemic and ocular disease. To estimate the prevalence of infection with these organisms, we tested serum samples from persons > or = 12 years of age obtained in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994). Among those tested for both T. gondii and Toxocara spp. (n = 16,646), the age-adjusted T. gondii antibody prevalence was 23.6% (95% confidence limit [CL] = 22.1-25.1%) and the Toxocara spp. antibody prevalence was 14.0% (95% CL = 12.7-15.4%). Multivariate analysis controlling demographic and risk factors showed that persons infected with Toxocara spp. were more likely to be infected with T. gondii (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95% CL = 1.61-2.31), and similarly, persons infected with T. gondii were more likely to be infected with Toxocara spp. (OR = 1.91, 95% CL = 1.59-2.28). Infection with T. gondii and Toxocara spp. are common and can be prevented by many similar interventions.
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visceral larva migrans associated with earthworm ingestion clinical evolution in an adolescent patient
Pediatrics, 2006Co-Authors: Antonella Cianferoni, Peter M. Schantz, Lynda C Schneider, Daniel BrownAbstract:A 16-year-old girl developed a cough, hypereosinophilia (absolute eosinophil count: 32000/mm3), hypergammaglobulinemia, and multiple noncavitary pulmonary nodules 1 month after having ingested an earthworm on a dare. Spirometry revealed moderate restriction and reduced gas diffusion. Parabronchial biopsy demonstrated eosinophilic organizing pneumonitis with multiple eosinophilic microabscesses, and Toxocara titers were elevated (>1:4096). Ophthalmologic examination ruled out ocular larva migrans. The patient received a 10-day course of albendazole (400 mg orally twice daily) and demonstrated significant clinical improvement with resolution of cough and pulmonary function abnormalities. Her white blood cell count and hypergammaglobulinemia normalized within 20 days, yet eosinophils (absolute eosinophil count: 1780/mm3) and Toxocara serologies (>1:4096) remained elevated 3 months after completing antihelminthic therapy. In this instance, the ingested earthworm served as the paratenic carrier of Toxocara larvae from the soil to the patient. This case highlights the clinical evolution of pulmonary visceral larva migrans infection caused by Toxocara spp. associated with a discrete ingestion in an adolescent patient. In addition, it provides a rare opportunity to define the incubation period of visceral larva migrans and emphasizes the importance of education regarding sources of Toxocara infection.
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environmental exposure to Toxocara as a possible risk factor for asthma a clinic based case control study
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2001Co-Authors: Neda Sharghi, Peter M. Schantz, Lisa A Caramico, Kathleen Ballas, Barbara Teague, Peter J HotezAbstract:The zoonotic ascarid Toxocara has been suggested as a possible etiologic agent of asthma. We conducted a clinic-based case-control study to examine whether the zoonotic infection acquired by ingesting Toxocara eggs is associated with asthma in children. Blood samples were collected from children aged 2-15 years, 95 of whom had asthma and 229 of whom did not have asthma. Risk factors for asthma and Toxocara infection were assessed by a questionnaire given to each child's parent or legal guardian. Blood samples were tested for the presence of Toxocara antibodies, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No significant association was found between Toxocara infection and asthma. Significant associations were found between asthma and risk factors and between Toxocara infection and risk factors. High prevalence of Toxocara infection was noted among Hispanic children of Puerto Rican descent.
Xingquan Zhu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Toxocara seroprevalence among clinically healthy individuals pregnant women and psychiatric patients and associated risk factors in shandong province eastern china
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Wei Cong, Xiaoxuan Zhang, Na Zhou, Jia Chen, Xiangyang Wang, Aidong Qian, Xingquan ZhuAbstract:Background Toxocarosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by the ascarid nematodes Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, which primarily infect dogs and cats, respectively. Most human infections with Toxocara are asymptomatic; however, some infected individuals may develop a serious illness and even death. Nevertheless, epidemiological knowledge regarding the prevalence and risks associated with Toxocara infection is limited in China. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional pilot study and estimated the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection in humans in Shandong Province, eastern China for the first time, from June 2011 to July 2013, involving clinically healthy individuals, pregnant women and psychiatric patients, aiming to attract public attention to Toxocara infection. Methodology/Principle Findings Seroprevalence of Toxocara was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on a cross-sectional study conducted in Qingdao and Weihai, Shandong Province, eastern China. Factors potentially associated with Toxocara infection were identified by logistic regression analysis. The overall Toxocara seroprevalence among the study population (n = 2866) was 12.25%, and a significantly higher seroprevalence in psychiatric patients (16.40%, 73/445) than that in clinically healthy individuals (13.07%, 187/1431) and pregnant women (9.19%, 91/990) was revealed. Univariate analyses suggested that keeping dogs at home (OR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.05–0.08, P<0.001), contact with cats and dogs (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.33–0.53, P<0.001) and exposure with soil (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.28–0.49, P<0.001) were risk factors associated with Toxocara infection. Conclusions/Significance The present study revealed, for the first time, that human infection with Toxocara is common in eastern China, posing a significant public health concern. Increasing human and dog populations, population movements and climate change all will serve to increase the importance of this zoonosis. Further studies under controlled conditions are necessary to define potential morbidity associated with Toxocara infection.
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advances in molecular identification taxonomy genetic variation and diagnosis of Toxocara spp
Infection Genetics and Evolution, 2012Co-Authors: Jia Chen, Donghui Zhou, Alasdair J Nisbet, Siyang Huang, Chunren Wang, Xingquan ZhuAbstract:The genus Toxocara contains parasitic nematodes of human and animal health significance, such as Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Toxocara vitulorum. T. canis and T. cati are among the most prevalent parasites of dogs and cats with a worldwide distribution. Human infection with T. canis and T. cati, which can cause a number of clinical manifestations such as visceral larva migrans (VLMs), ocular larva migrans (OLMs), eosinophilic meningoencephalitis (EME), covert toxocariasis (CT) and neurotoxocariasis, is considered the most prevalent neglected helminthiasis in industrialized countries. The accurate identification Toxocara spp. and their unequivocal differentiation from each other and from other ascaridoid nematodes causing VLMs and OLMs has important implications for studying their taxonomy, epidemiology, population genetics, diagnosis and control. Due to the limitations of traditional (morphological) approaches for identification and diagnosis of Toxocara spp., PCR-based techniques utilizing a range of genetic markers in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes have been developed as useful alternative approaches because of their high sensitivity, specificity, rapidity and utility. In this article, we summarize the current state of knowledge and advances in molecular identification, taxonomy, genetic variation and diagnosis of Toxocara spp. with prospects for further studies.
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the complete mitochondrial genomes for three Toxocara species of human and animal health significance
BMC Genomics, 2008Co-Authors: Ruiqing Lin, Huiqun Song, Xingquan ZhuAbstract:Background Studying mitochondrial (mt) genomics has important implications for various fundamental areas, including mt biochemistry, physiology and molecular biology. In addition, mt genome sequences have provided useful markers for investigating population genetic structures, systematics and phylogenetics of organisms. Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Toxocara malaysiensis cause significant health problems in animals and humans. Although they are of importance in human and animal health, no information on the mt genomes for any of Toxocara species is available.
Jeffrey L Jones - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxocara species in the united states and associated risk factors 2011 2014
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2018Co-Authors: Eugene W Liu, Sukwan Handali, Deanna Kruszonmoran, Holly M Chastain, Sun Hee Shin, Ryan E Wiegand, Jeffrey L JonesAbstract:Background Toxocariasis results from infection with larval stages of a dog and cat intestinal nematode and causes human morbidity. The current United States estimate of Toxocara exposure is 13.9% (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] III [1988-1994]). Methods We used a multiplex bead-based assay (Tc-CTL-1MBA) with purified Toxocara canis antigen to estimate Toxocara antibody seroprevalence in serum of 13 509 persons aged ≥6 years from NHANES 2011-2014 and identified seropositivity risk factors. We tested a subset of 500 samples with the T. canis enzyme immunoassay used in NHANES III to estimate prior seroprevalence had samples from NHANES III been tested by Tc-CTL-1MBA. Results The age-standardized estimate of Toxocara seroprevalence was 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2%-5.8%), lower than previously reported even after adjusting for increased Tc-CTL-1MBA specificity. Risk factors for seropositivity from multiple logistic regression were older age, non-Hispanic black/Hispanic origin, male sex, living below poverty level, households with ≥0.5 persons per room, less than college education, and birth outside of the United States. Conclusions Toxocara seroprevalence estimates in 2011-2014 were lower than in a study from NHANES III (1988-1994), but seropositivity risk factors remained the same and should continue to be the focus of prevention efforts.
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national seroprevalence and risk factors for zoonotic Toxocara spp infection
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2008Co-Authors: Kimberly Y Won, Peter M. Schantz, Deanna Kruszonmoran, Jeffrey L JonesAbstract:To estimate the prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection in a representative sample of the United States population 6 years of age, sera from participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) were tested for antibodies to Toxocara. Among the 30,930 persons selected for the survey, 82% (N 25,733) were interviewed, and 91% (N 23,527) of those interviewed underwent physical examination of which 87% (N 20,395) were tested. The age adjusted Toxocara seroprevalence was 13.9% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 12.5, 15.3), and was higher in non-Hispanic blacks (21.2%) than non-Hispanic whites (12%) or Mexican Americans (10.7%; P < 0.001). Increased Toxocara seropositivity was associated with head of household level of education (low versus high) (odds ratio (OR): 2.2; CI: 1.8, 2.8), poverty (OR: 1.5; CI: 1.3, 1.8), elevated blood lead concentrations (OR: 1.4; CI: 1.1, 1.9), and dog ownership (OR: 1.2; CI: 1.1, 1.4). Toxocara infection is widespread and associated with specific risk groups.
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toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp co infection
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2008Co-Authors: Jeffrey L Jones, Deanna Kruszonmoran, Kimberly Y Won, Marianna Wilson, Peter M. SchantzAbstract:Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. infections can cause systemic and ocular disease. To estimate the prevalence of infection with these organisms, we tested serum samples from persons > or = 12 years of age obtained in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994). Among those tested for both T. gondii and Toxocara spp. (n = 16,646), the age-adjusted T. gondii antibody prevalence was 23.6% (95% confidence limit [CL] = 22.1-25.1%) and the Toxocara spp. antibody prevalence was 14.0% (95% CL = 12.7-15.4%). Multivariate analysis controlling demographic and risk factors showed that persons infected with Toxocara spp. were more likely to be infected with T. gondii (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95% CL = 1.61-2.31), and similarly, persons infected with T. gondii were more likely to be infected with Toxocara spp. (OR = 1.91, 95% CL = 1.59-2.28). Infection with T. gondii and Toxocara spp. are common and can be prevented by many similar interventions.
Shahram Khademvatan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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molecular characterization of Toxocara spp from soil of public areas in ahvaz southwestern iran
Acta Tropica, 2014Co-Authors: Shahram Khademvatan, Rahman Abdizadeh, Mahdi TavallaAbstract:In the present study, the microscopy and polymerase chain reaction methods were used for detection and identification of soil contamination by Toxocara eggs in squares, streets, public parks, and rubbish dumps in Ahvaz, southwestern Iran. A total of 210 soil samples were collected from different parts of the city and examined by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, following sodium nitrate flotation. Nucleotide sequencing was performed to confirm the results of the PCR method. Toxocara eggs were found in 64 and 71 soil samples using the microscopy and PCR methods, respectively. The highest contamination rate was observed in the central part of Ahvaz (39.5% and 46.5% by the microscopy and PCR methods, respectively). Based on internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) PCR identification, 28% of the samples were diagnosed as Toxocara cati and 5.7% as Toxocara canis; no mixed contamination was observed. DNA sequencing of the ITS2 gene confirmed our findings. Compared to the conventional microscopic detection following by flotation, used as the gold standard, the PCR method appears to be rapid and sensitive as well as allows analysis of Toxocara spp. isolated from soil independent of the stage of egg development. Therefore, the PCR method appears to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis and differentiation of Toxocara spp. from soil samples in epidemiological studies, and will help the local health systems in effective prevention and control of disease.
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PCR-Based Molecular Characterization of Toxocara spp. Using Feces of Stray Cats: A Study from Southwest Iran
PloS one, 2013Co-Authors: Shahram Khademvatan, Fakher Rahim, Tavalla, Rahman Abdizadeh, Mahmoud HashemitabarAbstract:Feces of stray cat are potential sources of gastrointestinal parasites and play a crucial role in spreading and transmitting parasite eggs, larvae, and oocysts through contamination of soil, food, or water. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection in stray cats in Ahvaz city, southwest Iran. Eggs of Toxocara spp. in feces of stray cats were detected by the sucrose flotation method, and identification was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Of the 140 fecal samples that were randomly collected from public environments during the months of January to May 2012, 45% were found to harbour Toxocara spp. eggs. The highest prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs was found in the central area of Ahvaz city (28.6%). T. canis eggs were found in 4 (6.34%) of the 63 positive samples. Stray cats are found in parks, playgrounds, and other public places and may be a potential contamination risk. Identification of Toxocara spp. using molecular methods is sufficiently sensitive to detect low levels of parasites and identify the different Toxocara spp. in feces. The relatively high prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection may continue to increase due to lack of effective environmental hygiene control in Iran. Consequently, there is a need to plan adequate programs to detect, identify, and control this infection as well as stray cats in the region.
Mahmoud Hashemitabar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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PCR-Based Molecular Characterization of Toxocara spp. Using Feces of Stray Cats: A Study from Southwest Iran
PloS one, 2013Co-Authors: Shahram Khademvatan, Fakher Rahim, Tavalla, Rahman Abdizadeh, Mahmoud HashemitabarAbstract:Feces of stray cat are potential sources of gastrointestinal parasites and play a crucial role in spreading and transmitting parasite eggs, larvae, and oocysts through contamination of soil, food, or water. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection in stray cats in Ahvaz city, southwest Iran. Eggs of Toxocara spp. in feces of stray cats were detected by the sucrose flotation method, and identification was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Of the 140 fecal samples that were randomly collected from public environments during the months of January to May 2012, 45% were found to harbour Toxocara spp. eggs. The highest prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs was found in the central area of Ahvaz city (28.6%). T. canis eggs were found in 4 (6.34%) of the 63 positive samples. Stray cats are found in parks, playgrounds, and other public places and may be a potential contamination risk. Identification of Toxocara spp. using molecular methods is sufficiently sensitive to detect low levels of parasites and identify the different Toxocara spp. in feces. The relatively high prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection may continue to increase due to lack of effective environmental hygiene control in Iran. Consequently, there is a need to plan adequate programs to detect, identify, and control this infection as well as stray cats in the region.
